I was looking for advice on how to avoid cowboy companies, I have had to use pest control companies in the past and feel that some of them are nothing more than cowboys (despite being charged large sums of money I still had my pests).
What advice could you give me on how to choose a reputable company?

Don't be misled by the biggest advert in yellow pages, or by some of the big operators. Word of mouth is best,failing that look for membership of The BPCA or NPTA you can check if members by phoning these organisations.Try and get a few quotes to see what the general price is,then don't always go for the lowest. Do they turn up in a tatty van or jeans. Trust your instinct. In what way have you been ripped off.I expect Hugh will reply as well. What part of the country are you.

Hello Hellen

Nick has given you some great points to watch for, as he says if you can, try to
use a company which has been recommended by a friend.

With most domestic pest control treatments you should be able to obtain a price over
the phone e.g. :- Wasp nests, Fleas etc.

If you want to give us some details of previous work we could give you an idea of how
much you should be paying.

Regards
Hugh

PS Thanks Nick for the Reply