Angus Trusted Trader Case Study - Pest King

Friday 01 May 2026

From forensic science to founding a pest control business

Coming out of Abertay University with a forensic science degree, the last thing I expected was a career tackling pest infestations. Yet after spending over five years honing my skills at a large national pest control company, progressing from hands-on technician to surveyor and account manager, I decided it was time to strike out on my own.

I founded Pest King in late 2024, based in Brechin, Angus. We serve homes and businesses throughout North East Scotland, reaching across Angus, Dundee, Aberdeen, Perth, Stirling, Fife and many surrounding towns and rural areas.

Our work ranges from urgent rodent and insect treatments to wasp nest removal, bird proofing, loft clearances and tailored commercial maintenance contracts. Demand took off faster than I anticipated. With a small team, we have earned strong local trust, with hundreds of five-star reviews, and we are proud to be NPTA registered along with TrustMark approval and Angus Trusted Trader status.

Why we joined the Angus Trusted Trader scheme

In pest control, trust is everything, but the industry can sometimes feel overcrowded with unverified operators. We joined the Angus Trusted Trader scheme because we wanted an independent stamp of approval from Trading Standards. It helps us stand out as a properly vetted, professional local company that customers can rely on with confidence.

The vetting process itself was detailed yet surprisingly smooth and logical. Every check, from insurance and qualifications to trading references, felt purposeful and fair. The conversations we had with the Trusted Trader team during approval were friendly, professional and genuinely supportive, they made the whole experience straightforward.

The impact on our business

Membership has comfortably met what we hoped for. The Trusted Trader status does not just bring enquiries directly from the website, it gives reassurance to customers who find us through Google, recommendations or social media. That added credibility has helped turn more enquiries into booked jobs, particularly for homeowners and landlords who value accountability and peace of mind.

“Joining Trusted Trader has proven to be one of the best decisions we have made.”

We promote our membership at every opportunity. The Angus Trusted Trader logo appears on our website, company vans, quotations, invoices, email footers and social media. We display the certificate proudly and encourage customers to check our verified status. Plenty of people have told us the logo was the deciding factor that made them feel safe choosing us. Joining the Angus Trusted Trader scheme has boosted customer confidence from day one, and that trust has been a real catalyst in helping Pest King establish itself so quickly.

Services and areas covered

From its base at Southesk Street in Brechin, Pest King handles rodent control for rats and mice, insect treatments and cockroach management, wasp nest removal, ant infestations, and bed bug, flea and general pest work. Alongside one off treatments the company takes on ongoing pest prevention contracts, and it offers bird control for premises where gulls, pigeons and other nesting birds are the problem. Work is carried out for both residential and commercial customers, and the business states that it uses current industry techniques with safe, targeted products and full insurance in place.

The service area reaches well beyond Angus, taking in Dundee, Aberdeen, Perth, Stirling, Fife and Falkirk, and the company aims to get to site quickly, often the same day or the next day. Technicians are qualified to RSPH Level 2, and the business holds NPTA membership number 2888 as well as TrustMark approval, Think Wildlife approval and BASIS PROMPT registration. IPAF and PASMA training covers the powered access and mobile tower work that higher level bird proofing sometimes calls for. Pest King is also a Living Wage Employer, and joined the Angus Trusted Trader scheme in 2025.

Looking ahead

I take huge pride in how Pest King has developed from a solo venture into a respected local service in such a short space of time. What keeps me motivated is helping people regain control of their homes and businesses when pests cause chaos and stress, whether dealing with a stubborn rat problem or a sudden wasp invasion, and doing so with safe, effective and considerate methods.

We stay committed to continuous training, using the most up-to-date humane and environmentally responsible techniques, alongside clear prevention advice so customers are not just treated once but supported long-term. Our goal is steady, responsible growth while always upholding the professional standards that earned us Trusted Trader recognition.

We are grateful for the backing the scheme offers and optimistic about continuing to serve communities across North East Scotland with reliability and care.

Ben West
Managing Director

Common questions

What does Trading Standards vetted mean?
The business and its owners have been vetted by Trading Standards before being admitted to the scheme, and Pest King has been an Angus Trusted Trader since 2025. Trading Standards vet the business and its owners, they do not check, inspect or approve the quality of the work carried out.

What areas does Pest King cover?
Pest King is based in Brechin and covers Angus, Dundee, Aberdeen, Perth, Stirling and Fife, along with the surrounding towns and rural areas of North East Scotland.

What pest control services does Pest King offer?
Rodent control for rats and mice, insect treatments and cockroach management, wasp nest removal, ant infestations, bed bug and flea treatment, bird proofing, loft clearances, and both one off treatments and ongoing pest prevention contracts for commercial premises.

• View Pest King's Angus Trusted Trader profile.
• Read Pest King's verified customer reviews.
• If you would like to become a Trusted Trader, you can apply here.
• If you are a Trusted Trader and would like to leave a case study either as text or as a video, get in touch.