Pest Control in Reading, Berkshire
Full Guard Pest Control is a family-run pest control company based in Tilehurst, Reading. Since 2020 we have been looking after homes, rented properties and businesses across Reading, from the town centre and Caversham to Earley, Woodley, Whitley, Calcot and Theale. Call us on 0118 405 0156 to talk through your pest problem.
Our BPCA and RSPH-qualified technicians do more than treat the pests you can see. We find out how they are getting in, deal with the activity, and then show you what needs sealing, repairing or changing so the problem is less likely to return.
Phone: 0118 405 0156
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Areas: Reading and the surrounding area, including parts of Wokingham Borough and West Berkshire (RG1, RG2, RG4, RG5, RG6, RG30 and RG31, plus nearby RG7 and RG8).
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Local knowledge of Reading's homes and streets
Reading has a real mix of buildings, and each one gives pests different ways in. The Victorian terraced streets of Newtown, Katesgrove, Coley and around the Oxford Road often have shared roof spaces, worn air bricks and gaps around old pipework that mice and rats use to move between houses. Larger homes in Caversham Heights, Emmer Green and Tilehurst tend to have big lofts, and where gardens back onto woodland, such as Clayfield Copse in Caversham or Blundells Copse in Tilehurst, squirrels are never far away. Newer estates in Lower Earley, Kennet Island and Shinfield have their own weak spots, such as service gaps behind kitchen units and boxed-in pipework.
The Thames, the Kennet and the Holy Brook all run through the town, and the banks, allotments and gardens near them give rats plenty of cover. Busy shopping streets, takeaways and student lets add food waste and bins into the mix. Reading Borough Council does not offer a pest control service, so local homes and businesses rely on private pest controllers. Knowing what to look for in each type of property helps us find the cause sooner.
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Pest control services in Reading
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Homes and landlords
Whether you own your home or let one out, you'll get a straight account of what's going on: the pest, where it's coming from, how we'll treat it and anything you or your tenants need to do beforehand. We treat rented houses and flats across Reading, including shared houses and student lets near the University of Reading, and we work with landlords and letting agents. More on pest control for homes.
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Commercial pest control for Reading businesses
Restaurants, takeaways and shops in the town centre, and the offices, warehouses and business parks around Reading, can't afford a pest sighting in front of customers or an inspector. We provide one-off visits or scheduled inspections, plus straightforward proofing and housekeeping advice. More on commercial pest control.
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Rat and mouse control in Reading
Rats and mice are among the most common pest problems in Reading, especially once the weather turns cold and they look for warmth indoors. We look for droppings, gnaw marks, runs and entry points, treat the activity safely, and recommend proofing such as sealing gaps around pipes and replacing damaged air bricks. Reading Borough Council warns that rats in Reading have a genetic resistance to some poisons, which is one reason shop-bought bait often fails. Details on our rat control and mouse control pages.
Drain surveys for recurring rats
If rats keep coming back after treatment, a damaged drain is often the reason. We carry out drain surveys with a camera to find the break or open pipe they are using, so you know exactly where the problem is. Drain repair work is coming soon. See our specialist services.​
Loft clean-ups and proofing
Once rodents or squirrels have been dealt with, a loft can be left with droppings and spoiled insulation. We can clear up the mess and proof the gaps they were using, such as holes in the brickwork, fascia boards and vents. See specialist services.
Wasp nest removal in Reading
Wasps often build nests under roof tiles, in lofts, sheds, bird boxes and wall cavities, and nests are at their busiest in late summer. We treat the nest safely and give you advice on what to expect afterwards. See wasp nest removal.
Bed bug heat treatment in Reading
Bed bugs arrive on luggage, bags and second-hand furniture, and they spread easily in flats, shared houses, hotels and guest houses. Our heat treatment raises the temperature of the affected rooms to a level bed bugs and their eggs cannot survive. Signs to look for are on our bed bug page.
Squirrels in lofts
Grey squirrels chew through fascia boards and soffits to reach warm loft spaces, where they can damage insulation and wiring. They are a common problem in leafy parts of Reading, such as Caversham Heights, Emmer Green and Tilehurst. We remove them humanely and proof the entry points. See squirrel control.
Pigeon control and solar panel bird mesh
Pigeons love the sheltered gap under rooftop solar panels, and the mess and noise soon follow. We fit solar panel bird mesh around the edge of the panels, and other bird proofing for roofs, ledges and commercial buildings, to stop them nesting. Read about pigeon control.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches hide in warm, dark spots behind kitchen units, fridges and boilers, and are most often found in flats, food businesses and shared buildings. Because they shelter out of sight, treatment needs a careful inspection first. See cockroach control.
Fleas
Fleas usually arrive on cats and dogs, or are left behind by previous occupants when you move into a new home. We treat the property and explain how to deal with pets at the same time so the problem doesn't keep returning. See flea treatment.
Moths
Clothes and carpet moths damage wool, silk and natural fibres, often in wardrobes, under furniture and in rarely moved rugs. We find where the larvae are feeding and treat the affected areas. See moth treatment.
Ants
Ants trailing across kitchen worktops, patios and conservatories are a common sight in Reading in the warmer months. We trace the trail back to the nest and treat it at the source. See ant control.
Flies
From cluster flies gathering in lofts and window frames in autumn to fly problems in commercial kitchens, we find where the flies are coming from and recommend the right treatment or prevention. See fly control.
Moles
Molehills can spoil lawns, paddocks, school fields and sports grounds around Reading. We deal with moles in gardens and grounds and advise you on what to expect. See mole control.
Other pests we treat in Reading
We also deal with rabbits, glis glis, spiders and mosquitoes. Not sure what you've got? Call us on 0118 405 0156 and describe what you've seen.​
Reading areas we cover
We cover the whole of Reading and the surrounding area. Here is a short guide to the kinds of property in each area and the pests they can attract:
Reading town centre, Katesgrove and Coley: Victorian terraces, flats above shops and busy food businesses, where mice, rats and cockroaches can move between connected buildings.
Caversham, Caversham Heights and Emmer Green: larger homes with big lofts and mature gardens near the Thames and Clayfield Copse, which can suit squirrels, rats and wasps.
Tilehurst and Purley on Thames: our home patch. Older and newer homes near woodland such as Blundells Copse, where squirrels can get into lofts, and rats find cover near the Thames at Purley.
Earley and Lower Earley: family homes, student lets near the University of Reading's Whiteknights campus, and gardens near Maiden Erlegh lake, where mice, rats and ants can all be a nuisance.
Woodley: mainly 20th-century homes, where wasps can nest under roof tiles and mice can get into lofts.
Whitley and Kennet Island: a mix of older and newer housing, where rodent proofing matters and bed bugs can spread in rented homes.
Southcote and Calcot: homes close to the River Kennet and the Holy Brook, where rats can find cover along the water and in gardens.
Theale: village homes, plus offices and warehouses on the business parks near the M4.
Shinfield: new-build estates south of the M4, where gaps around service pipes and boxed-in pipework can let mice in.
Can't see your street or village? Give us a ring and we'll confirm. Our full coverage list is on the Where We Operate page, and we also have a page for pest control in Wokingham.
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How it works
1. Call us on 0118 405 0156 and tell us what you have seen or heard.
2. We visit at a time agreed with you, inspect the property and find out what the pest is and how it is getting in.
3. We treat the problem and explain what we have done in plain terms.
4. We help you keep it out with proofing advice, and follow-up visits where the treatment needs them.
Opening hours
Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm.
Why choose Full Guard in Reading
Family-run and local: based in Tilehurst, Reading, and working across the town since 2020.
BPCA and RSPH-qualified technicians.
Fully insured: public liability cover up to £5m.
Checkatrade members.
Discreet service for homes, rentals and commercial sites, from one team.
Cause first: entry points, drains and proofing, not only the pests in view.
Upfront pricing: no-obligation quotes. Site visits may be charged, and you'll hear about any cost before we go ahead.
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Frequently asked questions​
Does Reading Borough Council offer pest control?
No. Reading Borough Council says it does not provide pest control services, so homes and businesses in Reading need to use a private pest controller. The council points people to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) to find a pest controller. Full Guard Pest Control's technicians are BPCA and RSPH-qualified.
Do you cover all of Reading?
Yes. We are based in Tilehurst and cover the whole of Reading, including the town centre, Caversham, Caversham Heights, Emmer Green, Earley, Lower Earley, Woodley, Whitley, Calcot, Southcote, Coley, Katesgrove, Purley on Thames, Theale and Shinfield.
What are your opening hours?
Our phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Call 0118 405 0156.
How much does pest control in Reading cost?
It depends on the pest, the size of the property and how many visits the treatment needs, so we give no-obligation quotes. Site visits may be charged, and we will tell you about any cost before we go ahead.
How soon can you visit?
It depends on the pest and how busy the season is. We will agree an appointment slot with you when you call.
Why do rats keep coming back?
When rats return after treatment, there is usually a way in that is still open, such as a cracked drain, an unsealed pipe or a hole in the brickwork. A drain survey and proofing work help find and close the way in.
Will shop-bought rat poison work in Reading?
Often not. Reading Borough Council warns that rats in Reading have a genetic resistance to some poisons, so over-the-counter products may not be effective. Trained technicians can use professional products and, just as importantly, find out how the rats are getting in.
Do you offer bed bug heat treatment in Reading?
Yes. Our heat treatment raises the temperature of the affected rooms to a level that bed bugs and their eggs cannot survive, and we explain how to prepare the room beforehand.
Can you stop pigeons nesting under solar panels?
Yes. We fit bird mesh around the edge of rooftop solar panels so pigeons cannot get underneath to nest, which also stops the mess and noise that come with them.
Is pest treatment safe for my family and pets?
We choose products and methods to suit the pest and the property, and we tell you about any precautions, such as keeping children and pets out of a treated room for a set time.
Find Full Guard Pest Control on Google
Google reviews and map coming soon.
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Need pest control in Reading?
Call Full Guard Pest Control on 0118 405 0156 to talk through your pest problem or ask for a no-obligation quote. Site visits may be charged. We cover Reading and the surrounding area from our base in Tilehurst.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 7:30am to 8pm. Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 4pm.