Frequently Asked Questions
General
What areas do you cover?
Antiva provides pest control services across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian, West Lothian, and Glasgow City. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, contact us and we'll confirm.
Do you offer same-day or emergency call-outs?
Yes. We offer same-day response across our service area and 24/7 emergency pest control for urgent situations, including active infestations in food businesses, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Are you qualified?
Yes. Our technicians are trained pest control professionals with over 25 years' experience.
Treatments & Methods
What pests do you treat?
We treat all common UK pests, including:
Rats and mice
Wasps and bees
Cockroaches
Bedbugs
Ants
Fleas
Flies and drain flies
Stored product insects
Birds (deterrents and proofing)
See our main pest control services, rat control, mice control, wasp nest removal, and bed bug treatment pages for pest-specific advice.
Are your treatments safe for children and pets?
Yes. We use eco-friendly, pet-safe treatments wherever possible and follow all safety guidelines for occupied properties. We will advise you of any precautions needed before and after treatment.
Will I need to leave my home or premises during treatment?
This depends on the type of treatment. For most standard treatments, you can remain in the property. For certain treatments - such as some cockroach or bedbug treatments - we may ask you to vacate for a short period. We will always advise you in advance.
How many visits will I need?
This varies depending on the pest and the severity of the infestation. Many problems are resolved in one or two visits. Rodent infestations typically require follow-up visits to confirm the infestation has been cleared. We will give you a clear treatment plan at the time of inspection.
Do you use poisons or traps?
We use a combination of methods depending on the pest and situation. For rodents, this typically includes tamper-resistant bait stations and, where appropriate, trapping. We always use the most targeted approach to minimise risk to non-target animals and the environment.
Rats & Mice
Why do I keep getting rats even after treatment?
Recurring rat infestations are almost always caused by an unresolved entry point. The most common cause is damaged or defective drainage - rats can enter properties through cracked pipes, displaced joints, and unsealed inspection chambers. If rats keep returning, start with rat control and consider a CCTV drain inspection to identify and address the root cause.
Can rats really come up through toilets?
Yes. Rats are strong swimmers and can navigate drainage systems. If there are defects in the pipework connecting to your property, rats can emerge through toilets, floor drains, and service voids. This is more common in older properties with clay drainage systems.
How do I know if I have rats or mice?
Rats leave larger droppings (around 1–2 cm, tapered at one end) and tend to follow the same routes along walls and behind appliances. Mice leave smaller, rice-grain-sized droppings and are more likely to be found in food storage areas. Both leave gnaw marks and grease trails. If you're unsure, contact us - we'll identify the pest during our inspection.
Wasps
Is it safe to remove a wasp nest myself?
We strongly advise against it. Wasps become highly aggressive when their nest is disturbed, and multiple stings can occur in seconds. Nests in roof voids, wall cavities, and other enclosed spaces cannot be safely treated with shop-bought products. Do not block the entry hole - this forces wasps to find another exit, often into your home.
When is wasp season in Scotland?
Wasp activity typically peaks between June and September. Queens emerge in spring to build new nests, and colonies grow rapidly through summer. By late summer, a single nest can contain several thousand wasps.
Do you remove the nest after treatment?
In most cases, the nest is left in place after treatment. Once treated, it will not be reused. Physical removal is only necessary in certain situations, such as nests in accessible internal spaces. We will advise you on this at the time of treatment.
Bedbugs
How do bedbugs get into my home?
Bedbugs are hitchhikers - they spread through luggage, second-hand furniture, clothing, and bedding. They are not a sign of poor hygiene. Hotels, hostels, and short-term rentals are common sources.
What are the signs of bedbugs?
Small, itchy bites in lines or clusters, often on exposed skin
Tiny dark spots (excrement) on mattress seams, headboards, or bed frames
Pale yellow shed skins or small white eggs in seams and crevices
A faint, sweet, musty odour in heavily infested rooms
Can I treat bedbugs myself?
DIY treatments are rarely effective against established bedbug infestations. Bedbugs hide in cracks, seams, and voids that are difficult to reach, and they can survive for months without feeding. Professional treatment is the most reliable way to eliminate them.
Commercial & Business Customers
Do you offer service contracts for businesses?
Yes. We provide ongoing pest management contracts for food businesses, landlords, letting agents, offices, hotels, schools, healthcare facilities, and other commercial premises. Contracts include scheduled visits, written reports, and documentation suitable for regulatory compliance.
See commercial pest control for contract, monitoring, and site assessment options.
Can you provide documentation for Environmental Health inspections?
Yes. Our commercial service includes written reports after every visit, pest activity logs, and recommendations for proofing and environmental improvements. This documentation is suitable for Food Safety Management Systems (HACCP), Environmental Health inspections, and due diligence records.
Do you work outside of business hours?
Yes. We can schedule treatments in the evenings, at weekends, or during periods when your premises are unoccupied to minimise disruption to your operations.
Costs & Booking
How much does pest control cost?
Costs vary depending on the type of pest, the size of the property, and the extent of the infestation. We provide clear pricing before any work begins. Contact us for a quote.
How do I book?
You can contact us by phone or through our website to arrange an inspection or treatment. We aim to respond to all enquiries promptly and offer same-day appointments where available.
What if the pests come back after treatment?
We stand behind our work. If pests return within the guarantee period following a treatment, we will return to re-treat at no additional charge. We will also advise you on any structural or environmental changes needed to prevent recurrence.