Pest control services

Request data on pest control callouts, types of pest, and charges.

Councils provide pest control services for homes and businesses. The figures show what pests are most common in your area and whether the service is keeping up with demand.

Dear [AUTHORITY NAME], Please provide the following information for [FINANCIAL YEAR e.g. 2024-25]: 1. The total number of pest control callouts or service requests received. 2. A breakdown of requests by pest type (e.g. rats, mice, wasps, bedbugs, cockroaches). 3. The average waiting time from request to first visit. 4. Whether the council charges for domestic pest control treatments and, if so, the current charge for each pest type. I would prefer to receive this as a spreadsheet or CSV if possible. Yours faithfully, [YOUR NAME]
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Who to send it to#

Your local council’s environmental health department. Find your council on the Commissioner’s directory of Scottish public authorities. You can also send your request through WhatDoTheyKnow, which publishes responses online.

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Tips#

  • Some councils have stopped providing free pest control. Comparing charges across councils can show how your area compares.
  • If you want data for a specific area (e.g. a ward or postcode area), name it in the request to get a local breakdown.
  • Rising numbers of rat callouts are a common story. If the numbers look high, you can follow up with a request for the council’s pest control strategy or action plan.