Why is Queenstown harder to book than Dunedin?
Demand and housing: the Lakes have more work than trades most of the year, and many businesses are quoting weeks out. Putting your dates and flexibility in the request is what gets a usable answer rather than silence.
How do I stop rats coming back?
Baiting deals with the ones inside; proofing is what stops the next lot. Ask whether the quote includes finding and blocking the entry points, because a treatment without it is a subscription rather than a fix.
Is it safe with pets and children?
Modern treatments are targeted and a good operator will tell you what to keep away from and for how long. Say in your request that you have pets or small children so the quote accounts for it.
Do I have to leave the house?
For most treatments, no, or only for a few hours. Fumigation is the exception. It should be stated in the quote rather than sprung on you on the day.
Who pays, me or my landlord?
In New Zealand it usually turns on whether the problem existed at the start of the tenancy and whether the property is properly proofed. If you are renting, raise it with your landlord before booking.