As inhabitants of the Bush Capital, we Canberrans are used to bugs and creepy crawlies venturing from nearby nature reserves into our residential areas and homes. With over 30 termite species, European wasps, venomous spiders and ants active all year round in Canberra, it’s a common problem we have to deal with. Unchecked infestations can cause serious problems down the line – so it’s probably time to contact a pest control service as soon as bugs appear.
Pest control services can help you maintain a pest-free environment in your home or business. They use pesticides, sprays and other pest management methods to keep creepy crawlies away, and are equipped to provide you with effective, long-term solutions that a can of bug spray cannot. But how can you choose from among Canberra’s many available services to find the best one for you?
In this article we’ll take a look at the traits great pest control services have in common, and where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great pest control service?
For long-lasting pest control with minimal impact on your family, schedule and wellbeing, we recommend choosing a pest control service with the following traits:
- Experience. A great pest control service is an experienced one – and has worked in pest control for many years.
- Qualifications. Check that your pest control service has completed study units in the Certificate III in Asset Maintenance (Pest Management – Technical). In Canberra, pest control services aren’t licensed by the ACT Government, but they must be qualified to obtain an Environmental Authorisation from the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). When it comes to termites, qualified pest control services must comply with Australian Standard 3660 and the Guidelines for Termite Control in the ACT.
- Fully insured. A professional pest control service in Canberra should have Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance. These insurance policies protect the customer in the event of negligence or property damage.
- Environmentally friendly. Responsible Canberra pest control services use chemicals approved by the ACT Government. They also know how to handle and dispose of Schedule 7 chemicals.
- Customer service focus. A good pest control service listens to the customer and provides regular updates, especially when the job involves more than one visit (e.g. termite treatment). It’s not unusual for homeowners to become upset when a termite infestation is discovered. A great pest control service is empathetic, yet professional in their dealings.
The best pest control services in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Quality One Pest Control
Family owned and operated, Quality One Pest Control has been operating in Canberra for over 40 years. Services include general pest control treatment, specialised insect treatment, termite treatment and bird proofing.
Quality One Pest Control is a leader in residential and commercial sites, ensuring all jobs last. Quality matters to experienced and trained team members, who have a client-centred approach. Always professional, the team is proactive in recommending the best way forward.
They pride themselves on using chemicals that are people, pet and environmentally friendly. Quality One Pest Control handles one-off inspections, regular inspections, pre- and post-construction pest control, as well as schools and childcare pest control.
General pests include spiders, ants, cockroaches, silverfish, and earwigs. Specialised insects include wasps and bees, cockroaches, ants, rodents, possums and bedbugs. Bird proofing is tailored to the problem at hand. Termite inspections and treatments include locating and eradicating nests.
Quality One Pest Control ensures fast response. Free quotes, a six-month warranty and a price beat guarantee are offered.
Craig Seaton wrote on Riotact, "We had Michael from Quality One Pest Control visit last week to treat our unwanted ants. Great service, relevant advice and a really good bloke."
A1 Professional Pest Control
Established in 2007, A1 Professional Pest Control makes pest-free living possible. Services include termite inspections and treatments, pest control, rodent control, bird control, wasp treatments and bee removal.
A1 Professional Pest Control listens carefully to customers to understand the problem at hand. Pest removal experts then control pests the first time, saving clients stress and money. The team has more than 20 years of collective experience and provides thorough, punctual, responsive and professional service.
Fully licenced and insured, A1 Professional Pest Control is a 100 per cent Canberra family business servicing residential and commercial premises in the ACT and surrounding regions. Commercial clients include hotels, restaurants, cafes, factories, offices and food production.
A1 Professional Pest Control only uses products that don’t harm humans or pets.
On Google, Dee Breust wrote, “I’ve used this company for several years. They’re professional, respectful, courteous, on time and offer excellent value-for-money. Using their service annually means my house is pest free.”
Canberra Pest Control
Your pests gone, guaranteed!
Canberra Pest Control employs Canberra people and we focuses solely on protecting Canberra families, homes and businesses from unwanted pests. Our mission is simple: be the pest controller of choice in Canberra!
We guarantee all our work. When we treat your home or business, we guarantee your problem pest will be eradicated. If the problem re-occurs within your warranty period we will re-treat the original treatment site free of charge.
We exterminate ten pests in one treatment when we spray your home for spiders.
At no extra cost to you, we also treat cockroaches, silverfish, earwigs, slaters, millipedes, clothes moths, pantry moths, paper wasps & mud wasps – 100% free.
Lisa Healy wrote on Riotact, "Canberra Pest Control we have been using them for years, always great customer service on the phone and in person. They call each year as a reminder to get it redone."
Armageddon Pest Control
With a strong dedication to honesty, quality and reliability, this family-run business has been providing Canberra homes and businesses with a safe and effective method of controlling and preventing pests for over 20 years. They specialise in the elimination of spiders, cockroaches, termites, silverfish, rodents and wasps, and are experienced in using environmentally friendly products that are safe for both humans and pets.
Google reviewer Robyn Colless writes, “Responded quickly to my urgent job. Efficient, polite and professional and sorted the problem quickly. Definitely, recommend Richard.”
ACT Pest Control
ACT Pest Control, are licensed specialists in pest and termite control. With a large range of equipment, they can treat any property including households, restaurants and government buildings, all with the added convenience of using environmentally friendly products.
Using their 7-in-1 general treatment deal, ACT Pest Control ensure that the seven most common pests in your house will be eliminated without harming your family or pets.
As Hairul Lutfi wrote on Google, “My wife and I had the pleasure to deal with Carl from ACT Pest Control. The service we received was very professional. We required assistance on short notice and Carl and his team was able to work with our required time frame. Will not hesitate to recommend the service of Carl and the rest of the team at ACT Pest Control."
If your home is in need of some care at the moment, check out our article on the best cleaning companies in canberra for some helpful information. Or, if you’re looking to tidy up the backyard now that you’re rid of the pests, our article on the best gardening services in Canberra may help.
Your experience with pest control services in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the pest control companies listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have a pest and termite inspection?
You should have an inspection on a yearly basis. Termites in particular do considerable damage to building structures when left unchecked, and these problems can usually be avoided or minimised with a yearly inspection.
What pests can a pest control service get rid of?
Pest control services remove unwanted creatures such as cockroaches, rodents, ants, bedbugs, and termites from homes, buildings, and surrounding areas. They can also inspect buildings for signs of pests and provide regular, preventative treatments against pests.
Are there different types of pest control?
Absolutely, and the type a pest control service uses depends on the issue at hand. Methods include trapping, fumigation, poison, sterilisation, and pesticides to control, deter, or kill nuisance pests.
Are there environmentally friendly pesticides?
There are obvious concerns about the risks of exposing yourself to pesticides. Luckily, there are plenty of eco-friendly alternatives available to pest control services. Rather than using chemicals to control pests, pest control services can also use scents, oils and tastes to create safe and natural deterrents for the pests. If the problem does demand chemicals, however, the pest control service should know how to properly handle and dispose of those materials.
When are pests most active?
In Canberra, the most common and problematic pests - cockroaches, spiders, ants, fleas and wasps - are most active during the warmer months. Termites, however, are active all year round.