Pest control

Who to contact

Directorate of Neighbourhood Services
Stretton Way
Huyton
Knowsley
L36 6JF

Telephone: 0151 443 2400

Email: pestcontrol@knowsley.gov.uk

Knowsley Council provides a comprehensive and confidential pest control service to all residents, local businesses and housing organisations. If you experience problems with pests, we may be able to help.

Our specialist team provides pest control for the removal of rats, mice and common insect pests, primarily wasps. Our officers are highly experienced in carrying out investigations, using environmentally safe and effective materials. All treatments are carried out as humanely as possible.

To find out more about pest control, you might want to read our frequently asked questions.

How to book an appointment

If you need advice, or to book an appointment, contact our Environmental Helpline on 0151 443 2400 (Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm and Saturday between 10am and 12.30pm).  You will need to provide your name and address and pay for the service at the time of booking. Payments can be made by credit or debit card. We also accept cash payments at our One Stop Shops.

You can also book online. Residents who have not used the service previously need to register with our Environmental Helpline – on 443 2400 – before booking online.

If you have not previously booked a pest control visit, ring our Environmental Helpline on 443 2400 (open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 10am to 12.30pm) to register for the on-line service.

If you have previously booked a pest control visit with our Environmental Helpline you can book online.

Someone over the age of 16 will need to be present during our visit - and for re-visits. If necessary, you can arrange for a pest control officer to re-visit your property in your absence.

Pest Control - Commercial

Knowsley Council provides pest control services to businesses in the Knowsley area.

If you would like to know more, or would like one of our officers to provide you with a quote, please complete the following form or call us on 0151 443 2474.

Request a quotation for your business.

The Pest Control officers will:

  • Respond to your request for service within 24 hours
  • Identify the pest, and the possible cause of the problem
  • Provide advice on how to prevent rats and mice invading your property.

Will there be a charge?

A £40.50 charge will be made for the treatment of wasps, bees, ants and other garden insects. The treatment of rats and mice remains free.

Household pest control charges – 2011/2012 (All charges include VAT at 17.5%)

  • Rats and mice (per course of treatment)  free
  • Wasps, ants and any crawling insects. £40.50
  • Any other pest related enquiries please contact 0151 443 2400 for a referral to our Pest Control team.

Preventing pest problems

You can take the following action to help prevent pests becoming a problem:

  • Make sure drainpipes are not broken, and drain inspection covers are in good condition
  • If you feed birds, use a bird table or a hanging net, and ensure any food that falls to the ground is cleared away
  • Don't leave food for other wildlife on the ground and clean up after rabbits, guinea pigs and other pets, making sure their cages are raised off the ground
  • Don't put meat or other non-fruit or vegetable waste onto open compost heaps, use a properly designed compost unit
  • When building a compost heap, use strong wire mesh on the base to stop rats digging underneath
  • Secure outbuildings and sheds so that rats and mice cannot get inside
  • Make sure gardens don't become overgrown, and don’t let rubbish build up outside(such as old mattresses and furniture) as this will provide protection for rats

Download an information sheet to find out more about each particular pest

Birds
Birds' nests and eggs are protected by the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981, and it is an offence to damage or destroy an active nest or prevent parent birds access to their nests. For advice on birds and wildlife contact the RSPB on 01767 693690.

Bats
Bats and their roosts in England, Scotland and Wales are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA). All bat species in the UK are protected by law against action which may disrupt or harm them. This can include use of timber preservation treatments in the loft. The Bat Conservation Trust Helpline number is 0845 1300 228.

Badgers
Badgers are protected under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Wasps
We do not usually remove the treated nest. Please note our pest control officer may not be able to treat some wasps’ nests, particularly those above gutter height on a two storey house. We reserve the right not to treat a nest if it is considered unsafe to do so.

For information about bees, masonry bees, moles and squirrels contact the Environmental Helpline on 443 2400 for advice.