Book the right pest service for your property
In short
Find a company that services your Adelaide suburb and handles the pest you are concerned about. Check both the business and the attending technician's licensing with SA Health, then compare written quotes for the same areas and visits. If you suspect termites, arrange an inspection before agreeing to a treatment system. Confirm household preparation and return instructions before the visit, and keep the findings and maintenance requirements afterwards.
Step 1
Explain the problem before choosing a treatment
Describe what you have seen and where, rather than guessing which chemical or service package you need. Ask whether the company needs to inspect first, what that visit costs and whether a written report is included.
Match the booking to the problem
| What you have noticed | What to request |
|---|---|
| Insects, droppings or scratching sounds in the home | An assessment of the affected areas and a plan for the identified pest, including entry points and any return visits. |
| Possible termite activity or damaged timber | A termite inspection with findings and access limitations recorded. Ask for treatment to be quoted separately if needed. |
| A termite system already installed at the property | A review of the existing system and its maintenance records before deciding whether servicing, treatment or replacement is required. |
Step 2
Check the business and the technician's authority
SA Health licenses pest control businesses and individual technicians. Ask for both licence details and check their currency. A Full Pest Management Technician can work unsupervised; a Limited Pest Management Technician requires supervision. If the company relies on an interstate arrangement or exemption, ask SA Health to confirm it covers the proposed work.
Check the technician's licence endorsements, which specify the authorised work and pesticide types. Ask whether they cover your treatment, particularly termite work. Request relevant insurance details and experience with properties like yours. A business name or review rating alone does not establish authority to apply pesticides.
Step 3
Give companies the same property and access details
Include your suburb, building type, affected locations, when activity occurs and any previous treatment. Mention roof or underfloor access, attached dwellings and shared areas. For a rental or strata property, establish who can authorise work before booking.
Example brief: Ants appear along the kitchen window each afternoon in a single-storey Prospect home. Photos attached. No recent treatment. We have a dog, a fish tank and a vegetable garden beside the wall. Please quote assessment and treatment, explain any follow-up charges and provide preparation instructions.
Step 4
Compare the initial visit and ongoing costs
Ask for a written quote showing the business details, target pest, areas covered, method, itemised costs and total including GST where applicable. Confirm whether inspection, treatment and return visits are included. Read payment terms and the quote expiry date, and agree how additional work will be approved.
For a termite proposal, request the findings that support it, the areas to be protected and the cost of future monitoring or servicing. Read warranty exclusions and your maintenance obligations. Ask how inaccessible areas affect the proposal; a general insect treatment should not be assumed to include termite management.
Compare offers on that shared scope before accepting. Ask the company to explain any material difference, such as extra bait stations, more visits or exclusion of an outbuilding, so you can decide what the higher or lower price buys.
Step 5
Get safety instructions and retain the service records
Ask for product details and written instructions for food, pets, room preparation and return to treated areas. Pesticides must be used according to their approved label or permit. Follow the technician's product-specific precautions; ask for clarification if the proposed timing does not work for your household.
After treatment, keep the invoice, inspection findings and follow-up plan. Ask what activity to expect, when to report continuing signs and what cleaning or property repairs are recommended.
For an existing termite management system, look for the permanent notice identifying it and follow the manufacturer's maintenance requirements. Your council may hold details of the approved system. SA.GOV.AU recommends a pest controller's inspection to establish termite activity; servicing records do not replace an assessment of a new concern.
Sources and useful links
Sources checked 7 October 2026
- SA.GOV.AU: hire a licensed pest controller
SA Health is the licensing authority; customers should check the business and technician.
- SA Health: guide for pest controllers and pest management technicians
Licence endorsements, limited technician supervision, interstate arrangements and pesticide label requirements.
- SA.GOV.AU: managing the risk of termite damage to your building
Inspection for termite activity, existing system notices, manufacturer maintenance and council records.
- business.gov.au: prepare quotes
Written service descriptions, itemised totals, GST, payment terms and quote expiry.
