How to Choose the Right Pest Control Service in Nairobi & Beyond in 2026
Last month, Grace from Lavington called us in tears. She’d paid KES 15,000 to a pest control company that promised to eliminate her bedbug problem “forever.” Three weeks later, the bedbugs were back—worse than before. The company wouldn’t return her calls. Her children had bite marks all over their arms, and she’d wasted money she couldn’t afford to lose.
Stories like Grace’s happen every day across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and every town in Kenya. The pest control industry is largely unregulated, allowing unqualified operators to make false promises, use dangerous chemicals, and disappear when treatments fail. Meanwhile, legitimate professional services struggle to compete with lowball prices from fly-by-night operators.
We’ve worked in Kenya’s pest control industry for years. We’ve seen the good, the bad, and the outright dangerous. This guide will help you separate professional pest control services from scammers, understand what quality service looks like, and make informed decisions that protect your family and your wallet.
Whether you’re dealing with cockroaches in your Nairobi apartment, termites threatening your Nakuru home’s foundation, or mosquitoes making life miserable in your Mombasa residence, choosing the right pest control service makes all the difference.
Understanding Kenya’s Pest Control Industry in 2026
Before we discuss how to choose a service, let’s understand the industry landscape.
The Regulatory Environment
The Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) under the Ministry of Health regulates pest control in Kenya. They register products, license operators, and set standards. However, enforcement remains inconsistent. Many unlicensed operators work openly, and homeowners often can’t distinguish between legitimate and illegal services.
Licensed operators must:
- Register with PCPB and renew licenses annually
- Use only PCPB-registered products
- Employ trained technicians
- Follow safety protocols
- Maintain proper insurance
- Keep treatment records
Unlicensed operators do none of this. They use whatever chemicals they can access, employ untrained workers, provide no guarantees, and disappear when problems arise.
Common Industry Problems
Problem 1: Fake licenses and credentials Some companies display expired licenses, Photoshopped documents, or certificates from non-existent organizations. Homeowners rarely verify credentials.
Problem 2: Dangerous chemical use We’ve encountered operators using agricultural pesticides, banned chemicals, and products at concentrations far exceeding safe levels. This creates serious health risks, especially for children and pregnant women.
Problem 3: No follow-up or guarantees Many operators take payment, spray once, and vanish. When pests return—and they often do—customers have no recourse.
Problem 4: Misleading pricing Advertised prices exclude essential services. That “KES 2,000 cockroach treatment” becomes KES 8,000 after “inspection fees,” “chemical fees,” and “transportation charges.”
Problem 5: One-size-fits-all treatments Professional pest control requires assessment, identification, and targeted treatment. Many operators simply spray everything with the same chemicals regardless of the pest or situation.
Understanding these problems helps you spot red flags when evaluating services.
What Professional Pest Control Should Look Like
Quality pest control follows a systematic process. Here’s what you should expect:
Step 1: Thorough Initial Inspection
Before any treatment, a professional technician should:
- Walk through your entire property, including exterior areas
- Identify pest species accurately
- Locate infestation sources and entry points
- Assess infestation severity
- Check for conditions attracting pests
- Ask about your household (children, pets, health concerns)
- Take 20-40 minutes minimum for residential properties
Red flag: A technician who arrives and immediately starts spraying without inspection is not a professional.
Step 2: Written Treatment Plan
After inspection, you should receive a written plan explaining:
- Specific pests identified
- Treatment methods proposed
- Products to be used (with registration numbers)
- Expected timeline and number of visits
- Preparation required from you
- Safety precautions during and after treatment
- Cost breakdown with no hidden fees
- Guarantee or warranty terms
Red flag: Verbal-only agreements leave you with no proof of what was promised.
Step 3: Professional Treatment Application
During treatment, professionals:
- Arrive with proper equipment and safety gear
- Target specific areas where pests live and travel
- Use appropriate product amounts—not excessive spraying
- Apply products safely away from food preparation areas
- Seal products properly and remove all equipment
- Provide clear instructions for post-treatment
Red flag: Technicians without safety equipment, excessive spraying, or leaving chemical containers accessible to children.
Step 4: Follow-Up and Monitoring
Quality services include:
- Follow-up visits within 2-4 weeks
- Monitoring to verify treatment success
- Additional treatments if needed (per guarantee)
- Advice on prevention measures
- Availability for questions or concerns
Red flag: Companies that never return or charge extra for follow-ups that should be included.
Essential Questions to Ask Before Hiring
Never hire a pest control service without asking these critical questions:
About Licensing and Insurance
“Are you licensed by PCPB?” Demand to see current licenses. Note the license number and verify it on PCPB’s website or by calling their office. Expired or fake licenses are common.
“Do you have insurance?” Professional companies carry liability insurance covering property damage and health issues from their treatments. Ask for proof of current insurance coverage.
“How long have you been in business?” Established companies have track records you can verify. Brand-new companies aren’t necessarily bad, but they lack proven reliability.
About Their Technicians
“What training do your technicians have?” Technicians should have formal pest control training, not just on-the-job experience. Ask about certification programs they’ve completed.
“Will the same technician handle my property?” Consistency helps because the technician knows your property’s history. If technicians change, ensure proper handover of information.
“Are your technicians employed or contractors?” Employed technicians generally receive better training and accountability than independent contractors the company just refers to you.
About Products and Methods
“What products will you use?” Professionals should name specific products with PCPB registration numbers. They should explain why those products were chosen for your specific pest problem.
“Are these products safe for my household?” Ask specifically about safety around children, pets, pregnant women, people with asthma, and food preparation areas. If they dismiss safety concerns, walk away.
“Do you use Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?” IPM combines multiple strategies—not just chemicals—to control pests sustainably. Companies using IPM focus on long-term solutions, not quick chemical fixes.
“What alternatives do you offer?” Professional companies should offer options like baits, traps, exclusion methods, and lower-toxicity products for sensitive situations.
About Service Details
“What does the service include?” Get specifics: How many visits? Interior and exterior treatment? What areas are covered? What’s excluded?
“What preparation do I need to do?” Legitimate services provide clear preparation instructions. Beware of services requiring excessive preparation that shifts work to you while charging full price.
“How long does treatment take?” This varies by property size and pest type, but get an estimate. Average homes typically require 1-3 hours for thorough treatment.
“When can we return after treatment?” Safety protocols require evacuation during treatment and waiting periods before reentry. Timeframes vary by products used—typically 2-6 hours.
About Guarantees and Follow-Up
“What guarantee do you provide?” Reputable companies guarantee their work for 30-90 days minimum. Understand what the guarantee covers and what actions void it.
“What happens if pests return?” Will they retreat at no charge? How soon can they return? Are there limits on retreat visits?
“What’s your response time for callbacks?” If you have urgent pest issues after treatment, how quickly will they respond? Same day? Next day? Within a week?
About Pricing
“What’s the total cost, including all fees?” Get everything in writing. Watch for hidden inspection fees, travel charges, chemical fees, or per-room pricing that wasn’t disclosed upfront.
“Do you offer payment plans?” For expensive treatments like termite control, payment options help manage costs.
“What payment methods do you accept?” Professional companies accept multiple payment methods and provide receipts. Cash-only operations with no receipts raise red flags.
Red Flags That Should Make You Walk Away
Some warning signs indicate you’re dealing with an unprofessional or fraudulent operation:
No physical address or office location – Legitimate businesses have verifiable locations, not just mobile numbers.
Pressure tactics and time-limited offers – “This price is only good today” or “We can only fit you in if you sign now” indicate scam tactics.
Prices dramatically lower than competitors – If everyone else charges KES 5,000 and one company offers KES 1,500, question why. They’re either using inferior products, cutting corners, or planning to add hidden fees.
No written contracts or estimates – Verbal agreements protect no one but the service provider.
Refusing to show credentials – Licensed, insured professionals readily show documentation. Hesitation or excuses indicate problems.
Guaranteed to eliminate pests “forever” – No honest professional makes this promise. Pest control requires ongoing management, not one-time permanent solutions.
Recommending treatment before inspection – How can they know what treatment you need without seeing the problem?
Using unmarked vehicles and equipment – Professional companies brand their vehicles and equipment for accountability and marketing.
Technicians with no safety equipment – If they’re not protecting themselves, they’re not protecting you or using products safely.
Unwilling to answer questions or explain processes – Transparency builds trust. Evasiveness hides something.
No online presence or reviews – In 2026, legitimate businesses have websites, social media, or online reviews. Complete absence raises suspicion.
Requesting full payment upfront – Deposits are reasonable, but full payment before work begins is risky. You lose leverage if service is poor.
How to Research and Verify Pest Control Companies
Don’t take companies at their word. Verify everything.
Check PCPB Registration
Visit the PCPB website or call their office at +254-20-2719906/7/8 to verify:
- Company registration status
- License validity and expiration
- Registered products they’re authorized to use
- Any disciplinary actions or warnings
PCPB keeps records of licensed operators. If a company claims licensure but PCPB has no record, they’re lying.
Search Online Reviews and Ratings
Check multiple sources:
- Google Reviews: Look for patterns in feedback, not just star ratings
- Facebook: Check their page for customer comments and responsiveness
- Instagram: Active companies post regularly and engage with followers
- Local community groups: Ask in neighborhood WhatsApp or Facebook groups
Warning: Some companies buy fake reviews. Look for detailed reviews with specific experiences, not generic praise. Be suspicious of companies with only 5-star reviews or reviews posted on the same dates.
Ask for References
Request contact information for 3-5 recent customers with similar pest problems. Professional companies readily provide references. Call these customers and ask:
- Were they satisfied with the service?
- Did the treatment work?
- Did the company honor guarantees?
- Were there hidden fees?
- Would they hire this company again?
Check with Better Business Organizations
Organizations like the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) maintain member directories. Membership indicates commitment to business standards.
Verify Insurance Coverage
Don’t just ask if they have insurance—ask for the insurance company’s name and policy number. Call the insurer to confirm:
- Policy is current and active
- Coverage amounts
- What’s covered (liability, workers’ compensation)
Visit Their Office
Physical locations indicate permanence and accountability. Drive by to verify the address exists and appears legitimate. Established companies have signage, staff, and operations visible at their locations.
Test Their Customer Service
Call with questions before scheduling service. Evaluate:
- How quickly do they respond?
- Are they knowledgeable and patient?
- Do they provide clear information?
- Are they pushy or respectful?
Customer service during sales predicts service quality after the sale.
Understanding Pest Control Pricing in Kenya
Pricing varies widely based on multiple factors. Understanding what influences costs helps you evaluate quotes.
Factors Affecting Pest Control Costs
Property size: Larger homes require more time, labor, and products. Expect pricing based on square footage or number of rooms.
Pest type: Some pests require specialized treatments. Termites, bedbugs, and rodents typically cost more than ants or cockroaches.
Infestation severity: Heavy infestations need more intensive treatment and follow-ups than light infestations.
Property accessibility: Difficult-to-access areas, multi-story buildings without elevators, or gated communities with entry restrictions can increase costs.
Location: Companies in Nairobi and major cities typically charge more than those in smaller towns due to operating costs.
Treatment method: Chemical treatments, baits, traps, fumigation, heat treatment, and exclusion work have different price points.
Service package: One-time treatments cost less than annual contracts, but contracts often provide better value long-term.
Typical Pricing Ranges in 2026
These are general ranges for residential properties in major Kenyan cities. Your specific situation may vary:
| Pest Type | One-Time Treatment | Monthly Service | Annual Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cockroaches | KES 3,000-8,000 | KES 2,000-5,000 | KES 20,000-50,000 |
| Ants | KES 2,500-6,000 | KES 1,500-4,000 | KES 18,000-40,000 |
| Mosquitoes | KES 3,500-9,000 | KES 2,500-6,000 | KES 25,000-60,000 |
| Rodents | KES 4,000-12,000 | KES 3,000-7,000 | KES 30,000-70,000 |
| Bedbugs | KES 8,000-25,000 | N/A | N/A |
| Termites (treatment) | KES 15,000-80,000+ | N/A | N/A |
| Termites (prevention) | KES 20,000-100,000+ | N/A | N/A |
| General pest control | KES 4,000-10,000 | KES 3,000-8,000 | KES 30,000-80,000 |
Note: These ranges reflect reputable, licensed companies. Significantly lower prices usually indicate corners being cut.
What’s Included vs. Extra Charges
Quality services include:
- Initial inspection
- Treatment application
- Basic follow-up visits
- Guarantee period retreatments
- Safety instructions
- Prevention advice
Legitimate extra charges might include:
- After-hours or weekend emergency service
- Extensive repairs needed before treatment
- Special equipment rental (e.g., fumigation)
- Treatment of detached structures
- Services beyond guarantee period
Questionable extra charges:
- “Chemical fees” not disclosed upfront
- “Transportation” beyond reasonable travel costs
- “Inspection fees” when inspection should be part of service
- Per-room charges not mentioned initially
One-Time vs. Ongoing Service Contracts
One-time treatments work for:
- Isolated pest incidents
- Pre-purchase property inspections
- Specific issues like wasp nest removal
- Budget constraints limiting options
Ongoing contracts provide:
- Better long-term cost efficiency
- Consistent monitoring and prevention
- Priority service for existing customers
- Guaranteed regular maintenance
- Peace of mind against recurring problems
For most homes, quarterly service (four visits yearly) provides optimal protection. Monthly service suits high-risk properties or commercial establishments.
Specialized Pest Control Services
Different pests require different expertise. Some companies specialize in specific areas.
Termite Control Specialists
Termites cause the most expensive property damage of any pest in Kenya. Termite control requires:
- Specialized knowledge of termite biology and behavior
- Advanced detection equipment (moisture meters, listening devices)
- Access to termiticides not used for other pests
- Soil treatment expertise
- Structural treatment capabilities
- Long-term monitoring systems
When to choose specialists: For pre-construction treatment, active termite infestations in wooden structures, or properties with previous termite damage.
Questions to ask termite specialists:
- What detection methods do you use?
- What termite species are common in this area?
- What treatment system do you recommend and why?
- How long does treatment protection last?
- Do you offer monitoring stations?
- What warranty do you provide on termite work?
Bedbug Treatment Experts
Bedbugs have become increasingly common and difficult to eliminate. Effective treatment requires:
- Thorough inspection skills (bedbugs hide expertly)
- Heat treatment equipment (most effective method)
- Specialized chemical formulations
- Multiple treatment protocols
- Client education on preparation and prevention
When to choose specialists: Bedbugs are notoriously difficult. Don’t trust general pest control companies with limited bedbug experience.
Questions to ask bedbug specialists:
- What treatment method do you use (chemical, heat, or both)?
- How many treatments are typically needed?
- What preparation is required from me?
- What guarantee do you offer?
- How do I prevent reinfestation?
Rodent Control Experts
Professional rodent control goes beyond setting traps. It includes:
- Population assessment
- Entry point identification and sealing
- Strategic trap and bait station placement
- Sanitation and exclusion recommendations
- Dead rodent removal
- Follow-up monitoring
When to choose specialists: For recurring rodent problems, large properties, or situations requiring humane removal methods.
Fumigation Services
Fumigation involves sealing structures and filling them with pesticide gas. It’s effective but requires:
- Licensed fumigation operators (separate PCPB license category)
- Specialized equipment and safety protocols
- Complete property evacuation (24-48 hours typically)
- Aeration and safety testing before reentry
When fumigation is necessary:
- Severe infestations that failed other treatments
- Multiple pest types throughout property
- Preparation for long-term storage of buildings
- Commodity treatment in warehouses
Important: Fumigation is serious business. Never allow fumigation by unlicensed operators or without proper safety measures.
Comparing Quotes from Multiple Companies
Never hire the first company you contact. Get at least three quotes and compare properly.
How to Request Comparable Quotes
Provide the same information to each company:
- Property size and layout
- Specific pest problems
- Infestation severity
- Previous treatment history
- Household members (children, pets, health concerns)
- Preferred treatment approach (if any)
This ensures you’re comparing similar services, not wildly different proposals.
What to Compare Beyond Price
Create a comparison chart including:
Service scope: What’s included in each quote? Are some companies offering more comprehensive service?
Products and methods: Which companies use safer, more effective products? Who uses outdated or questionable chemicals?
Guarantees: Longer guarantees indicate confidence in service quality.
Company credentials: License status, insurance coverage, years in business, reviews.
Follow-up included: How many visits are included? For how long?
Response time: If pests return, who responds fastest?
Payment terms: Who offers the most flexible payment options?
Added value: Does anyone offer prevention advice, written reports, or customer education?
Questions to Ask When Reviewing Quotes
“Why is your price higher/lower than competitors?” – The answer reveals company values. Higher prices might reflect better products, training, or service. Lower prices might indicate experience, efficiency, or corner-cutting.
“What would make the price increase?” – Understand conditions that might add costs so you’re not surprised later.
“Can you explain the difference between your approach and Company X’s approach?” – This reveals how well they understand the industry and their own methodology.
Making the Final Decision
Price matters, but it shouldn’t be the only factor. Consider:
Value over cost: The cheapest option often costs more long-term through ineffective treatment, health risks, or property damage.
Trust and communication: Which company made you feel most confident? Who communicated most clearly?
Professionalism: Which company demonstrated the highest standards in licensing, insurance, and presentation?
Gut feeling: Sometimes your instinct tells you something’s wrong. Trust it.
A moderately priced service from a licensed, professional company with good communication typically provides better value than the cheapest available option.
Understanding Service Contracts and Guarantees
Before signing any agreement, understand exactly what you’re agreeing to.
Essential Contract Elements
Every pest control contract should include:
Parties involved: Full company name, license number, address, and your contact information.
Services provided: Detailed description of pest control services, treatment methods, and specific areas covered.
Schedule: Treatment dates, follow-up visits, and service frequency.
Pricing: Total cost, payment schedule, accepted payment methods, and conditions for price changes.
Guarantees: Specific guarantee terms, duration, what’s covered, and conditions that void the guarantee.
Responsibilities: What the company commits to do and what you must do (preparation, access, payment).
Termination: Conditions for either party to end the agreement and any penalties or refund policies.
Liability: Who’s responsible if treatment causes damage or health issues (insurance should cover this).
Signatures and date: Both parties must sign and date the contract.
Understanding Guarantee Terms
Guarantees vary significantly. Common types include:
30-day guarantee: Company retreats at no charge if pests return within 30 days. Minimal but better than nothing.
90-day guarantee: More reasonable timeframe, especially for pests that reproduce slowly.
Callback guarantee: Company returns as many times as needed until the problem is resolved, within the guarantee period.
Satisfaction guarantee: Company refunds money if you’re unsatisfied. Rare and often has many conditions.
Annual warranty: For big investments like termite treatment, warranted protection for one year or longer.
Conditions That Void Guarantees
Most guarantees have conditions. Common ones include:
- You must follow all preparation and post-treatment instructions
- You must allow access for scheduled follow-up visits
- You can’t hire another pest control company during guarantee period
- You must maintain basic sanitation standards
- Structural changes or new construction may void guarantees
- Failure to pay per agreed schedule
Read these carefully. Some conditions are reasonable; others are designed to avoid honoring guarantees.
What to Do If Service Fails
If pests return during the guarantee period:
- Contact the company immediately: Don’t wait. Report the problem as soon as you notice it.
- Document everything: Take photos, note dates and areas where pests appear.
- Follow their instructions: If they ask you to do additional preparation, do it.
- Keep communication records: Save emails, text messages, and call records.
- Give them reasonable opportunity to correct: Allow retreat attempts per the guarantee.
- Escalate if necessary: If they won’t honor the guarantee, escalate to management, then PCPB if needed.
- Know your consumer rights: The Consumer Protection Act protects you against fraudulent or substandard services.
Questions About Safety and Health
Pest control involves chemicals that require careful handling. Prioritize your family’s safety.
Pre-Treatment Safety Questions
“What specific products will you use in my home?” Get names and PCPB registration numbers. Research them online or ask PCPB about their safety profiles.
“Are these products safe for young children, pregnant women, and pets?” Get specific answers, not generic “it’s safe” assurances. Different products have different risk levels.
“What precautions do I need to take?” Understand evacuation time, when you can return, whether to cover food, remove dishes, wash surfaces afterward.
“What symptoms might indicate exposure problems?” Know what to watch for in family members after treatment: headaches, nausea, respiratory issues, skin irritation.
“Do you have emergency contacts if someone has adverse reactions?” Professional companies provide emergency numbers and know which hospitals to direct people to.
During-Treatment Safety Observations
Watch for proper safety practices:
- Technicians wearing protective equipment (gloves, masks, safety glasses)
- Keeping chemicals away from food areas
- Not over-applying products
- Properly labeling treated areas
- Sealing chemical containers when not in use
- Not eating, drinking, or smoking while applying pesticides
Post-Treatment Safety Guidelines
After treatment, follow these precautions:
Wait the recommended time before returning home: This allows chemicals to settle and fumes to dissipate. Don’t rush back early.
Ventilate thoroughly: Open windows and doors when you return. Run fans if available.
Avoid treated surfaces: Don’t touch treated baseboards, walls, or floors unnecessarily, especially with wet treatments.
Wash exposed dishes and surfaces: If any food preparation surfaces were treated or exposed, wash them thoroughly before use.
Watch for adverse reactions: Monitor family members, especially children, for unusual symptoms in the 24-48 hours after treatment.
Keep children and pets away: Don’t allow them on treated floors or near treated areas until surfaces are completely dry or for the timeframe specified by the technician.
Ask before cleaning: Some treatments need time to work. Cleaning too soon reduces effectiveness. Ask when it’s safe to mop, vacuum, or wipe surfaces.
Regional Considerations: Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Beyond
Different regions have different pest pressures and service availability.
Nairobi and Central Region
Common pests: Cockroaches, rodents, bedbugs, ants, termites (especially in older neighborhoods).
Service availability: Highest concentration of pest control companies. Numerous options from budget to premium services.
Considerations:
- High-rise apartments require companies with equipment for upper floors
- Gated communities may restrict service provider access times
- Traffic affects response times—confirm service areas and response time commitments
- Competition keeps prices somewhat lower than other regions
Tips: In Nairobi, you can afford to be selective. With many options, prioritize quality over price. Verify credentials carefully as the market also has more scammers.
Mombasa and Coastal Region
Common pests: Mosquitoes (dengue and malaria risk), cockroaches (thrive in humidity), termites (aggressive in coastal areas), rodents.
Service availability: Good in Mombasa proper, limited in smaller coastal towns.
Considerations:
- High humidity requires more frequent treatments
- Mosquito control is critical health priority
- Saltwater corrosion affects pest control equipment—companies need appropriate tools
- Tourist areas have higher standards and better service availability
Tips: Coastal residents should prioritize companies with mosquito control expertise. Verify they use products suitable for high-humidity environments.
Kisumu and Western Region
Common pests: Mosquitoes (high malaria prevalence), termites (especially during rainy seasons), rodents, ants.
Service availability: Growing but fewer options than Nairobi or Mombasa.
Considerations:
- Rainy seasons intensify pest problems
- Lake proximity increases mosquito breeding sites
- Agricultural surroundings bring pests from farms
- May need to book services further in advance due to limited providers
Tips: Western region residents might need to rely on companies based in Kisumu that serve wider areas. Confirm travel charges for properties outside main towns.
Rural and Small Town Areas
Common pests: Termites, rodents, mosquitoes, agricultural pests entering homes.
Service availability: Limited. May require travel from larger towns.
Considerations:
- Fewer professional options may mean accepting lower standards or traveling companies
- Higher travel charges from distant companies
- Traditional methods still common
- Access to professional services improving but inconsistent
Tips: Rural residents should build relationships with reliable companies serving their areas. Consider preventive annual contracts to ensure regular service despite distance.
What to Expect on Service Day
Knowing what happens during professional pest control helps you prepare and verify quality service.
Pre-Service Preparation
Companies should provide preparation instructions at least 24-48 hours before treatment:
Kitchen preparation:
- Remove items from counters
- Empty cabinets (if treating inside them)
- Move appliances away from walls
- Cover or remove food items
- Provide access to under-sink areas
Bathroom preparation:
- Remove toiletries from accessible areas
- Provide access to cabinets and plumbing areas
- Remove bath mats and towels
Bedroom preparation:
- Strip beds (for bedbug treatment)
- Move furniture from walls
- Empty closets (if specified)
- Vacuum thoroughly
General preparation:
- Remove pets from treatment areas
- Cover fish tanks and turn off pumps
- Put away children’s toys
- Provide clear access to all rooms
- Vacuum carpets and floors
- Inform household members of schedule
During Service Visit
Professional service typically follows this sequence:
1. Initial walkthrough (5-10 minutes): Technician confirms the problem areas, reviews your concerns, and verifies the treatment plan.
2. Final preparation check (5 minutes): Ensures all necessary areas are accessible and properly prepared.
3. Treatment application (30 minutes-2 hours): Depends on property size and pest type. Technician systematically treats identified areas.
4. Documentation (5 minutes): Professional companies document what was treated, products used, and any observations.
5. Post-treatment briefing (5-10 minutes): Technician explains what was done, provides safety instructions, answers questions, and schedules follow-ups.
Total time: Expect 1-3 hours for average residential properties.
Post-Service Follow-Up
After initial treatment:
24-48 hours later: Some pests (like ants) may initially increase activity as treatment disrupts colonies. This is normal.
1 week later: You should notice significant pest reduction. If not, contact the company.
2-4 weeks later: Scheduled follow-up visit. Technician assesses effectiveness and applies additional treatment if needed.
30-90 days later: End of guarantee period for most services. Contact company if any pest activity returns.
Professional companies should check in with you by phone or message even without scheduled visits.
Dealing with Pest Control Problems and Complaints
Despite your best efforts choosing a company, sometimes problems arise.
Common Service Problems
Problem: Pests return within guarantee period Solution: Contact company immediately. Document pest sightings with photos. Request return visit per guarantee. Most legitimate companies honor guarantees.
Problem: Company won’t honor guarantee Solution: Review contract terms carefully. If you’ve met all conditions and they still refuse, escalate to company management, then file complaint with PCPB if necessary.
Problem: Family member has adverse reaction to treatment Solution: Seek medical attention immediately. Document symptoms and treatment received. Report to pest control company and PCPB. If company is properly insured, their insurance should cover medical costs.
Problem: Property damage from treatment Solution: Document damage with photos immediately. Report to company. Legitimate companies with proper insurance will file claims for damages their service caused.
Problem: Hidden fees or unexpected charges Solution: Refuse payment until charges are explained and justified. Reference your contract and initial quote. If company insists on fees not disclosed upfront, this may constitute fraud.
Problem: Scheduled service repeatedly cancelled or rescheduled Solution: This indicates unreliable company. After two cancellations, consider switching providers. If on contract, document cancellations for potential breach of contract claim.
How to File Complaints
Step 1: Attempt resolution with company Contact company management first. Many problems resolve at this level. Be professional, specific about the issue, and clear about desired resolution.
Step 2: Document everything Keep records of all communications, contracts, payments, photos of problems, and service records.
Step 3: File complaint with PCPB If company won’t resolve the issue, file formal complaint with the Pest Control Products Board:
- Email: info@pcpb.go.ke
- Phone: +254-20-2719906/7/8
- Physical address: Waiyaki Way, Nairobi
Provide all documentation. PCPB investigates complaints against licensed operators.
Step 4: Report to Consumer Protection The Competition Authority of Kenya handles consumer protection issues:
- Website: www.cak.go.ke
- Email: info@cak.go.ke
- Phone: +254-20-2628000