Wishing everyone a Happy Easter across Herefordshire and Worcestershire from PGM Pest Control! Don't worry about rats, mice or any other pests over the Easter break - PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford and Worcester - open for business as usual! Don’t let rats spoil your Easter break, give PGM & Son Pest Control a call for all your pest control needs. Unfortunately rats and mice live wherever humans live. These rodents have a remarkable ability to adapt and survive. As they forage for food, they will inadvertently contaminate food storage areas, and damage buildings, and other property by their constant gnawing and burrowing. They also can spread diseases to people and pets. ​ We are an award winning family business servicing Residential, Commercial, and Food Service establishments in Hereford and Worcester. Customer satisfaction is our priority Putting our customers first is the key to our exceptional service at every visit Local & family owned We bring family values to our business Our local presence enables quick communication and response We put our customers at the heart of our business Animal welfare is high on our agenda Operating a fair pricing policy - there are no hidden charges and our prices are reflective of the work required and service we provide Abide by strict health & safety guidelines Fully qualified, professional and trustworthy Fully insured, £5 million+ Liability Insurance 100% Qualified Staff 24 Hour Service PGM & SON are members of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), the UK's trade body for pest management. Find out what that means here. "Pests are our passion, we follow the CRRU Code of Best Practice" Are you looking for the best and affordable Pest Control Company in Hereford? We provide the most effective pest control treatments to eliminate any pest problem for residential and commercial properties. ​ Our team are trained and certified to protect your home or business from any pest. Why have pests if you can prevent them? Wasp Nest Removal | Rat Infestations | Mice | Moles | Carpet Moths | Carpet Beetles Cluster Flies | Cockroaches | Birds | Ants | Fleas | Hornets | Bedbugs | Termite Control Waste Removal and more!

Environmentally Friendly We carry the latest in effective environmentally friendly, non-toxic pest control products. Please ask us for more information. Residential homeowners may be more at risk from chemical-based pesticide products than from the insects they are trying to control. Parents looking to ensure the safety of children and pets should try safe, non-toxic control methods for controlling insect pests before resorting to potent chemical formulations. We assist our customers with preventative measures and proofing works to help protect their home and the environment too. Our green pest control solutions emphasise quality service, food safety, public safety, collaboration and communication, respect for the environment and the protection of your facility and reputation. At PGM & SON we believe in having a minimal impact on the environment in everything we do. This includes our technician route planning, fuel efficient vehicles, paperless billing, and most importantly the products we use to treat pest infestations. Many of the products we use have a minimal impact on the environment while increasing effectiveness. And, we're keen to educate our customers and assist with proofing and preventative works to minimise the effect on the environment, your home, wildlife and other non target species. That's got to be a good thing!! We are Hereford Pest Control Services, Driving Excellence in Pest Management. Ten reasons why are we different to other pest control companies in Hereford? We Are Local and Family Run And Owned Fast Response Local BPCA Certified Pest Control Experts Honest And Reliable, We Put Our Customers First Fully Insured And Qualified Award Winning We Care About The Environment! Your Satisfaction Is Our Priority We Provide An Education And Prevention Strategy Eco Friendly, Children And Pet Safe Pest Control Solutions Inspect. Detect. Protect. The Right People | The Right Solutions. Proof we’re fit for the fight PGM & SON is a member of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) – the trade body for the pest management industry in the UK. Our members logo is earned and we’re proud to display it because membership is a sign of professionalism and a mark of quality. BPCA promotes best practice and being part of the organisation provides independent proof that we’re committed to excellence in every part of our business Our BPCA membership proves we’re committed to excellence in every part of our business. Our family and pet friendly technologies have made PGM & SON a leader in environmentally friendly pest control. We are your recommended local Pest Control Management Services in Herefordshire. Get in touch today for help, support and guidance. For all your pest control needs, give PGM Pest Control Hereford a call on 07964 370480 or 01981 251116 for a free no-obligation chat. | If you prefer, email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use the live chat facility on our website.

It is important for us all to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom, and to those who continue to serve our country today and everday. As Remembrance Sunday approaches, we look at the horrors of WWI through a pest lens. Rats were often referred to as corpse rats. In their millions they swarmed through No-Mans Land and gnawed on the corpses of the fallen soldiers. Rat’s Presence in the Trenches As so many of the soldiers who were killed in the trenches were buried where they fell - as new trenches were needed to be dug or existing ones subsided significant numbers of decomposing bodies were exposed just below the surface - this would attract rats in their millions. Food disposal methods were absent and this gave the rats an attractive food source with discarded cans thrown just outside of the trenches. How Rats Impacted Soldiers’ Lives Rats would creep over the soldiers in the night and rat hunting became a sport when boredom set in. The soldiers weren’t allowed to shoot rats as ammunition was precious and had to be preserved but instead, they used their bayonets to pierce them. How the Rats Contributed to the Spread of Diseases Rats loved the trenches as conditions were ideal for them. There was shelter, food and water source for them, and this enabled them to breed rapidly and in their millions. As the rats become bigger and bolder over time, they would even eat food from soldiers’ hands and some soldiers captured and kept them as pets to give them a brief respite from the horrors all around. Disease was rife in the trenches and soldiers could as easily be defeated by disease as by bullets. Diseases such as Weil’s Disease and Trench Foot The Historical Significance of Rats During World War I Some extracts from those in the trenches give us an insight into the appalling conditions these men suffered and how this enabled rats to thrive: Robert Graves remarked in his book, Goodbye to All That: "Rats came up from the canal, fed on the plentiful corpses, and multiplied exceedingly. While I stayed here with the Welch a new officer joined the company and, in token of welcome, was given a dug-out containing a spring-bed. When he turned in that night he heard a scuffling, shone his torch on the bed, and found two rats on his blanket tussling for the possession of a severed hand." George Coppard gave another reason why the rats were so large: "There was no proper system of waste disposal in trench life. Empty tins of all kinds were flung away over the top on both sides of the trench. Millions of tins were thus available for all the rats in France and Belgium in hundreds of miles of trenches. During brief moments of quiet at night, one could hear a continuous rattle of tins moving against each other. The rats were turning them over." The Psychological Effects of Seeing and Living with Rats Some of these rats grew extremely large. Harry Patch claimed that "there were rats as big as cats". Another soldier wrote: "The rats were huge. They were so big they would eat a wounded man if he couldn't defend himself." These rats became very bold and would attempt to take food from the pockets of sleeping men. Two or three rats would always be found on a dead body. They usually went for the eyes first and then they burrowed their way right into the corpse. One soldier described finding a group of dead bodies while on patrol: "I saw some rats running from under the dead men's greatcoats, enormous rats, fat with human flesh. My heart pounded as we edged towards one of the bodies. His helmet had rolled off. The man displayed a grimacing face, stripped of flesh; the skull bare, the eyes devoured and from the yawning mouth leapt a rat." These are unimaginable horrors to us today.

1st August 2021 We are proud to announce that PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford has been accepted as a member of a national trade body representing excellence, professionalism and best practice in the pest control industry. PGM & SON, based in Herefordshire, has become a member of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), the UK’s biggest trade body for the sector. The company had to fulfil strict membership criteria to gain BPCA membership and Pest Controller and Owner, Phil Martin said the move demonstrated a commitment to providing an excellent service to customers in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire area. Phil Martin said: “BPCA promotes the highest standards of professionalism within the industry and every business must prove its competence before membership is accepted. “Joining the association gives assurance to our customers that we’re meeting high standards in everything we do and provides us with opportunities to access on-going training and expert advice. “BPCA membership also gives us technical and business support as well as a great communications network keeping us abreast of the latest industry developments alongside providing opportunities to grow our business. “Anyone can find themselves with an unexpected pest situation and clients need to have confidence that the people they ask for help know how to tackle the issue in the most effective way. “Our BPCA membership immediately demonstrates we take what we do seriously and that we work to best practices within the industry.” The BPCA works with pest control companies of all shapes and sizes, offering a range of technical advice, business support and access to the latest expert guidance. The trade body also provides training courses and seminars as well as assistance with legislation, marketing and Continuous Professional Development schemes. Ian Andrew, chief executive of BPCA, said: “Membership of the BPCA requires businesses to be insured, with qualified staff who adhere to our Codes of Conduct and Best Practice. “Pest control can be a complex industry, with an extensive knowledge of products, procedures and legislation required to find the most appropriate solution to a pest problem. “Our members benefit from access to a host of support services and from the diverse membership options we offer, bringing together grass roots pest controllers working on the ground, manufacturers and distributors, specialists, experts and members of the international pest control community.” For more information about the BPCA, visit: https://bpca.org.uk/ The British Pest Control Association is the UK trade association representing organisations with a professional interest in the eradication of public health pests. It is a not-for-profit organisation which acts in the interests of members and on behalf of the pest management industry in the UK. The Association places great importance on promoting the highest standards of professionalism within the industry and all organisations must prove their competence before membership is accepted. It highlights risks of inadequate control, offers guidance in searching for a pest control contractor, provides general pest advice and guidance documentation.

The two main hornets we might find in the UK are the Asian hornet and the European hornet. Asian hornet alert! Asian hornets don’t pose any greater risk to humans than the European hornet but they do pose a serious threat to honey bee populations. Asian hornets can, cause major damage to honeybee colonies and that’s not on! As Herefordshire knows, at PGM & Son Pest Control we LOVE OUR BEES #LETTHEMBEE It is crucial that any potential sightings are reported so experts can take quick and effective action to eradicate Yellow-Legged Asian Hornets. The best way is to use the 'Asian Hornet Watch' app to record and report any sightings. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices. Photos and videos can also be sent by email to: alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet Sightings and Incursion Map > A HORNET PROBLEM Hornets are big, much bigger than the common wasp and due to their size and features their appearance can be alarming. Hornets also make a very loud buzzing noise which can be quite frightening, particularly near a hornet nest. Hornets can sting multiple times and, due to the level of venom they carry a single hornet sting can be extremely painful. Some members of the public may have allergies, and these can sometimes cause anaphylaxis which is very serious and requires immediate medical attention. ARE HORNETS GOOD FOR ANYTHING? Yes! Hornets are Mother Nature’s pest controller. Hornets feed on aphids, so they are great for gardeners. Hornets are also important pollinators. REASONS NOT TO FEAR HORNETS Despite their fearsome appearance hornets aren’t an aggressive pest. Hornets are quite shy insects and, away from their nest, it’s very rare to encounter a run-in with a hornet. HOW TO GET RID OF HORNETS If you do have a hornets’ nest it is best to call in the professional pest controllers. In Herefordshire call award-winning pest controllers at PGM & Son Pest Control for Hornet Nest Removal. You should never approach or touch a hornets’ nest or attempt to move it Hornets will attack under threat and professional pest controllers have the training and equipment to deal with hornets. If you have a hornets’ nest don’t panic, give PGM & Son Pest Control a call on 01981 540088 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use the AI Pest Assist facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now!

No-one will dispute that the last year has been difficult. This week we’re taking a look at what the pest industry has been reporting over the last 12 months. In March 2020, the British Pest Control Association reported that pest control was critical to sustaining public health during the Covid-19 crisis. The BPCA reported that although pest control workers had gained key worker status in the USA, France, Germany, Italy and other countries, this was not the case in the UK. The BPCA started to lobby Government on behalf of pest controllers. In the same month, the BPCA urged householders to remain vigilant to pest infestations, following concerns about bin collections during the first lockdown. In April 2020 the BPCA published survey results showing a significant increase in rat and mice activity during the pandemic. April also saw pest controllers confirmed as having key worker status by George Eustice, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). And, in May, the BPCA urged businesses to think about maintaining pest control during lockdown and why and how fast pests can thrive in closed premises. Businesses were given advice by the BPCA in June 2020 to be pest ready to re-open after lockdown. September 2020 saw the BPCA publishing two articles on controlling grey squirrels and preventative advice for squirrel management. October and November 2020 were all about cockroaches as the heating started to be turned up as we entered Autumn. And as we entered the Winter months from November through to February 2021, the BPCA reported on rodents, rodent control and avian flu. It also reported on the impact of lockdown on pest control. Overall, we’ve seen the pest cycle remain broadly similar to normal years. The pest control industry has reported a rise in pest activity which has been exacerbated by factors arising from the pandemic and the lockdown restrictions. As we head to more normal life again, once thing is for sure – pests management and control will continue to be needed. Wasp season is almost upon us and as we start to see the numbers of wasp related call outs across Herefordshire, it’s a good time to remind Hereford residents and businesses to call your local, reliable wasp control. PGM & Son Wasp Control Hereford – we’re the wasp guys you need this Summer! For all your wasp problems call wasp control Hereford. For all your pest control needs, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call on 01981 251116 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for help, advice and guidance so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now!

Announcement: PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford are Named as Finalists in the National Pest Awards 2021 For the second time in a row, PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford has been selected as finalists in the prestigious pest industry event in the category of Sole Trader of the Year 2021. Having won the category in the British Pest Management Awards in 2019, PGM & SON Pest Control are absolutely delighted to announce they have again been selected as finalists. Phil Martin, owner, and pest controller at PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been named as finalists in this important industry event which recognises those who have excelled across the pest industry in the UK. We’re very much looking forward to attending the awards ceremony with colleagues and peers.” British Pest Management Awards winners 2019 – PGM & Son Pest Control Wish PGM & Son Pest Control good luck for the National Pest Awards Final 2021 at the House of Commons in September. The award ceremony will be held at the House of Commons on 9th September 2021 where the winners will be announced before the celebrations move to London County Hall. #PESTAwards21 For all your pest control needs, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call on 01981 251116 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for pest advice, support and guidance so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now!

Flies can be a real pain, especially in great numbers. But are they a public health issue? Flies can pose a health risk as they can spread disease and contaminate food. Flies multiply rapidly and can mature to adults from eggs in around seven days as they have a short life cycle. This is why a fly problem can become a significant issue. Food businesses need to take fly infestations seriously as they can cause disruption to business and damage to reputation. With current lockdown restrictions impose on the country, restaurants, pubs and hotels are not having customers eat on their premises but this doesn’t mean they can ignore a fly problem, particularly if they are continuing to provide click and collect and delivery services. Businesses still have staff working on site and flies can cause a risk to employee health. Vacant businesses may return to re-open to find they need to eradicate a pest infestation and undertake a major clear up job as well. The types of disease flies can carry include: E.Coli Shigellosis Salmonella Myiasis Cryptosporididium Fun Fly Fact: did you know that there are around 120,000 fly species worldwide? It’s not just restaurants, pubs and hotels that need to consider the risk of a fly infestation in their business. Any food environment needs to take note and this includes residential properties, poultry farms, food processing plants, retail food outlets such as supermarkets and small food retailers, pet food stores and anywhere that food is held. Food safety is paramount; public health is a top priority and needs to be taken seriously. PRACTICAL STEPS TO KEEP FLIES AT BAY: Keeping food preparation areas clean and tidy Remove and dispose of rubbish regularly particularly in warmer conditions Ensure bins have tight fitting lids Keep food items in sealed storage containers Use screens to cover windows and air vents Keep doors and windows shut when not in use unless covered by suitable fly screening Carry out regular building maintenance, for example to seal gaps and to clear drains - If you experience a fly problem give PGM Fly Control Hereford a call - For all your pest control needs, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call on 01981 251116 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now on 07964 370480.

CALL PGM & SON PEST CONTROL – WE’VE GOT IT COVERED! If you’re experiencing problems with rats, mice, bedbugs, fleas, cockroaches, carpet moth, squirrels, woodworm, flies or any other pest problem give us a call at PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford for help and advice. PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford is a local, family run business offering pest control solutions to residents and business across Herefordshire. We deal with all sorts of pest issues so if you have a pest problem contact PGM & Son Pest Control today! PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford also offers commercial pest management contracts, pest waste cleaning and removal services, including loft clearance, insect identification and much more! Why choose PGM & Son Pest Control for your pest control needs> 10 reasons to choose PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford: WE’RE LOCAL WE OFFER FAST RESPONSE, EMERGENCY CALL OUTS AND SAME DAY SERVICE OUR SERVICES PROVIDE VALUE FOR MONEY FULLY QUALIFIED WITH THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH WE’RE AWARD WINNING: SOLE TRADER OF THE YEAR 2019 BRITISH PEST MANAGEMENTN AWARDS; FINALISTS HEREFORDSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS 2019 COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND WE CHAMPION GREEN – #makepestcontrolgreenagain WE PROVIDE TAILORED SERVICES PUTTING OUR CUSTOMERS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO WE COME RECOMMENDED – CHECK OUT OUR REVIEWS! WE HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE – WE’RE MEMBERS OF A RECOGNISED CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY SCHEME Ask us for more information and ALWAYS check out your pest controller before handing over any more – sadly we see some poor practices out there. If you need pest control in Herefordshire or Worcestershire, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call today to book your appointment. Call us on 01981 251 116 or 07964 370480. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk FORGET THE REST AND CALL IN THE BEST! - PGM & SON HEREFORD PEST CONTROL SERVICES -

This week brings fresh reports of a significant increase in the rat population across the UK. Rats are becoming immune to rodenticides More worryingly, the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU), recent survey results highlighted that 74% of the rats they analysed carried a resistance gene. In 2017, one rat was found to have two different resistance genes; referred to as ‘hybrid resistance’. The CRRU reported concerns that the recent survey identified 1 in 5 rats with the hybrid resistance in widespread locations across the country. The CRRU found that ⅓ of Farmers don’t know which rodenticides they are using The CRRU also found that only 28% of farmers claimed to know the active ingredient in the rodenticides they were using. Why is this a problem? Rodenticides are hazardous to non-target species. They can cause illness or death to wildlife which are exposed to their active ingredients. The public doesn’t generally hold a fondness for rats but indigenous wildlife is another matter. Rodenticides, when not used responsibly and under strict controls, can cause the death of much loved British wildlife such as barn owls, otters, field mice, voles and kestrels. There is also a risk of accidental exposure to humans. Rodenticides are also harmful to the environment. The solution? Solutions include: Increased preventative pest control measures Employing risk management hierarchies tailored to the sites where rat infestations are prevalent Reducing wildlife exposure Improved user practices Periodic assessments of users’ knowledge, attitudes and practices Regular surveys of exposures to wildlife and resistance in rodents Why do we need to continue to use rodenticides? There is an important balance to be struck. These products play an important role in food hygiene, public health and animal husbandry. Their use is essential for the protection of human and animal health and yet when used incorrectly or irresponsibly they cause widespread contamination of wildlife in the UK. It is unacceptable to: × Ignore obvious, non-toxic, measures that would make sites less attractive to rat infestations × Repeatedly use rodenticides rather than addressing the root causes of rat infestations A final message from the CRRU: “The onus is squarely on rodenticide users to maximise their knowledge and make responsible fact-based decisions about control measures.” ASK YOUR PEST CONTROLLER ABOUT RESPONSIBLE RODENTICIDE USE. ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR PEST CONTROLLER TELLS YOU WHAT PRODUCTS THEY ARE USING TO TREAT YOUR PEST PROBLEM. CHECK YOUR PEST CONTROLLER IS FULLY QUALIFIED, INSURED AND A MEMBER OF A RECOGNISED TRADE BODY. If you’re having a problem with rats in Herefordshire or Worcestershire, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call on 01981 251116 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now.