Why can two quotes look so different?
Because they may not be quotes for the same job. One might be a single visit, and the other a visit plus a follow-up. One might treat what you can see, and the other find the way in and close it off.
The things that really change the size of a job are how far the pest has spread, how easy it is to reach the roof or subfloor, whether a follow-up visit is needed, and whether proofing (closing the gaps pests use) is included. A low quote can be perfectly fair. You just need to know what it covers.
What qualification should a pest controller have?
The rule we can point to is about substances. Under the Hazardous Substances (Hazardous Property Controls) Notice 2017, a contractor must not handle or apply certain urban pest management substances unless they're a qualified UPM contractor. Someone who isn't qualified may still apply them if a qualified UPM contractor has given guidance for that place and is available at all times to help.
Qualified means holding the New Zealand Certificate in Pest Operations (Level 3) (Urban Pest Control) or the older National Certificate in Urban Pest Management (Level 2), or certain named unit standards. A qualified contractor must show evidence when an enforcement officer asks. We read the EPA's consolidated version of 30 April 2021, so later changes aren't covered here.
So the useful question isn't a yes or no about the business. It's who's coming, what they hold, and if they don't hold it, who they work under.
What to ask before you say yes
- Does the technician coming out hold the New Zealand Certificate in Pest Operations (Level 3), or work under someone who does?
- Can I see your public liability insurance certificate of currency?
- Which product will you use? I'd like its full name and the safety data sheet.
- How long do people and pets need to stay out, and what's the drying time?
- Is a follow-up visit included, and when would it happen?
- What should I expect afterwards, and what will any warranty cover? Can I have that in writing?
- What will you do about how the pest got in, and what do you need me to do?
- Are you a member of PMANZ?
What's PMANZ, and does it matter?
PMANZ is the Pest Management Association of New Zealand, an association of pest management firms founded in 1976. It says many local authorities, companies and government departments require the pest companies they employ to be members, and that its Registered Technicians must hold a recognised pest management qualification and public liability insurance, among other requirements.
It's an industry body, not a regulator. Membership is a fair thing to ask about, but plenty depends on the person who turns up, so keep asking the other questions too.
What a good written quote covers
- What work will be done, and where in the house.
- Which pest it's for, in plain words.
- The product, by its full name.
- Any follow-up visit, and when it would be.
- Any other costs, and how long the job will take.
- What you need to do before and after.
- What any warranty covers, and its conditions.
Quote or estimate?
They aren't the same thing. Consumer Protection says a quote is an offer to do a job for a specified price, while an estimate is not a fixed price. Once you accept a quote, it says the provider can't charge more unless you agree to extra work, or the scope changes while the job's underway.
It also recommends getting it in writing, because that gives you evidence if anything goes wrong. And it suggests getting quotes from at least three businesses if you can, comparing on more than price, such as experience, reliability and references. We pass your enquiry to one pest business, so nothing stops you asking around as well.
What should make you pause?
- They won't name the product, or say they'll tell you afterwards.
- A blanket promise that it can't hurt kids or pets. Nobody can back that up.
- A promise that you'll never see the pest again.
- No written quote, and pressure to decide on the spot.
- An offer to spray a bee swarm. That's a beekeeper's job.
- An offer to treat suspected termites, when the right call is MPI.
- A price that changes once the job has started, with no agreement from you.
What are your rights?
The Consumer Guarantees Act covers you here. Consumer Protection says services must be carried out with reasonable care and skill, be fit for the purpose you asked for, and be completed within a reasonable time when no timeframe was agreed.
The Fair Trading Act matters as well. Traders can't make claims they can't back up with evidence, even if the claim later turns out to be true. That's a good thing to remember when a sales pitch sounds too tidy.
What if someone knocks on the door?
Take your time. For an uninvited sale at your home above a low value, Consumer Protection says you can cancel for any reason within five working days of receiving the written agreement. The seller must give you a copy, with a clear description of what you're buying, a summary of your right to cancel and both parties' details.
A simple way to choose
Work out what you've got
A photo from a safe distance helps. If you're unsure, say so. The pest identification pages and what's in each room can narrow it down.
Ask the questions above
A good pest controller won't mind. The way they answer tells you nearly as much as the answer.
Get it in writing
Quote first, then work. Check that it covers what you talked about.
Tell them who's at home
Tell the technician about kids, pets, allergies, fish tanks and veggie gardens so they can plan the treatment and tell you any precautions.
Keep the record
Ask for the product name, where it was applied, the re-entry time and any follow-up, and keep that with your house papers.
How we'd pick
We'd pick the business that answers the product question straight away and doesn't mind us asking. The quote matters, but a straight answer about what's going into our house matters more. If you'd like a place to start, tell us what you've seen. Then ask them everything on this page.
Want someone to look at it?
Tell us what you've seen and your postcode, and a local pest business that handles exactly that calls you to talk it through.
