Professional pest control, Horsham & West Sussex
Our Services
Fast, discreet, and effective pest control for homeowners and landlords. Call us for same-day response.
Experienced treatment for every common pest
Standby Pest Control provides professional treatment for all common household and commercial pests across Horsham and West Sussex. Every job is carried out by a qualified, fully insured technician using professional-grade products — safely applied around children and pets.
Rats & Mice
Fast eradication with tamper-proof bait stations and proofing
Rats and mice are among the most common pest problems in UK homes and rental properties. They contaminate food, gnaw through wiring and pipework, and carry diseases including Weil's disease and Salmonella. Early treatment is essential — a pair of rats can produce over 200 offspring in a year.
Signs of infestation
- Droppings along skirting boards or in cupboards
- Gnaw marks on food packaging, cables, or woodwork
- Scratching or scurrying sounds at night
- Greasy smear marks along walls and runs
- Nests made from shredded material
Prevention tips
- Seal gaps around pipes and cables entering the building
- Keep food in sealed containers
- Remove clutter from lofts, garages, and outbuildings
- Ensure bin lids are secure
Our treatment approach
We install tamper-proof bait stations in safe, discreet locations and carry out follow-up visits to monitor activity and replenish bait. Once the infestation is cleared, we advise on proofing entry points to prevent re-entry.
Wasps
Safe, fast nest removal — usually resolved in a single visit
Wasp nests can contain thousands of wasps by late summer and pose a serious risk to anyone nearby, particularly those with allergies. We treat wasp nests quickly and safely, usually in a single visit. We also advise on bee nests — where possible, we recommend relocation rather than treatment for honeybees.
Signs of infestation
- Visible nest in loft, shed, or wall cavity
- High volume of wasps entering and leaving a single point
- Papery nest material visible
- Increased wasp activity around the property
Prevention tips
- Block potential nest sites in early spring
- Keep loft vents and eaves in good repair
- Avoid leaving sweet food or drinks uncovered outdoors
Our treatment approach
We apply a professional insecticide directly into the nest entrance. The nest is typically inactive within a few hours. For bees, we assess the species and advise on the most appropriate course of action.
Pigeons
Deterrent installation, netting, and proofing for lasting results
Feral pigeons cause significant damage to buildings through their acidic droppings, which erode stonework and block gutters. Their nesting material can block vents and flues, and their droppings carry diseases including Psittacosis and Histoplasmosis. Proofing is the most effective long-term solution.
Signs of infestation
- Droppings accumulating on ledges, windowsills, or rooflines
- Nesting material in gutters, vents, or roof spaces
- Persistent cooing or flapping from roof areas
- Damage to roofing felt or insulation
Prevention tips
- Do not feed pigeons
- Keep gutters and flat roofs clear of debris
- Block access to roof spaces and voids
Our treatment approach
We install physical deterrents including anti-roosting spikes, netting, and wire systems to prevent pigeons from landing and nesting on your property. All installations are discreet and long-lasting.
Moles
Discreet, effective mole control for gardens and grounds
A single mole can destroy a lawn or garden in a matter of days. Molehills are unsightly and the tunnels beneath them undermine grass roots, killing turf and creating trip hazards. We use humane trapping methods to remove moles quickly and effectively.
Signs of infestation
- Molehills appearing on lawns or in borders
- Raised ridges of soil across the garden
- Soft or uneven ground where tunnels run beneath
- Damage to plant roots and bulbs
Prevention tips
- Mole repellent plants such as caper spurge can deter activity
- Vibration deterrents have limited effectiveness but may help in small areas
- Prompt treatment prevents a single mole becoming an established problem
Our treatment approach
We locate active tunnel runs and set professional traps, returning to check and remove moles. Treatment is discreet and causes minimal disturbance to your garden.
Insect infestations
Effective treatment for all crawling and flying insects, including fleas, Ants, Carpet Moth
Insect infestations can be difficult to control without professional treatment. We deal with a wide range of crawling and flying insects including ants, fleas, cluster flies, carpet moths, spiders, woodlice, silverfish, and cockroaches. We identify the pest and apply the appropriate treatment.
Signs of infestation
- Trails of ants leading to food sources
- Ant nests visible in lawns, patios, or under paving
- Small piles of fine soil or debris near nest entrances
- Flying ants during summer months
Prevention tips
- Seal gaps around doors, windows, and pipework
- Keep food in sealed containers and clean up spillages promptly
- Remove potential nest sites such as loose paving or garden debris
Our treatment approach
We apply residual insecticide treatments to nest sites and foraging trails, using professional-grade products targeted to the specific insect species.
Squirrels
Humane removal and proofing for loft and roof space infestations
Grey squirrels in lofts and roof spaces are a serious problem. They gnaw through timbers, insulation, and electrical wiring — creating a significant fire risk. They are also noisy, particularly in the early morning. Once inside, they can be difficult to remove without professional help.
Signs of infestation
- Scratching or scurrying sounds from the loft, especially at dawn
- Droppings in the loft or roof space
- Gnaw marks on timbers, joists, or insulation
- Damaged or displaced roof tiles or soffits
- Visible entry holes around the roofline
Prevention tips
- Trim tree branches that overhang or touch the roof
- Block gaps around soffits, fascias, and roof tiles
- Check the roofline regularly for signs of damage or entry
- Remove food sources such as bird feeders close to the house
Our treatment approach
We use approved trapping methods to remove squirrels humanely and efficiently. Once cleared, we advise on proofing entry points to prevent re-entry — including blocking gaps around soffits, fascias, and roof tiles.
Landlord & letting agent services
We work regularly with landlords and letting agents across West Sussex, providing fast response, written treatment reports, and documentation suitable for tenancy records. Call us to discuss a service agreement for your portfolio.
Get in touch- Written treatment reports provided as standard
- Fast turnaround to minimise void periods
- Discreet service — unmarked vehicles
- Suitable for HMOs and multi-occupancy properties
Not sure what pest you have?
Call us and describe what you've seen — we'll advise you straight away and arrange a visit if needed.
Product Labels
Product labels for the treatments we use are available to download below.