Social housing provider Stonewater has signed a national contract with AGS One Pest Control for the provision of advice and treatment.

The contract will replace ad-hoc works and varied service-level agreements with pest control companies. Stonewater customers will be visited within 24 hours of reporting an urgent pest control problem, with the visit followed up by advice and treatment works to eradicate problems and prevent any recurring issues. 

The new deal with ASG, which carries out pest control works for Transport for London and several councils, will include proofing works such as blocking holes as well as low-level remedial works being actioned on the first visit if necessary.  

Along with more emphasis on identifying the causes and sources of infestation and working with customers and communities to solve them, the aim of the new contract is to ensure early intervention to prevent further spread of pests and remove the need to call in other contractors, causing potential delays.

Catherine Preece, Stonewater’s performance and delivery manager (tenancy and  leasehold) said: “Under the growing spotlight the Housing Ombudsman is placing on  pest control and housing quality, this procurement process and contract is an important piece of work for Stonewater in streamlining services and continuing to increase customer satisfaction.

“It has been developed in consultation with customers and will provide them with a clearer and more efficient service, with consistency of contractor and speed of works being particularly positive aspects of the new partnership.”

David McMillan, ASG’s general manager, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this contract by Stonewater, and are fully committed to delivering the  highest level of service to its customers. Our team is ready to provide swift and effective pest control solutions, and we’re particularly excited about the proactive approach this contract represents. 

“We believe that prevention and early intervention are key to managing pest control effectively, and we’re looking forward to working closely with Stonewater and its  customers to achieve this. The recruitment of new employees to work on this contract also aligns with our commitment to supporting local communities and contributing to economic growth.”