Effective date: 1 July 2024
Preventive Pest Control is a Melbourne-based rodent control business. When you contact us, book a service, or visit our website, you share some personal information with us. We take that seriously. This policy explains what we collect, why we collect it, how we keep it safe, and what you can ask us to do with it. We handle your information in line with the Australian Privacy Principles under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
Information We Collect
We collect the details we need to book your job and get our technicians to your door. That includes your name, phone number, email address, and the service address - whether that's a home, a rental, or a commercial property in Melbourne or surrounding suburbs.
When you contact us, we may also record details about your rodent problem, such as where you've seen activity, the type of property, and any access notes for our team. If you pay by card, your payment details are handled by our payment provider - we don't store full card numbers on our systems.
If you browse our website, we may collect standard technical information like your IP address, browser type, and the pages you visit. We use this to understand how people find us and to improve the site.
How We Use Your Information
We use your information to do the job you asked us to do. That means booking your appointment, sending a technician to the right address, calling or texting you about timing, and following up after the service to make sure the rodents are gone.
We also use your details to send invoices, process payments, and keep records of the work we've done at your property. If you've asked us to, we may send you reminders about follow-up treatments or seasonal rodent control.
We may use your contact details to ask for feedback on our service. You can opt out of marketing messages at any time by telling us or using the unsubscribe link in any email we send.
Cookies and Tracking
Our website uses cookies and similar tools to keep the site working properly and to understand how visitors use it. Cookies are small files stored on your device. They help us remember your preferences and see which pages are most useful.
You can set your browser to refuse cookies or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If you turn cookies off, some parts of our website may not work as smoothly, but you can still contact us to book a service.
Analytics and Third-Party Tools
We use trusted third-party tools like Google Analytics to see how people find our website and which pages they visit. These tools collect anonymous or aggregated data - they don't identify you personally.
We may also use booking or scheduling platforms, payment processors, and email providers to run our business. These providers only get the information they need to perform their service, and they're bound by their own privacy obligations.
Some of these providers may store data overseas. Where that happens, we take reasonable steps to make sure your information is handled to a standard consistent with Australian privacy law.
Data Sharing and Disclosure
We don't sell your personal information. We share it only when we need to in order to run our business or when the law requires it.
That might mean sharing your name, address, and job details with our own technicians or subcontractors so they can attend your property. It might also mean sharing information with our accountant, insurer, or legal advisor if needed.
If we're required by law - for example, in response to a court order or a request from a government agency - we'll disclose your information as required. If our business is ever sold or merged, your information may transfer to the new owner under the same privacy commitments.
Data Retention
We keep your personal information for as long as we need it to provide our services and meet our legal obligations. That usually means keeping job records for several years so we can honour warranties, resolve any disputes, and comply with tax and record-keeping rules.
When we no longer need your information, we delete it or make it anonymous. If you'd like us to delete your details sooner, contact us and we'll do so unless we're required by law to keep them.
Data Security
We protect your information with reasonable technical and organisational safeguards. That includes secure systems, restricted access for our team, and secure handling of paper records.
No system is completely immune to risk, but we take privacy seriously and review our practices regularly. If a data breach ever affects your personal information, we'll notify you and the relevant authorities as required by law.
Your Rights
You have the right to ask us what personal information we hold about you, and to request a copy. You can also ask us to correct anything that's wrong or out of date.
If you'd like us to stop sending you marketing messages, just let us know. You can also ask us to delete your information, and we'll do so unless we have a legal reason to keep it.
To make a request, contact us using the details below. We'll respond within a reasonable time. If you're not happy with how we've handled your request, you can contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Children's Privacy
Our services are for adults. We don't knowingly collect personal information from children under 15. If you believe a child has given us their details, please contact us and we'll remove that information.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or the law. When we do, we'll post the new version on this page with a new effective date.
If we make a significant change that affects how we handle your personal information, we'll take reasonable steps to let you know - for example, by email or a notice on our website.