What does your council charge for pest control?
Every UK council's pest control and stray dog service, compared: what it treats, what it charges, who gets it cheaper, and which councils have stopped. Taken from each council's own pages.
Councils last checked 6 October 2026
Cheapest councils for rats
| Darlington | £10 |
| Hinckley and Bosworth | £20 |
| Knowsley | £24 |
| Hyndburn | £30 |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf | £35.60 |
| Eden | £43.98 |
| Neath Port Talbot | £47.41 |
| Windsor and Maidenhead | £48 |
Dearest councils for rats
| Southampton | £309.50 |
| Southwark | £267.12 |
| Argyll and Bute | £231.90 |
| New Forest | £210 |
| Plymouth | £197 |
| Medway | £195 |
| Haringey | £191 |
| West Lothian | £190.23 |
Household prices as each council publishes them, for one treatment course (usually up to three visits). Every council's rat price.
Prices by pest
| Pest | Councils with a price | Typical | Cheapest | Dearest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rats | 101 | £97.24 | £10 | £309.50 |
| Mice | 101 | £102 | £10 | £309.50 |
| Wasps | 101 | £79.20 | £29.65 | £177.96 |
| Bed bugs | 68 | £185.63 | £35.60 | £871.50 |
| Fleas | 94 | £113.05 | £43.98 | £871.50 |
| Cockroaches | 76 | £136.84 | £35.60 | £362 |
| Squirrels | 35 | £164 | £39 | £307 |
| Ants | 77 | £85 | £12 | £292 |
| Moles | 13 | £124 | £59.60 | £296 |
Councils that have stopped
29 councils say on their own website that they no longer offer pest control, and a further 73 say they do not offer it. See every council that has stopped or does not offer the service.
Questions
Does my council deal with pests?
Of the 368 councils we checked, 153 offer a pest control service themselves or through a provider they have chosen, and 29 say they have stopped. Enter your postcode above to see your council.
How much does council pest control cost?
For rats the typical council charge is £97.24, from £10 at Darlington to £309.50 at Southampton. Many councils charge less, or nothing, to people on certain benefits.
What if my council does not offer pest control?
You will need a private pest control company. Look for membership of a recognised trade body, ask for a written quote, and check what the price covers (number of visits, follow-up treatment).
Who do I call about a stray dog?
Councils are responsible for stray dogs. Our stray dogs page lists the number each council publishes; outside office hours many councils use a separate service or ask you to contact the police only if the dog is dangerous.