How Long Does Pest Control Take? Complete Guide for West London Homes

Published 30 July 2025

When dealing with an unexpected pest issue, time is often of the essence.

Your first visit from a pest control expert is not simply a spray-and-go service. It involves a thorough inspection, risk assessment, and tailored treatment planning. Expect this first appointment to take between 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the size of your property and the type and severity of the infestation.

1. Initial Consultation and Property Inspection (30–60 Minutes)

When a technician from On Time Pest Control arrives, they begin with a detailed conversation to understand your concerns, identify signs of pest activity, and learn about your property’s layout and vulnerabilities.

This is followed by a meticulous inspection of:

• Attics and basements
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Windows and doorways
• Cracks, crevices, and ventilation systems
• Exterior foundations and garden perimeters

Technicians use specialised tools such as UV lights, moisture meters, and telescopic mirrors to identify pest harbourage zones and potential entry points.

2. Pest Identification and Risk Assessment (15–30 Minutes)

A crucial component of the visit is accurate pest identification. Whether it's rodents, cockroaches, ants, bed bugs, or wasps, each requires a different treatment approach.

Once identified, the technician evaluates:

• The scale of infestation
• Pest breeding grounds
• Hygiene or structural issues contributing to the problem

This allows them to create a customised treatment strategy, explaining the method, materials, safety precautions, and time estimates for complete eradication.

Rodent Control (Mice and Rats)

• Initial Visit Duration: 1–1.5 hours
• Treatment Duration: 2–3 weeks with 2–3 follow-up visits

Rodent treatments typically involve baiting, trapping, and proofing entry points. The technician will set bait stations and return within 7–10 days to monitor and reset as needed.

Cockroach Extermination

• Initial Visit Duration: 1–2 hours
• Treatment Duration: 3–4 weeks with 2–3 follow-ups

Cockroach infestations often require a mix of gel baits, residual sprays, and growth regulators. Kitchens, in particular, demand extensive application behind appliances and in cupboards.

Ant Infestation Removal

• Initial Visit Duration: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours
• Treatment Duration: 1–2 weeks, usually 1–2 visits

Treatments involve residual sprays, non-repellent insecticides, and baiting systems. Outdoor nests may require targeted application in patios, driveways, and foundations.

Bed Bug Eradication

• Initial Visit Duration: 2–3 hours
• Treatment Duration: 3–6 weeks with 2–4 follow-ups

One of the most persistent pests, bed bugs necessitate heat treatments, insecticide sprays, and vacuuming. A follow-up is essential due to their rapid breeding cycle.

Wasp Nest Removal

• Initial Visit Duration: 30–60 minutes
• Treatment Duration: Typically resolved in 1 visit

Wasp nests are treated using professional-grade powders or aerosols, and the nest becomes inactive within a few hours. However, access to the nest location is key to determining the exact treatment time.

How Long Does a Pest Control Visit Take Overall?

Being well-prepared helps reduce treatment time and increases effectiveness.

Here's what you should do before your technician arrives:

• Clear clutter from floors and walls
• Empty kitchen cupboards if insect treatment is required
• Remove pets and cover aquariums
• Vacuum floors to eliminate debris
• Seal food and utensils securely

Aftercare: What Happens After the Visit?

Ventilation and Safety

After indoor spraying, it's important to ventilate the property for at least 1–2 hours. Keep children and pets away from treated areas as per technician instructions.

Monitoring and Follow-Up

Most treatments include scheduled follow-up visits to ensure complete eradication. Technicians will assess trap activity, reapply products if needed, and adjust proofing as necessary.

Prevention Advice

Expect expert advice on long-term pest prevention, including:

• Sealing gaps and cracks
• Proper food storage
• Drainage and moisture control
• Routine inspections

• Local expertise with over a decade of experience in West London
• BPCA-certified technicians ensuring safety and professionalism
• Eco-friendly options available for homes with children and pets
• Rapid response times with same-day appointments often available
• Detailed reporting and follow-up services to guarantee satisfaction

The duration of pest control treatment depends heavily on the type of pest, the level of infestation, and property-specific variables.

However, with On Time Pest Control in West London, you can expect a highly organised and efficient process designed to eliminate pests with minimal disruption and maximum effectiveness.