When a can of bug spray or a mouse trap no longer works to keep your house pest-free, it could be time to call in the experts. And with the warmer weather around the corner, the creepy crawlies will be making an appearance.

Unfortunately, pest control services don’t always go to plan leaving you dealing with continued problems or even damage to your home.

The good news is you have rights under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL).

Since 2023, Consumer Protection has received 45 complaints about pest control providers, mostly related to the operator not using due care and skill or providing services that are fit for purpose.

A number of complainants claimed the treatments didn’t work and, in several cases, went on to cause damage to the property. One complainant signed up to a yearly contract costing over $2,500 with extra treatments for termites. When he saw his house eventually damaged by termites, he sought an independent opinion and it was discovered the termite barriers were never applied. Many consumers tried to resolve the issue with the trader but were “ghosted.”

The ACL consumer guarantee applies when using pest control companies because their service must be fit for purpose and the treatments must be carried out with due care and skill. This means if they cause damage to property, they could be liable for those costs. If they recommend a particular treatment and it doesn’t work, the consumer may be entitled to a remedy in the form of a refund or a new treatment.

There are a few things you can do to avoid engaging a pest controller that will leave you bugging out.

To get the best deal, shop around before you make a choice – this means getting a few quotes and asking for the terms in writing, to work out which business will provide the most professional service at the best price to meet your needs. Make sure you understand whether the price you are told is an estimate only or is a firm quote.

Request written information on the pesticide to be used, treatment methods and limitations. If you have health concerns speak to the technician about precautions you can take.

Pest controllers are licensed by the WA Department of Health. It’s a good idea to check the person is authorised to apply the pesticides they are recommending, and they work for a registered pest management business. These details can be checked by asking to see their licence when they arrive or by contacting the Health Department on 9222 2000.

If you’re considering a yearly contract that includes services like inspections and treatments, ensure you read the terms and conditions carefully so you know what you’re signing up for.

If a door-to-door salesperson, telemarketer or salesperson approaches you in a public place (like a shopping centre) and signs you up for pest management, you are entitled to a 10-day cooling off period under the ACL.

When it comes to engaging a company, there’s often no substitute for word-of-mouth references – so talk to friends, family or neighbours for who they’d recommend to carry out pest control services.

For more information about the other aspects of pest control, see our website: www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumer-protection/pest-control