Hire a pest management company

Depending on the level of infestation in your home, you may need to call in a pest management professional. There are a number of things to check before signing a contract and before letting the company into your home.

Before performing any work, the company is required to inspect the premises, agree with the customer on how to control the infestation and suggest solutions to prevent further infestations.

If you are a tenant, you are required to notify the landlord as soon as possible if you notice a problem with insects or other pests. Close cooperation between you, the landlord and the pest management company is essential to resolving the situation. In case of a dispute with your landlord, you can contact the Tribunal administratif du logement .

Before signing a contract

Before you sign a contract and work begins, make sure of the following:

• The company holds a valid permit for pesticide use by consulting the public register  (French). 
• The pesticide application will be carried out by a certified employee or under the supervision of a certified person.
• The company has a permit issued by your municipality if this is required.
• The company representative informs you about the target pest, the recommended control methods and alternatives to pesticides.
• The company, with your authorization, applies pesticides only as a last resort and only where necessary, choosing products that are the least harmful to your health and the environment.
• The company acts not only on actual pest infestation, but also on the source of the problem.
• The company offers a follow-up service to optimize results.
• The company representative is able to provide information on the products used and the precautions needed to protect your health and the environment.

On signing the contract

Make sure the contract is detailed. It must specify the following:

• The nature and purpose of the work to be carried out.
• The exact names of the products used, including their registration numbers (these numbers are useful for medical or government authorities if problems arise following an application).
• The locations of areas that will be sprayed.

Before work begins

Prepare the site carefully to ensure your safety and to maximize the effectiveness of the work. Professional pest management companies will provide you with a list of preparatory procedures such as the following:

• Throw out infested food before pesticides are used on the premises.
• Move furniture to facilitate access to areas where work is planned.
• Clean-up areas where pests can spread.
• Vacuum thoroughly; seal and discard the bags afterward.

During pesticide application

Make sure the company complies with the signed service contract, as well as with pesticide application regulations:

• No one but workers applying pesticides can be on the premises or exposed to the pesticide used.
• All necessary measures must be taken to avoid contaminating all surfaces or objects that will not be treated.
• No pets should be exposed to the pesticide. Keep children and pets away from the area during spraying and cover aquariums before spraying begins.
• When pesticides are applied outdoors, all openings through which the products might enter a building must be sealed.

After work concludes

Take precautions and ask the person in charge of spraying how long to stay away from the premises as well as ventilation requirements. Take preventive measures to avoid further infestation. Check to make sure you no longer detect the pest. In some cases, more than one treatment may be necessary.

The Pesticides Act  gives you the right to go to court to have a pest management contract cancelled in the following circumstances:

• The work has been or will be performed by an unlicensed company or by an employee who is not certified or who is not acting under the supervision of a certified person.
• The work has been or will be carried out in breach of the Pesticides Management Code .

If the court declares the contract null and void, you may be entitled to compensation for all services you provided under its terms.

If you go to court to have a contract cancelled, immediately inform your regional branch of the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP).