When we’re under attack from pests and rodents, we all want our pest exterminator to ride in on a white horse and save us from the creepy crawlies. But there is nothing worse than paying for a job that isn’t up to scratch, especially when it involves the safety of your home and family.

What are the questions you should ask before signing a contract? Yellow Pages asked Chambers Pest Solutions some of the questions that you should ask before you hire a pest controller.

How safe are the chemicals you use?

The chemicals used by a pest controller are designed to kill, so there are obvious hazards involved for anyone using them. However "the chemicals we use now are much safer than those used in the past," says John Chambers, the director of Chambers Pest Solutions. He points out that the chemicals used today compared to those in the past "have low toxicity levels."

However, despite this, there is still a real danger when these chemicals are used incorrectly. John suggests that chemicals "only become hazardous to humans and the environment if misused or carelessly handled". Due to the potential risks, pest control operators are required to hold a licence, issued by the Department of Human Services.

Licensed pest control operators are trained to handle, store and apply the chemicals safely. So be assured that if your operator holds a current pest control license, the exposure to toxic chemicals will be minimised and the risk to your health is minimal.

How long does the treatment take?

It can be disconcerting to have your home invaded by pests and it’s equally unnerving to have your home sprayed with pesticides. There are some precautions you should take when the pest controller visits.

Precautions:

• If the inside of your home is being treated, make sure you put away food, cooking utensils, toothbrushes, the kid’s soft toys and anything else that people or pets might put into their mouths.
• Close all windows and doors until the spray has dried.
• Stay well away from the pest control operators while they are preparing the chemicals and performing the treatments.
• Avoid direct contact with the chemical if it’s still wet, or there is an obvious layer of powder on surfaces. Once the chemicals are dry, they are not easily transferred to human skin or pet paws.
• Depending on the treatment, John Chambers suggests you stay away from the building for "a minimum of 2-3 hours for a full general pest service," which includes roof plus internal and external spaces.
• After the treatment, open doors and windows to let fresh air blow through the house. This is especially important if there are people in the home with asthma or allergies.

How long does the treatment last?

Depending on the severity of your pest problem, you may need an annual service. John Chambers suggests that a 12-monthly service will keep the spider and cockroach population "under control." If your house has been treated for termites, the treatment should last for 5-7 years.

Do you offer guarantees?

It’s recommended that you ask your pest controller for a guarantee. Depending on the pest, the property and the environment, guarantees may last for 1 month or up to 12 months. At Chambers Pest Control the guarantees on a treatment for spiders, cockroaches, rodents and ants lasts for three months. A termite treatment will be guaranteed for 12 months after a full treatment, if there was a fault with the application.

Do you need to call in the pest controllers? Yellow Pages has nearly 7500 pest control businesses listed right around Australia, so you can easily find an expert near you. Click here to find help today.