RESIDENTS are being urged by Pendle Council's Environmental Health Officers to be particularly vigilant in the choice of pest control services following the BBC programme "Rogue Traders".

The progamme transmitted last week featured examples of blatant malpractice and overcharging by a number of contractors in the South of England.

Stuart Arnott, Pendle Council's Environmental Health Manager, said: "It is important that residents who need a pest control treatment make sure that any contractor is qualified and trained for the job.

"The programme highlighted how easy it is for untrained people to set up what appears to be a legitimate business and then prey on susceptible individuals."

He added: "Some of the practices highlighted were atrocious -- people's health was being put at risk by the blatant malpractices."

Pendle Council's Environmental Health service operates a domestic pest control service which includes free advice and treatment for all rats, mice, cockroach and other public health insect pests.

For advice and information, or to arrange a visit, residents are encouraged to call Pendle Council's Environmental Health section on 661661 or to visit the council's website on www.pendle.gov.uk.