Case Study - Control Solutions Pest Control Ltd

Tuesday 6 October 2026

Suffolk Trusted Trader Goes Above and Beyond

A 91-year-old Suffolk resident was left distressed after paying approximately £600 to a rogue trader for a number of mouse bait boxes, with little evidence that the underlying pest problem had been properly addressed. The matter was reported to Suffolk Trading Standards, who are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the work carried out.

Concerned about the resident's wellbeing and wanting to understand the extent of the problem, Paul Miles, Fraud Protect & Prevent Officer at Suffolk Trading Standards, contacted Control Solutions Pest Control Ltd of Ipswich, a member of the Suffolk Trusted Trader scheme.

"My priority was the resident," said Paul. "I have always been a strong advocate of the Suffolk Trusted Trader scheme. Over the years, Trusted Traders have worked alongside Suffolk Trading Standards to help put things right after rogue traders have caused significant problems for Suffolk residents."

Initially, Paul only requested that the company carry out a survey of the property so that Trading Standards could better understand the situation. However, when owner Ben Goodrum attended the address, he discovered a significant mouse infestation and immediately set about helping the resident.

"I was delighted when Ben agreed to have a look," Paul explained. "What I didn't expect was for him and his team to carry out the necessary treatment, provide ongoing support and maintenance visits, and do so entirely free of charge. It was an incredible act of kindness and professionalism."

Ben and his team not only treated the property but also committed to making regular follow-up visits to ensure the issue was fully resolved. Their actions provided reassurance and practical support to a vulnerable resident at a time when she needed it most.

“It was an incredible act of kindness and professionalism.”

Control Solutions Pest Control Ltd has been a Trading Standards Approved Trader on the Suffolk Trusted Trader scheme since 2023. As a Trusted Trader, the business and its owners have been checked and approved by Trading Standards, and they have signed up to the scheme's Code of Practice. You can read their verified customer reviews on their profile.

Paul's role within Suffolk Trading Standards focuses on supporting communities, helping residents protect themselves against scams and fraud, and delivering awareness training across the county. With fraud now accounting for more than 40% of all recorded crime, prevention and education have never been more important.

Working closely with Lauren Speirs from Suffolk Constabulary, Paul helped establish Suffolk Against Fraud (SAF), a joint partnership between Suffolk Trading Standards and Suffolk Constabulary. Launched in July 2026, SAF brings together public services, businesses, charities, and community organisations every couple of months to share intelligence, discuss emerging fraud trends, and coordinate responses to protect Suffolk residents.

"We've already achieved some fantastic results," said Paul. "Whether it's working with banks to recover money lost to scams, supporting vulnerable victims, or simply spreading awareness, the partnership is making a real difference across Suffolk."

Paul also encourages residents to use the Suffolk Trusted Trader scheme whenever they need work carried out at their homes.

"We're always advising Suffolk residents to check the Suffolk Trusted Trader website before employing a tradesperson. It provides peace of mind that the business and its owners have been checked and approved by Trading Standards."

This story perfectly highlights the values that underpin the scheme. Control Solutions Pest Control Ltd demonstrated not only professional expertise but genuine compassion and community spirit.

"I cannot thank Ben and the team enough for going above and beyond for this resident," Paul added. "In what can often feel like a very challenging world, it's wonderful to see businesses stepping up to support vulnerable members of our community. They have made a real difference to this lady's life, and they thoroughly deserve recognition for it."

About Control Solutions Pest Control Ltd

Control Solutions Pest Control Ltd was set up by Ben Goodrum, who came to it after working as a manager for Rentokil and as an inspector for Igrox Pest Management. The business works from Cristal Business Centre on Knightsdale Road in Ipswich, helping householders and businesses with pest and vermin control, property inspections and waste management.

The team is trained to Level Three in pest management, and the business holds memberships of the RSPH, CIEH, BPCA and BASIS PROMPT, with training refreshed every year. Treatments are matched to the problem: pesticide free thermo steaming for insects such as bedbugs, moths and fleas, modern pesticides where they are the right answer, trapping for rats and other mammals, and newer rodenticides that carry no risk of secondary poisoning to birds of prey and wildlife.

Customers tell a similar story to Paul's. Wasp nests removed within hours of a phone call, a mouse problem in a garage and loft followed through over several visits until it was gone, and practical advice given freely along the way. Whatever the pest, Ben is happy to answer questions and give confidential advice, on 01473 402654 or through the Suffolk Trusted Trader profile.

Common questions

What should I do if I think a rogue trader has taken advantage of me or a relative?
Report it to Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 223 1133. If someone is at the door and you feel threatened, call the police on 999. Before employing anyone to work at your home, check the Suffolk Trusted Trader website for a business whose owners have been checked and approved by Trading Standards.

What pests does Control Solutions Pest Control Ltd deal with?
All types, including rats, mice, wasps, bedbugs, moths and fleas. Methods range from pesticide free thermo steaming for insects to modern pesticides, trapping for rats and other mammals, and newer rodenticides with no secondary poisoning risk to birds of prey and wildlife. The business works from Knightsdale Road in Ipswich.

What does Trading Standards Approved mean?
The business and its owners have been checked and approved by Trading Standards before being admitted to the scheme, and the business has signed up to the scheme's Code of Practice. Trading Standards check and approve the business and its owners, they do not check, inspect or approve the quality of the work carried out.

• View Control Solutions Pest Control Ltd's Suffolk Trusted Trader profile.
• Read Control Solutions Pest Control Ltd'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.