QK Pest Control ā Ealing LtdĀ is a London-based pest control company that specialises in Londonās pests, especially mice and rats. We specialize in getting rid of them for the long term using both poisons and proofing. Our elimination services for mice comes with a 3 month guarantee, and our proofing work can be guaranteed for 6 or 12 months.
We have an excellent track record of success with getting rid of all pests. But most of our experience is with mice, for which we have an almost 100% success rate.
Our guarantee for rodent services means that if the pests come back during the guarantee period, weāll come back and sort it out free of charge.
Our services for rodents come with either 3, 6, or 12 month support guarantees.
MICE & RATS
By far London’s most frequent pest problem
We have a great deal of experience and success in getting rid of them and an almost perfect success rate for mice. We provide both elimination and proofing services.
INSECTS & BUGS
There are thousands of types of insects out there.
Wasps, ants, moths, and fleas are quite widespread in London, especially during hotter weather. Cockroaches are especially problematic, and they multiply very fast.
Mice are by far the most frequent pest type weāve experienced in London, since we started doing pest control years ago. Mice account for over 50% of all pest problems weāve solved for our customers in London. All the other pests combined account for the other half.
For a long time, London has had a big rodent problem due to the sewage system. Rodents can find a safe haven there with plenty of food. Often due to building works doorways are opened for rodents to access the building. Mice try to enter peopleās homes where there is food, warmth, and shelter. This tends to happen more frequently during the winter. Mice can smell food from far away, are experts at finding entry points, can jump a good distance, and can easily climb up rough walls to gain access.
Mice often spread from neighbouring buildings, so if your neighbours have them, your own home is at risk of infestation. If your neighbours canāt or wonāt get rid of them, the only way to protect your home is through mice-proofing. Proofing is the best long-term solution for these rodents.
Pest Control Services in Ealing
We deal with most of Londonās pests types, and we still have great success eliminating insect pests. But our speciality is medium and long-term solutions for mice and rats.
We have 2 service levels for mice and rats that have entered your property.
Level 1Ā is the elimination service. This is where we get rid of the mice or rat infestation inside your property, usually by using poisons. For mice, we give you unlimited treatment visits to achieve this (within a 3 month support period), although usually youāll only need 1. For rats, we provide up to 3 visits (to be used within 3 months). To get results, we only use UK-approved poisons, the best types we can get our hands on. In most cases our customers start noticing less mice or rat activity in around 1 week after the 1st visit, and become rodent free in 2 weeks. We recommend our customers start with this service, even if they want proofing, as itās always better to eliminate an existing population before proofing. This is because it prevents the possibility that mice may try to make new holes into the property, or find a new way in. It also helps prevent your neighbours from getting an infestation.
Level 2Ā is our proofing service. This is for when a customer wants long-term protection. We seal up the mice and rat entry points into your property. Itās said that small mice can get through a gap as narrow as 6mm. This means we have to seal up both the small and large holes in the areas of activity. We use strong metallic materials that force any rodents that might come back at some future point, to give up trying to get in, and go elsewhere.
In addition to one-off solutions, for we also provide maintenance contracts to keep premises pest-free. This is especially useful for food-related businesses as it satisfies legal requirements, and also for situations where proofing isn’t an option.
Ā We are open 7 days a week usually almost every day of the year. Our customers can call us anytime 7am-7pm to ask any questions, get free advice, or to make a booking. Alternatively, they can use the contact form on our website.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS CONCERNING MOUSE AND RATS (FAQ)
Is it possible to get rid of mice without professional help?
While itās possible to get rid of mice using products available to buy to consumers, they rarely seem to work to eradicate an entire population of mice infesting a home. If it was enough, there wouldnāt be such a need for us pest controllers! There are multiple reasons why it typically wonāt work. For one thing, the products available to the public tend to be of low quality, and typically sold in small pack sizes. We also often we find that the wrong product is used for the wrong type of pest. Thatās because poison is marketed to be good against both mice and rats, yet it takes experience to know that mice and rats are very different regarding what they like to eat.
Another problem is that traps tend to not work well in London, whereas they seem to work better in the countryside. Itās like the mice in London are more experienced, and that they teach each other to avoid traps! You might catch a few mice in the beginning on a trap, but very soon they learn to avoid the traps completely. Besides all of that, mice multiply at a fast rate, with around 5-15 new mice per litter. And they can have a new litter 5-6 times per year. So even if you catch a few on some traps, youāre chances of wiping out the entire population are slim.
These are some of the main reasons why people tend to need professional help to get rid of mice in London.
What are the signs of a mouse infestation?
The top signs of a mice infestation are sightings of live mice, mice droppings (especially under the kitchen units behind the plinth boards), light noises (often scratching noises in the walls, ceiling, under the floor, or elsewhere), and little holes in packets of food.
What types of mouse control methods are available?
There are deterrents, traps, poison, and mice-proofing. From our point of view, deterrents donāt seem to work at all, and traps only seem to work a bit in the beginning. The only effective methods are poison and proofing. Poison works because of the delayed effect of the poison. The mice donāt realize that itās killing them, so they keep eating it till theyāve been wiped out. Of course, getting the right poison that they like to eat and have no resistance to is critical (which is where an experienced pest controller can help).
Proofing also works best as a long-term solution. However we recommend this is done after an existing mouse infestation has been wiped out, otherwise, thereās a risk that the mice will make or find a new way in.
What are the best methods for preventing mice from entering my home?
Mice proofing, internally and externally are the best ways to prevent a mouse infestation. However, every potential entry point (as small as about a 0.6cm gap) needs to be sealed with strong materials. Mice can chew through almost anything when determined, and the only thing that really stops them is metallic materials. Steel wool works best against mice in most circumstances, as its flexible enough to fit into all kinds of small holes and gaps. However it needs to be done in such a way that mice canāt push through it. If you can easily push steel wool with your finger, then a mouse can easily push or pull it out of the way as well.
What type of bait should I use to catch mice?
Mice are fussy eaters, so tend not to eat most types of poison. Seed-basedĀ poisons seem to work best against mice, but even then there are some populations of mice that are resistant to the some types of poison. There are five types of anti-coagulant poisons available in the UK. Two of which are multi-feed poisons (where mice feed multiple times before they die), and three are single-feed poisons. The trouble is, there are populations of mice who are resistant to the two multi-feed poisons, and resistance is a growing problem in the UK as a whole. Many of the bait products available out there use these multi-feed poisons, but the average person wouldnāt be able to tell the difference.
Single-feed poisons work effectively when they get eaten, but the problem is mice donāt seem to like them so much! So getting rid of mice isnāt as simple as it may seem. Over the years weāve seen many people, and even some pest controllers from other companies use inappropriate poison products, unsurprisingly without success.
Where do mice go and die after eating poison? Will my home stink?
Itās very rare to find dead mice. They tend to eat the poison, and go back to the nest and die there. So in our experience, even with large infestations, itās highly unlikely to have any issues with a bad smell coming from dead mice. They simply stop coming after a short period of about 1 week.
I have pets and small children. Is using poison against mice safe?
We are used to dealing with situations like this, as we carry out multiple mice treatments almost on a daily basis. We have to make sure what we do is safe for you and your family, so we put poison in safe locations. These are places where people and pets donāt go, such as behind the plinth boards underneath the kitchen units, or in the storage area under the stairs (if suitable), etc.
We only have 1 mouse. How can we get rid of it without professional help?
Typically mice come out 1 at a time, and they all look almost identical. People often think they have only 1 mouse, but in our experience in most cases there are a lot more. We can tell thereās a significant infestation simply by looking at the quantity of mice droppings under the kitchen units (as typically this area is the main hub of mice activity). There are some rare situations that we find signs of a single mouse, as a customer has called us out early before it developed into a full-blown infestation. A single āvisitingā mouse may soon invite itās friends and family to move in if the problem is ignored.
What kind of damage can mice cause?
Mice can cause damage wherever they gnaw at, and they do it constantly to keep their teeth filed down (as their teeth constantly grow). They damage food packaging (contaminating your food in the process, with significant risks to health), make holes in walls and other places, and even damage electrical cabling.
Are there any health risks associated with a mouse infestation?
Yes, mice and rats can carry a number of different harmful diseases, which is a significant risk to human health. Itās especially risky when rodents get into your food. Their urine or droppings may not be noticed in your food or drink, which is especially dangerous. Thatās why pest control is very necessary to stop the potential harm mice and rats can cause.
Are there natural or humane methods for controlling mice or rats?
We have had many customers who first tried to use such methods to stop mice or rats, but they ended up calling us after it failed. Traps donāt seem to work well in London, humane or otherwise. The mice here seem to be extra cautious, and avoid new objects. Even if you were to catch a few, the other mice soon learn to avoid these traps after that. As for natural methods, we have never found any that work. Some people try peppermint oil or ultrasonic devices to deter mice, but these seem to do nothing more than annoy mice at the start. But they soon get used to them and ignore these things. They arenāt enough to deter hungry rodents from seeking out food in your home.
Is it possible to stop mice long term?
Yes itās possible, so long as itās done right. The best thing is to first eliminate any existing population of mice, then properly seal up all the potential entry points internally and externally using strong metallic materials. If holes are sealed up before an existing mouse infestation is eliminated, they are quite likely to either make new holes or find a new way in. After all, these mice already know thereās a source of food nearby. But if they have all been eradicated first, then you seal up the holes, any new mice coming by in the future will only see a barrier, and will likely go somewhere else rather than make all the effort to gnaw their way in.
How do mice get into a property?
Most mice in London seem to be House Mice. They like to live in warm buildings, where they find shelter and a source of food. Most often they seem to spread through terraced buildings, or from flat to flat. There are small holes and gaps in almost every home, even new-builds. Mice use these to get in and out of your living area, and back into the cavities between the buildings where they often live. Sometimes, there are external holes as well, which allow mice to enter from the outside. Typically holes/gaps these will be located close to the ground, as mice donāt see well from a distance.
Can mice get in through air bricks?
It depends on the size of the holes or gaps. Itās true that mice only need about 6mm to get through. But what most people donāt know is that this needs to be a gap, not a hole. Thatās because mice have to squeeze their bodies down to get through a small gap, and so their bodies go wide from the sides in the process. So if your air brick has only small holes less than 1 cm in width and height, itās not likely that even the smallest mice would be able to get through. But if the airbrick is damaged, or otherwise has wide gaps, then mice might get through.
What To Expect On The Day Of Your Pest Control Service
Are you gearing up for your pest control service and feeling a little unsure about what to expect? Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned pro, it’s always helpful to know what the process entails so that you can be prepared.
We have the skills and knowledge to deal with any pest problem you may have, big or small. We will always aim to resolve your issue as quickly as possible, using the most effective method for your particular situation.
Scheduling a Pest Control Service
When you schedule a pest control service, you can expect a technician to arrive at your home or office to assess the problem and determine the best course of action.
Once the inspection is complete, the technician will explain the treatment process to you, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with an estimate for the service (if different to what was quoted earlier). We take great pride in our transparency and will always provide you with a detailed breakdown of the costs involved so you know exactly what you are paying for.
If you agree to the estimate, the technician will begin the treatment process. Our technicians use the latest equipment and techniques to eradicate pests quickly and effectively. We only use products that are approved for use in the UK and are safe for you, your family, and your pets.
Precautions
During the treatment process, the technician will take great care to ensure that your property is not damaged in any way. We also take great care to ensure that any chemicals used are only applied to the affected areas, minimizing the risk of exposure.
Aftercare services are also available, such as regular visits and inspections, which can help detect any early signs of pest activity.
Identifying Pest Infestation Areas
When our technician arrives for your service, they will start by doing a full inspection of the property to identify any and all areas that may be infested with pests. This includes looking for any telltale signs of pests, such as droppings, chewed-up food, or nesting materials. Our technician will also check for any entry points that pests could be using to get into your home or business. Once all potential pest infestation areas have been identified, our technician will develop a customized treatment plan to target those specific areas.
Preventive Measures
In addition to treating the current infestation, our technician can also provide preventive measures to help keep your property free from pests in the future. This may include sealing up any entry points that pests could be using, or other measures. Our technician will also advise you on how to better maintain your home or business so that it is less attractive to pests.
What to Prepare Before the Technician Arrives
It is important to prepare your home for a pest control service in order to ensure the best possible results. Here are some things you can do to prepare (although depending on what needs treating and where):
- Clear away any clutter around the perimeter of your home, such as lawn furniture, toys, or other items that may be blocking access to potential entry points for pests.
- Remove any food sources that may be attracting pests, such as unsecured garbage cans, pet food bowls, or open containers of food.
- Seal up any cracks or gaps around your home’s exterior, such as those around windows, doors, or pipes. This will help prevent pests from entering your home.
- Cover any exposed skin with clothing or mosquito repellent to avoid being bitten by insects during the treatment process.
- Identify any areas where you’ve seen pests activity. The technician will need to know where to focus their efforts.
- Keep pets out of the way. While most pest control products are safe for animals, it’s best to err on the side of caution and keep them out of the area during treatment.
Common Pest Control Treatments
Most pest control services will include an inspection of your home or business to identify the source and type of pests, as well as potential entry points. Once the inspection is complete, your pest control technician will develop a customized treatment plan based on the specific needs of your situation.
Common treatments used in pest control are:
Insecticide: This is a common type of pest control treatment and is used to kill insects on contact. Insecticides are available in different forms.
Fumigation: Fumigation is a method of pest control that involves sealing off an area and filling it with poisonous gas. This gas kills pests on contact and prevents them from entering the treated area.
Mechanical Control: Mechanical control is a type of pest control that uses physical barriers such as screens or traps to prevent pests from entering an area. This method can be used to keep out rodents, insects, and other pests.
Baiting: Baiting is a type of pest control that uses food-based bait to attract and eliminate pests. This method can be used to target insects, rodents, and other pests.
Integrated Pest Management: Integrated pest management is an approach to pest control that combines different methods of pest control to create a comprehensive plan for eliminating pests. This method can include chemical, physical, and biological measures.
Baits and Insecticides: Baits and insecticides can be used together to target pests. Baits are used to attract pests, while the insecticides will kill them on contact.
Exclusion Techniques: Exclusion techniques are methods used to prevent pests from entering an area. These techniques can include caulking cracks and crevices, installing screens, and sealing entry points.
Our Pest Control Safety Measures
At QK Pest Control, the safety of our customers and employees is always our top priority. We have a comprehensive pest control safety program in place to ensure that all of our services are provided in a safe and effective manner.
All of our pest control technicians are trained in the use of safe pest control methods and products. They are also required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing pest control services that involve chemicals.
Before starting any job, our technicians will assess the situation to determine the best course of action. They can also provide you with a detailed plan of what they will be doing during the service so that you know what to expect.
During the service, our technicians should take all necessary precautions to avoid any potential hazards. They can also keep you updated on their progress and let you know if there are any changes that need to be made to the plan.
Common Questions You Should Ask
What kind of pests do you treat?
We treat all common household pests, including ants, cockroaches, silverfish, spiders, fleas, rats, and mice.
What should I do to prepare for treatment?
You should remove any food sources from the areas to be treated. This includes pet food, as well as any crumbs or spills. If your pests are insects, you should also be prepared to vacate the premises during treatment and avoid reentering until the area is safe.
How long will treatment take?
This depends on the severity of the infestation and the size of the affected area. Most treatments can be completed within an hour, but some may require multiple visits.
Are your treatments safe?
Yes, all of our treatments are designed to be safe for both people and pets. We use the latest technology and methods to ensure that our treatments are effective while also being safe for everyone in the area.
What kind of guarantee do you offer?
We offer different guarantees for various types of rodent jobs, typically they are for 3-12 months. Some insect jobs also come with guaranteed elimination.
Here are some additional follow-up questions that you can ask:
- What are the possible causes of my pest problem?
- What are the most effective methods for treating my particular pest problem?
- How often do you recommend treatment?
- What can I do to prevent pests in the future?
- Are your products safe for children and pets?
- What are the potential side effects of your treatments?
- How much will your services cost me?
Follow Up and Maintenance After a Pest Control Service
After your pest control service, there are a few things you can do to help maintain the results. First, make sure to keep up with your regular housekeeping. This includes sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping on a regular basis. Doing this will help to remove any food or water sources that pests may be attracted to. Second, seal up any cracks or holes in your home that pests could use to get inside. This includes sealing up gaps around doors and windows and repairing any damaged screens. Continue to monitor your home for signs of pests, and contact QK pest control on the company number if you see anything out of the ordinary.
Finally, consider implementing preventative measures such as using traps and bait stations. Bait stations are a great way to help keep pests out of your home, as they will attract and trap them before they can get inside. If you have any questions about what steps you should take to maintain the results of your pest control service, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Knowing When to Expect Results
When it comes to pest control, results vary depending on the type of service being performed. For example, if you have a problem with mice in your home, you can expect results within a week of the initial treatment. However, if you’re dealing with a more difficult issue like bedbugs, it could take weeks to see results. Either way, your pest control provider should be able to give you an estimate of when to expect results from your specific situation.
The technician should be able to give you a more accurate timeline based on your specific situation. It’s important to be patient and follow the instructions given by your technician, as this will help ensure that you get the best results possible.
Aftercare Advice to Prevent Re-infestation
After your pest control service, there are a few things you can do to help prevent re-infestation. First, make sure to clean up any food or water sources that may be attracting pests. Be sure to vacuum all areas that were treated. This will remove any remaining pest particles and help to keep your home clean. Keep your kitchen clean and free of crumbs, and wipe up spills immediately. Store food in sealed containers and dispose of rubbish regularly.
Second, seal any cracks or openings in your home that could provide entry for pests. Caulk cracks around windows and doors and repairs holes in screens. Third, remove any clutter from your home that could provide hiding places for pests. De-clutter storage areas and keep closets tidy.
Finally, practice regular pest control maintenance. Have your home inspected and treated periodically by a pest control professional to prevent infestations. Continue to practice good hygiene and cleanliness in your home. Keep food stored properly, and do not leave crumbs or rubbish lying around. Regular cleaning will go a long way in preventing pests from returning.
Taking these steps will help ensure that pests do not re-infest your home.
We Aim to Ensure a Safe Pest Control Service
When you call us to schedule a pest control service, we will work with you to choose a date and time that is convenient for you.
As you can see, it’s important to be prepared and know what to expect when your pest control service arrives. By understanding the process and having an idea of what will take place, you can ensure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. Your technicians will do their best to make sure that you are comfortable and informed throughout the entire procedure, so don’t hesitate to ask questions or voice any concerns that may come up during the visit. With a bit of preparation and knowledge about how the process works, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe from pests in no time.
