The Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) represents professional pest managers across Australia, sets standards for the pest management industry, and provides information to consumers on urban pest control.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Why should I deal with companies that are members of AEPMA when I’m looking for pest control services?
- If a company is not a member of AEPMA, does that mean they’re no good?
- Why isn’t Membership of AEPMA compulsory?
- If a company is not a member of AEPMA does that mean their operators are not licensed?
- I know what AEPMA stands for. In what way are your members environmentally responsible?
- I saw a company advertising that it is a Member of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Is that you?
- I’ve seen an advert for the Australian Pest Controllers Association (APCA). Is that you?
- Is AEPMA the recognised national Australian association for the pest management industry?
- I’m not happy with the work done by a pest control company, can you recommend an independent expert to give me a report?
- What if I’ve had bad service from a company that is not a member of AEPMA?
- I think I have a termite problem and I’ve had vastly different quotes from three companies. I am confused!
- What is a reasonable price for termite management?
- What standards govern termite treatment?
- I know there are termites in my house. How do I treat them myself?
- I’m thinking of buying a house and need a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) and report completed for the property. How do I specify what I want done?
- Can I just get a termite-free certificate, not a complete inspection?
1. Why should I deal with companies that are members of AEPMA when I’m looking for pest control services?
AEPMA members conform to a Code of Ethics, they are adequately insured for both professional indemnity and public liability and they have access to all the latest technological developments through the Association. Finally, if a misunderstanding should develop between you, the consumer, and your pest management company, the Association can provide mediation services to help you reach a resolution.
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2. If a company is not a member of AEPMA, does that mean they’re no good?
Definitely not. Membership to the AEPMA is not compulsory.
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3. Why isn’t membership of AEPMA compulsory?
Companies cannot be forced to join the AEPMA. However, membership does deliver a number of benefits to industry professionals and consumers alike. Membership provides industry professionals with access to accredited training and professional development, while also providing you, the consumer, with the reassurance that the pest management specialist you have engaged meets the highest industry standards.
4. If a company is not a member of the AEPMA does that mean their operators are not licensed?
No. It is a legal requirement that pest management technicians are licensed by their respective state governments.
5. I know what AEPMA stands for. In what way are your members environmentally responsible?
AEPMA member companies use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques. Our members seek to implement pest control from an understanding of pests’ habits and biology. They will recommend steps to deter a pest, for example blocking off access points or controlling moisture levels. Where it is necessary to use chemicals, our members only use pesticides registered by the National Registration Authority for Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals (the NRA). Also important is that our members apply those pesticides only against the pests for which they are registered and only at the rates and strengths stipulated on the approved label. Finally they will recommend what you should do in the future to avoid or minimise further problems.
6. I saw a company advertising that it is a member of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Is that you?
No. That is an American association, not Australian industry association.
7. I’ve seen an advert for the Australian Pest Controllers Association (APCA). Is that you?
No. That is a small separately incorporated association based in Sydney and has no tie to AEPMA.
8. Is the AEPMA the recognised national Australian association for the pest management industry?
Yes, we have branches across Australia and the national office in Brisbane.
9. I’m not happy with the work completed by a pest control company, can you recommend an independent expert to give me a report?
If the company is an AEPMA member, we can discuss your problem with the company management in the hope that an amicable solution can be reached. If the organisation is a member you may make a formal complaint to us. If the company is not a member you’ll need to contact your state/territories’ Department of Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs to report your problem. You will need to clarify that the company is not a member of the AEPMA as these departments often refer complaints to the AEPMA to assist, under the false assumption that all pest control companies are AEPMA members.
10. What if I’ve had bad service from a company that is not a member of AEPMA?
Unfortunately we cannot provide mediation services between you and a non-member. You can contact your state or territories’ Department of Fair Trading or Consumer Affairs for advice.
11. I think I have a termite problem and I’ve had vastly different quotes from three companies. I am confused!
It is important to be clear on the service that each provider is offering. It may be that the lowest quotation is for basic “dusting treatment” with no warranty and no barrier treatment against subsequent infestation. It may also be that the highest quote involves installing bait stations for a colony elimination system, which involves regular inspections and monitoring and therefore is a more expensive service. Take the time to ask the provider exactly what the treatment will entail and ensure you are comparing ‘like with like’.
12. What is a reasonable price for termite treatments?
As each situation is different, we cannot advise on price. However, we would recommend that you source quotes from at least two different providers and ask them for a detailed breakdown of what the service is likely to entail.
13. What standards govern termite management?
Australian Standards AS3660.1 – 2000 set out requirements for termite management for new buildings and AS3660.2 – 2000 sets out guidelines for termite management in and around existing buildings.
14. I know there are termites in my house. How do I treat them myself?
We recommend that you engage a professional pest manager. The termiticides required for the job are only available to licensed pest controllers and can be harmful to people and pets if not handled correctly.
15. I’m thinking of buying a house and need a pre-purchase inspection (PPI) and report completed for the property. How do I specify what I want done?
Use the Search for a Professional Pest Manager function to find your closest pest manager. Specify that the PPI must be done according to Australian Standard AS4349.3 – 2010, Inspection of Buildings, Timber Pest Inspections. Please refer to the Timber Pest Inspections page for additional information.
16. Can I just get a termite-free certificate, not a complete inspection?
We recommend that you have an inspection done according to Australian Standard AS4349.3, which also looks for other timber pests such as borers and wood decay or rot.
