Pest Control
Scope of the service
This free service is currently only available to occupiers of domestic premises, state schools and small charities.
The level of service provided is limited to the provision of advice and treatment of active infestations of rats, mice, bees (see below) and wasps. DEFA's pest control technicians do not carry out pest proofing work and do not provide an ongoing pest management service.
Request a Pest Control Visit
To request a pest control visit please use the button below to submit an online form.
Pest Control Technicians operate between 8am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) and may call ahead to arrange access if required.
A pest controller will usually attend the property within 10 working days from receipt of the first contact, though this may take a little longer during busy periods.
General Pest Control Queries
If you have a general pest control query you can call us on +44 1624 685894 or email ehenquiries@gov.im.
Phone lines are open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Our public counter is open between 10am and 4pm Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Please do not contact the Sawmill for Pest Control enquiries.
Purpose of DEFA's Pest Control Service
DEFA's pest control service exists to help protect public health by reducing the risk of injury and spread of disease that certain public health pests can pose in certain categories of premises.
Duty to Control Rats and Mice
The Public Health Act 1990 places a duty on the occupier of any land or building to report any infestation of rats and mice to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) and do something about it. For certain categories of premises/land both of these requirements can be met by contacting DEFA's pest control service to arrange a treatment using the button above.
Bees
DEFA understands the importance of bees, both locally and globally. If you have a problem with a swarm / colony you are advised to contact the Isle of Man Beekeepers Federation in the first instance to see if it can be relocated by a bee keeper. DEFA's Pest Control Technicians will only consider treating a colony if it cannot be removed by a beekeeper and it poses a risk to safety.
Commercial premises
Please note we do not treat commercial premises.
Pigeons
As the Island's local authorities look to regenerate town centres, the question of pigeons and the associated 'mess' they produce is frequently raised. Although pigeons are not considered public health pests, DEFA has produced a guidance document to help local authorities, businesses and Government Departments control pigeon populations in the worst affected areas through non-lethal means.
Rodenticide collection
With effect from 31 March 2023 the Department no longer provides rodenticide from the sawmill.
The Department understands that anyone with a suitable qualification will be able to purchase rodenticide from local agricultural farm suppliers or directly from UK based suppliers.
If you do not have a recognised qualification then information about suitable courses can be found on Think Wildlife's website.
Courses are designed to provide users with a full working knowledge of both preventive and curative methods of pest control so that they can plan, implement and monitor a control programme that is appropriate to the situation.
The successful completion of a course will provide you with an industry recognised certificate.
