Pest Clinic Preparation Instructions

Online Pest Clinic Preparation Instructions

It is very important that you read these instructions in full and follow them carefully when preparing for your online consultation.
Failure to complete all preparation steps may adversely affect the consultation and the quality of any advice provided.

1. Mobile Telephone Requirements

1.1 Ensure your mobile telephone is fully charged and equipped with a working camera, microphone and speakers.
1.2 Confirm that your mobile phone or Wi-Fi signal is strong throughout your property, including all external areas surrounding the building.
1.3 Check that your device correctly connects to Microsoft Teams using the appointment link that will be sent to you.

2. Other Equipment Required

2.1 You may need various tools or equipment to follow the instructions during the consultation. Please have them ready before the session begins.
2.2 It may be helpful to have a tripod or phone cradle available, especially if you need to put the phone down to use both hands while we guide you through the survey.

3. Property Access Requirements

3.1 General Access

Ensure you have free and unrestricted access to all relevant areas of your property. This is likely to include:

1. All locations where you have heard or seen pest activity.
2. Inside and underneath kitchen units, including behind kickboards and around plumbing and waste-water pipework.
3. Bathrooms and toilets.
4. Loft spaces, including safe access and clear pathways.
5. External areas around the entire perimeter of the property, including gardens, fences, sheds and outbuildings.

3.2 Loft Access

Before a consultation for all suspected rat, mouse, squirrel or bird activity, and for any other pest potentially associated with lofts:

3.2.1 Ensure you have safe access to the loft via a loft ladder or suitable step ladder.
3.2.2 The loft hatch must be open prior to the appointment.
3.2.3 Ensure you have suitable lighting, including a bright torch to illuminate dark corners.
3.2.4 Make sure the loft is clear enough to move around safely while showing us the area via video.
3.2.5 You must have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a bump cap, FFP3 mask and disposable gloves.
3.2.6 You must carry out your own risk assessment, particularly regarding potential asbestos-containing materials or other hazards.
3.2.7 Determine whether you require crawl boards or other access equipment to move safely within the loft.

3.3 External Areas

Before any consultation for all suspected rat, mouse, or squirrel activity:

3.3.1 Ensure access around the entire exterior of the property. Move or reposition items stacked against walls and ensure gates, shed doors and outbuilding doors open freely.
3.3.2 We may ask you to hold the camera over fences or boundaries so we can view adjacent areas safely.

3.4 Drainage and Inspection Chambers

Before any consultation for all suspected rat or mouse activity:

3.4.1 Identify all inspection chambers / manhole covers on your property prior to the consultation.
3.4.2 Ensure all covers are either already open (if safe to leave open) or that you have the equipment and ability to open them during the appointment.
3.4.3 If any covers are stiff or difficult to open, please loosen them before the consultation.

3.5 Assistance

3.5.1 If you are not physically able to access all required areas safely (e.g., under kitchen cupboards, in the loft), ensure another competent person is present to assist during the appointment.

4. Noise, Disturbance and Distractions

4.1 Ensure there are no disruptions during the consultation.
4.2 Keep all pets secured and away from areas that will be inspected.
4.3 Ensure other people in the property do not interrupt or obstruct the consultation.
4.4 Switch off notifications on your mobile phone to avoid interruptions.
4.5 Having an additional person present can be helpful, especially when accessing hard-to-reach locations or ensuring safety.

5. Information to Prepare

5.1 Prepare a clear and concise summary of the pest activity you have experienced. This should include:

• The frequency of noises or sightings
• The duration of activity
• Key locations where activity has been observed
• Any other relevant details

5.2 If you wish to discuss trap placement during the consultation, ensure you have traps and suitable bait ready.
5.3 Consider safety issues such as allergies in the household before using any bait (e.g., peanut butter).

6. Additional Information and Support

6.1 If you are unsure about any part of these instructions, or if you need clarification or assistance before your appointment, please contact us well in advance so we can help you prepare and ensure you get the most value from your consultation.