With the press reporting a potential bedbug invasion coming across the Channel from France, this week we’ve been inundated with calls from the public and media outlets about bedbugs. So, with the reports of a tsunami of bedbugs across Europe should you be worried about bedbugs? Bedbugs are a nuisance pest Although they do bite, they are not known to carry disease. Bedbugs carry a bit of a stigma with them and because of this people can be reluctant to call in the pest control professionals which means that a bedbug issue can very quickly spiral out of control. However, bedbugs are not discriminate about their host and both clean and dirty properties can find they are infested with bedbugs. The main issue with bedbugs is that they are extremely transferable – in other words they are well travelled. Imagine the scenario – you’ve been on holiday and unbeknown to you, a bed bug crawls inside your luggage. When you get home, you pop your suitcase on the bed to unpack and the bedbugs crawl out onto your bed. Before you know it you’re infested with bedbugs! Should I be worried if I have bed bugs? Contrary to popular belief bedbug's don’t just live in your bed either. We often find bed bugs' hiding in plug sockets, behind picture frames and skirting boards and in bed frames. This is why bedbugs are so difficult to control. They are tiny and they get EVERYWHERE! Often people are either too embarrassed to call in a professional or they attempt DIY treatments themselves. In both cases, they are all too often just prolonging the problem and letting it become much worse. Phil Martin, award winning pest technician and Owner of PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford & Worcester has been speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, The Hereford Times and Greatest Hits Radio Herefordshire and Worcestershire this week about bedbugs. Listen to the recordings here ▶▶▶▶ Bed Bug Top Tip If you think you have bed bugs, you should contact your local council or pest control service. It's very difficult to get rid of bedbugs yourself because they can be hard to find and may be resistant to some insecticides. If you are suffering from a bedbug infestation call in the professionals. If you have a problem with Bed Bugs get in touch for help, support and guidance. Call PGM Pest Control Servcies on 01981 540088 or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use the PGM AI Pest Assist for free help, support and guidance on our website.

By PGM Pest Control Services | Published in celebration of Earth Day, April 22 What Is Earth Day? Every April 22nd, more than one billion people across 193 countries pause to reflect on the health of our planet. Earth Day was first observed in 1970, sparked by growing public awareness of pollution, habitat destruction, and the long-term consequences of industrial chemicals on wildlife and human health. More than five decades later, Earth Day remains a powerful reminder that the choices we make — including how we manage pests in our homes and businesses — have real consequences for the ecosystems we all depend on. Here in the UK, that message is more relevant than ever. The Hidden Environmental Cost of Conventional Pest Control Traditional pest control has long relied on broad-spectrum chemical pesticides: products designed to kill insects and rodents quickly and efficiently. While effective in the short term, these chemicals carry significant environmental risks that responsible pest controllers cannot ignore . Pesticide drift and runoff is a serious concern. When chemicals are applied outdoors, they don’t always stay where they’re intended. Wind can carry them into neighbouring gardens and hedgerows, while rainfall washes them into streams, rivers, and groundwater — where they can persist for months or years. Non-target species are often the hidden casualties. Bees, butterflies, hedgehogs, barn owls, and beneficial insects like ground beetles and lacewings can all be harmed by pesticide applications aimed at other pests. The UK has seen dramatic declines in many of these species over recent decades, and pesticide use is a recognised contributing factor. Rodenticide resistance and secondary poisoning present particular challenges in the UK. The overuse of certain anticoagulant rodenticides has been linked to resistance in rat and mouse populations, as well as the poisoning of birds of prey — including red kites and barn owls — that feed on affected rodents. This is precisely why the UK’s Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) and the Rodenticide Stewardship Regime exist, and why compliance with these frameworks matters. Earth Day as a Catalyst for Change in Pest Management Earth Day has helped push consumers and businesses to demand more environmentally responsible practices across every industry — pest management included. In the UK, this shift is reflected in the growing emphasis on professional standards, stewardship schemes, and sustainable methods throughout the sector. Regulatory bodies and industry organisations such as the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) set the framework within which responsible pest controllers operate. But going beyond minimum compliance — genuinely integrating environmental responsibility into every job — is what distinguishes truly professional pest management from a quick chemical fix. The RSPH Level 3 Standard: What It Means for You At PGM Pest Control Services, we hold the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) Level 3 Award in Pest Management — the benchmark qualification for professional pest controllers in the UK. This isn’t just a certificate on the wall. It represents a thorough, accredited understanding of pest biology , control methods , legislation , health and safety , and — critically — the responsible use of pesticides . RSPH Level 3 qualified technicians are trained to assess pest problems holistically Identifying the root causes, evaluating the risk to people and the environment, and selecting the most appropriate and least harmful solution. It’s exactly the kind of rigorous, evidence-based approach that Earth Day’s values call for. When you choose an award-winning, RSPH Level 3 qualified company like PGM, you’re not just getting effective pest control — you’re choosing a service that takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. Integrated Pest Management: Working With Nature, Not Against It The gold standard for environmentally responsible pest control is Integrated Pest Management (IPM) — a science-based approach that prioritises prevention, accurate identification, and minimal chemical intervention. Rather than defaulting to a chemical spray at the first sign of a problem, IPM asks: Why are the pests here, and how can we make conditions less favourable to them? The 5 Core Principles of IPM Include: Prevention first Proofing entry points, addressing moisture issues, improving waste management, and removing harbourage are the first line of defence. Accurate identification Knowing exactly what pest you’re dealing with — and understanding its behaviour and lifecycle — enables targeted, effective action. Threshold-based intervention Not every sighting warrants treatment. Action is taken when pest activity reaches a level that poses a genuine risk. Least-toxic methods first Physical controls, traps, biological methods, and targeted treatments take priority over broad-spectrum chemical applications. Monitoring and review Ongoing assessment ensures treatments are working and allows the approach to be refined over time. IPM is widely endorsed by the BPCA and is increasingly expected by public sector clients, food businesses, and environmentally conscious commercial premises throughout the UK. Practical Green Pest Prevention Tips for UK Homeowners and Businesses Responsible pest management starts before a pest controller ever sets foot on your property. Here’s what you can do : At home: Seal gaps around pipes, cables, and doors — mice can squeeze through a gap the width of a pencil. Fix dripping taps and address damp — many pests are drawn to moisture. Store food in sealed containers and manage compost carefully to avoid attracting rats. Keep gardens tidy ; log piles and dense ground cover close to the property can provide harbourage for rodents. For businesses: Implement a documented pest management programme with regular inspections. Train staff to identify early signs of pest activity and report promptly. Work with a qualified pest controller who can advise on proofing and site hygiene as part of an ongoing service. When choosing a pest control company: Look for RSPH Level 3 or BPCA-qualified technicians. Ask whether the company follows the CRRU Stewardship Regime for rodenticide use. Choose a company that offers a full survey and written report, not just a reactive spray-and-go service. The Bigger Picture: Pests, British Wildlife, and Our Shared Environment It’s easy to think of pest control as a purely practical matter — keeping rats out of the kitchen or pigeons off the roof . But every pest management decision has a wider ripple effect. The UK’s wildlife is under pressure Hedgehog numbers have fallen sharply Farmland birds are in decline Many of our native insects are struggling Responsible pest control — carried out by qualified professionals using evidence-based methods — is part of protecting, not threatening, the natural world we share. At PGM Pest Control Services , we understand that our work takes place within a wider ecosystem. That’s why we approach every job with care, expertise, and a genuine commitment to doing things the right way. Responsible Pest Control, Every Day Earth Day is a reminder that environmental responsibility isn’t a once-a-year commitment — it’s a standard to uphold every day, on every job. For us at PGM Pest Control Services, that means bringing our full RSPH Level 3 expertise to bear on every call-out, recommending the most sustainable and effective solutions, and always considering the wider impact of our work. Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with a mouse problem or a business needing a comprehensive pest management plan, you can trust that we’ll treat your property — and the environment — with the respect it deserves .  Get in touch with PGM Pest Control Services today to find out how our award-winning , professionally qualified team can help protect your home or business the responsible way.

This week we’re looking at the differences between these buzzing insects. Bees, Wasps and Hornets. Bees, wasps, and hornets differ primarily in appearance, diet, and aggression: bees are fuzzy pollinators that rarely sting, wasps are sleek, carnivorous, and aggressive, and hornets are larger, more venomous, and highly defensive. While all can sting, only honeybees die after stinging, whereas wasps and hornets can sting multiple times Side-by-side simple comparison diagram of bees vs wasps vs hornets Bees There’s a lot of different species of bee but the most common, and loved ones, in the UK are the bumble bee and the honey bee. Bees are massively important to our ecosystem. They are pollinators which essentially helps our food supplies in the UK. Bees pollinate around a third of what we eat. Bees are fascinating creatures, storing their honey in complex hives made from wax which you might better know as honeycomb. These bees are golden in colour with tiny hairs all over that give them a fuzzy look. Bees are happy to go about their business undisturbed. They won’t normally bother you if you don’t bother them. If a bee is threatened it may sting but this is rare because once a bee has stung you, it’s sting comes away from its body and it dies. Sometimes feral swarms can set up home in chimneys and wall cavities which can present problems so if you do have a swarm it’s best to contact a bee keeper or a qualified pest controller > Wasps Whilst wasps are early pollinators they main function is to act as a natural predator. There are many thousands of wasp species so it can be difficult to differentiate between them. Wasps are often considered a pest because they build nests close to places which the public frequent such as restaurants and cafes and also in gardens. Some people are allergic to wasp stings which makes them even more of a public health issue. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. If not treated quickly it can be fatal. If you see someone with symptoms you should call for an ambulance immediately – dial 999. Unlike bees, wasps don’t die when they sting. Like bees, they won’t normally attack unless they feel threatened however, if they do they can (and will) sting multiple times – ouch! And wasps will also call for back up by sending out a pheromone which signals to other wasps they need help. Getting stung by multiple wasps can be very serious which is why we recommend you don’t try to treat or remove a wasp nest yourself. Pest controllers use special equipment to protect themselves. Always call a professional pest controller who is trained to deal with wasps > Hornets It is unlikely you will see a hornet as they are not a common sight. However, hornets are the heavyweight of the wasp world – coming in at twice the size of a wasp they can look very frightening! Our native hornet is the European Hornet which has brown and yellow markings Asian hornets are slightly smaller and have black or dark brown markings with a distinct yellow band at the rear, a bright yellow belt at the waist and a black head with an orange or yellow face. 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 > They are not native to the UK and are an invasive predatory species which could have a destructive impact on our wildlife. Hornet stings are often more painful due to the level of venom in their sting. If you think you have a hornet nest or if you spot a hornet give PGM Pest Control Services a call on 01981 540088 who remove hornets safetly and report sightings. It is important to be aware of the differences between bees, wasps, and hornets. This will help you to avoid being stung and to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and your family from these insects. As there are so many different types of wasp and bee, the best thing to do if you are concerned about a buzzing insect is to give PGM & Son Pest Control a call. We’ll identify the species and determine what risk it poses. We’ll give advice and solutions on handling all your wasp, bee and hornet problems. For further information on bees, wasps and hornets use our AI Pest Assist on the right bottom of your screen for free help support and guidance. Or check out our frequently asked questions page. If you’ve a problem with wasps, hornets, bees or any other pest control issues across Herefordshire, or Worcestershire, give PGM Pest Control a call on 01981 540088 for a free no-obligation quote. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for help, support and guidance.

What is Asian Hornet Week? Asian Hornet Week in the UK, usually held in early September, aims to raise awareness of the invasive Vespa velutina (yellow-legged hornet). These predators threaten native pollinators and biodiversity. Sightings should be reported via the Asian Hornet Watch app, with a PDF Identification Guide available. Key Information regarding Asian Hornets in the UK : Identification : Smaller than native hornets, dark abdomen, orange face, and distinctive yellow "socks". Peak Time : Early September is prime time for sightings as colonies are at their largest. Reporting : Use the Asian Hornet Watch app (Android/iOS) or the online reporting form. Threat : They prey on honeybees, disrupting ecosystems and posing risks to apiaries. Activity : They are rapidly spreading, with significant sightings in Kent, Sussex, and other parts of the UK. Why the Week Matters The NNSS Asian Hornet Week initiative encourages the public to check beehives, flowers, and fruit for the insects to help the National Bee Unit find and destroy nests The British Beekeeper’s Association is holding its 4th Asian Hornet Week this week to raise awareness as Autumn is typically when Asian hornet's nests are revealed as the leaves start to fall from the trees and bushes. Asian Hornets are non-native and pose a risk to our honeybee population. They hand around their hives and pick them off as they emerge which is known as “hawking”. Follow these 3 simple steps to tell if you’ve got an Asian Horne t: Step 1 : Check its very black Step 2 : Check for an orange stripe on the 4th segment of the abdomen Step 3 : Check its legs – does it look like they’ve been dipped in yellow paint? If you can answer yes to these questions, then you’ve likely got yourself an Asian Hornet! You can also watch the Animal & Plant Health Agency’s short film on how to identify Asian Hornets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4DRki97wzg&t=5s So, what should you do if you spot an Asian Hornet? The British Beekeeper’s Association urges all sightings to be reported so that experts can take action to eradicate them. It is crucial you report any possible sightings of the Asian Hornet You can also download the new free ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app from the Google Play  Store or App Store  for iPhone. Learn about the Asian Hornet The Asian hornet (Vespa velutina) is a non-native species to the UK and is considered a major threat to native pollinators and honey bees. The Asian hornet was first sighted in the UK in 2016 and has since established populations in several regions.   If you suspect you have seen an Asian hornet in the UK, it is important to report it to the authorities, as they are working to prevent the spread of this species. Removing Asian hornet nests can be particularly challenging and dangerous, as the hornets are highly aggressive and their venom is more toxic than that of the European hornet. It is strongly recommended to hire a professional pest control service experienced in dealing with Asian hornets Looking for Hornet Nest Removal near you? Call PGM Pest Control to book an appointment to remove the hornets nest from your property , call 01981 540088 or email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk PGM serve all locations throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire .

The hornet tends to be a cause for concern for most people and around this time of year we get a lot of frantic calls about them. But what is the truth about hornets? Are people right to be afraid them? In this blog we try and dispel some of your fears about the awesome hornet. Hornet Statistics Weight Category: Heavyweights Well, for starters they are big; larger than the common wasp coming in at around 19-35mm in length making them contenders in the heavy weight category of the wasp family. Reach & Knock Outs (Kos): Super Stingers Hornet stings can be much more painful than a typical wasp sting due to the levels of venom they carry and, like wasps, they are capable of stinging multiple times. Reputation: Fearsome Due to their size and features they are formidable looking opponents. They’re also quite loud – a nest of hornets can sound quite frightening. Hornet Record It may surprise you to know that, despite appearances, the hornet is not an aggressive pest. In fact, hornets are considered to be quite shy insects. Away from the nest, it is very rare to encounter a run-in with a hornet. Not only are hornets passive pests they are relatively uncommon. Plus, hornets are great for the environment – they are important pollinators and nature’s pest controllers as they feast on aphids, making them a gardener’s best pal. So our advice is to leave your hornet alone to do its job. If you’ve found a hornet’s nest you should call a professional pest controller for hornet nest removal , or to give you advice and NEVER APPROACH OR TOUCH OR ATTEMPT TO MOVE A HORNETS NEST YOURSELF. If you’ve got a hornet nest in Herefordshire or Worcestershire , don’t panic – call PGM & Son Pest Control today on 01981 540088 or email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk who get rid of hornets, treat hornets’ nests and destroy and remove hornets’ nests for you. And we don’t just stop at tackling hornets’ nests – give us a call if you’ve got a wasp problem or any other pest problem for that matter!

Wasps going on? The changing pattern of summer pest behaviour. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is urging the public to be on their guard for wasps as they anticipate a significant increase in prevalence this summer. This season could be a bumper year as wasp populations traditionally rise and fall in a two-year pattern – with BPCA records showing the UK was inundated in 2016 , followed by a distinct lull in numbers in 2017. At PGM Pest Control we know that wasps and hornets are an asset to the environment as they control other small pests. However, we know they can be a nuisance and potentially dangerous to some people and pets. We always look at ways to resolve the problem both for the client, their family and in consideration of the wider environment. WASPS We see a lot of problems with wasps in Hereford the surrounding areas. Wasps can inflict a painful sting and in some rare cases a single sting can induce anaphylactic shock – an extreme reaction to the toxins in the wasps venom. You may find wasp nests in the following areas: Roof spaces Wall cavities Trees Even BBQs! Nests are formed of paper (chewed wood) and the sizes vary. Colonies will survive one season in the UK. Weather depending, a new nest starts around Spring by the over-wintered Queen. Wasps may be aggressive is threatened. Some people are allergic to wasp stings and they can be fatal. How a professional pest controller removes a wasp nest ↗ HORNETS The hornet tends to be a cause for concern for most people and around this time of year we get a lot of frantic calls about them. Due to their size and features they are formidable looking opponents. They’re also quite loud – a nest of hornets can sound quite frightening. Hornets are great for the environment – they are important pollinators and nature’s pest controllers as they feast on aphids, making them a gardener’s best pal. We see a lot of problems with wasps and hornets in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and the surrounding areas. Wasps and hornets can inflict a painful sting and in some rare cases a single sting can induce anaphylactic shock – an extreme reaction to the toxins in the wasps venom. Like any pest issue, a professional pest management company can help minimise activity now and in the future, with a range of techniques, and ensure a full, safe and effective treatment is carried out. How a professional pest controller removes a hornet nest  ↗ Got Wasps or Hornets? Don’t panic! – call PGM & SON Pest Control today on 01981 540088 and speak with a professional pest controller for help, support and guidance.

Did you know that it’s Asian Hornet Week from 9th September to 15th September? So, we’re calling on Herefordshire residents to watch out for hornets this month and to report any sightings to us at PGM & Son Hornet Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire or to the Non-Native Species Secretariat at: http://www.nonnativespecies.org Why is the Asian Hornet Trouble with a capital T? Although the Asian hornet doesn’t pose any greater risk to humans than their European cousin, they pose a serious threat to honey-bee populations. They cause major damage to honey-bee colonies and you know how WE LOVE OUR BEES AT PGM PEST CONTROL! The European Hornet The European Hornet is Mother Nature’s pest controller. They feed on aphids, which makes them a gardener’s dream and the European hornet is an important pollinator. Despite their fearsome appearance the hornet isn’t actually 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. Spotting a Hornet Hornets are big , much bigger than the common wasp and due to their size and features their appearance can be alarming. They also make a very loud buzzing noise which can be quite frightening, particularly near a hornet nest. Hornets can sting multiple time s and, due to the level of venom they carry a single sting can be extremely painful. If you’re not sure you’ve spotted a hornet, take a photo and email it to us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk What should you do if you spot a hornet’s nest? If you’ve found a hornet’s nest you should call a professional pest controller like PGM & Son Hornet Control Hereford to give you advice. Unlike the girl who kicked the hornet’s nest in author Steig Larsson’s novel our advice is NEVER APPROACH OR TOUCH OR ATTEMPT TO MOVE A HORNETS’ NEST YOURSELF. If you’ve got a hornet nest, don’t panic – call PGM & SON Pest Control today on 01981 540088, and we'll get rid of hornets for you, treat hornets’ nests and destroy and remove hornets’ nests for you. And we don’t just stop at tackling hornets’ nests – give us a call if you’ve got a wasp problem or any other pest problem for that matter!

Every April PGM & Son Pest Control start dealing with lots of ant problems! Climate change is a key factor in the rise in ants . And, with lots of rain recently and the hot sunny period already upon us and set to continue along with rain spells in between, we’re expecting the number of call-outs to continue to rise. And although they don’t carry transmittable diseases like other pests, they can still be a nuisance and they can, and do, bite. As with lots of other pests, prevention is often better than cure and simple steps like keeping food items in sealed containers, wiping down sides properly and not leaving pest food out can help enormously. If you do find you have a problem, it’s best to contact a pest controller as soon as possible because the problem can be treated much quicker and easier if you don’t waste time. So if you are having a problem with an ant infestation , if you need help to get rid of your ants then call PGM & Son Pest Control, Herefordshire and Worcestershire for help and advice. For help support and guidance email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or call us on 01981 540088 or use the contact us page for a free no-obligation quote .

Ants can be really annoying however, they aren’t usually regarded as disease carriers so most people are advised to put up with them if they’re found in the garden. Ants can become a problem in the house though as they travel around outside across all sorts of terrain and so you wouldn’t really want them marching across your kitchen work surfaces or in your larder cupboard. The UK climate hasn’t historically been ideal for ants as they prefer warmer climates. However, with global warming, the ant is thriving in the UK and especially during these Summer months. How do you know if you’ve got ants? You’ll probably know you’ve got ants as you’ll normally see them first of all. Ants are fascinating creatures – watch how they operate, it is amazing! You may also see small holes in soil with small piles of earth surrounding them. What can you do to keep the ants away? There’s not a great deal you can do to keep the ants away from your garden but you can take some simple steps to reduce the risk of an ant infestation inside your home or business. This includes: Keeping work surfaces clean and free from sticky residues – ants love sweet things Make sure you keep foodstuffs in sealed tight containers and put away in cupboards. Remove anything that is a food source for ants Check to see where they might be entering your property and close the access point, although this can be very difficult as the ant is so small. Keep a close eye on the ants moving back and forth from nest to food to track their movements. Ant in your pants? A fun fact : The saying “ants in your pants” is generally thought to be due to excitement, restlessness, fidgety or worry but no specific or logical explanation or source for the saying has been found. Fun Ant Facts They’re super strong – an ant can carry 20 times its own body weight! Have you seen the ant man? Queen ants can have millions of babies – wow! imagine that! A colony will only usually survive a few months without a Queen. Worker ants cannot reproduce and a Queen is rarely replaced. Ants don’t have ears! What? Instead they hear by feeling vibrations with their feet Need Help Controlling Ants? If you have an ant control problem and want a local, reliable, value for money service, call PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire on 01981 540088 or email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for advice and solutions. Contact us about your ant problem ↗

Introducing the Ant! This week we are excited to carry on with our series of "Pest Trumps" at PGM & SON Pest Control Services with The Ant . Each file is available for free download , and you may use them at work to help identify pests for the protection of your workers and customers. The PGM "Pest Control Trumps" set of information cards were created to assist with pest-related issues in the UK and to ensure the public are armed with the correct information about each pest we highlight in our pest trump series. By proactively promoting an integrated pest management approach, we can protect people and food as well as wildlife and the environment. We all have an important part to play in educating the public and business that prevention is better than cure. At PGM & SON we know stewardship and sustainability are critical both to the survival of the pest control industry and to our planet. Fact File These highly organised and social insects are noticeable by their head, thorax and abdomen. With narrow waists and a sharp elbow joint in their antennae, the foraging worker ants march into buildings to search for food to take back to the nest to feed their larvae and queen. DID YOU KNOW? Flying ants are reproductive males and females who have a nuptial swarming flight for a few days usually in July and August. STRENGTH ~ 8 What can we say?! If anyone has ever seen a tiny army of ants on the march, they can’t fail to be impressed. These minute insects have strength in numbers and are fascinating to watch. BREEDING ~ 8 Flying ants' mate in flight after which the female will find a nest for the winter. She then lays her eggs the following spring to start a new colony. The ability to survive through the winter to start a new colony in the spring seems like a massive feat to us for such a tiny insect! The average lifespan of an ant can be anything from several weeks to several years. NUISANCE FACTOR ~ 10 Although impressive in their skills and teamwork, ants are a major nuisance factor. They love sweet foods and will forage in kitchens and just about anywhere to find food which they can take back to their nest. The problem with an ant is that they march across most surfaces to find and transport their food including other animal faeces, dirt, grime and bacteria. The ant is a major disease transmitter for this reason. Ants are also very hard to control due to their size, ability to access buildings through miniscule holes and cracks, build inaccessible nests and their sheer numbers. AGILIGTY ~ 8 Ants make complex and vast nests with multiple inaccessible entry points. In the garden, ant nests occupy a much larger volume of soil than the surface excavations might suggest. ENVIRONMENTAL ~ 7 The common ant is an important insect and can be found in pretty much every garden across the UK. They are an important part of biodiversity. Ants feed on other invertebrates including other ants. They also collect sweet liquid known as honeydew from aphids and sap-feeding insects. They do little damage to plants although they can disturb the soil around the roots to use for nests. Superpower Teamwork! Overall PGM Rating 7/10 For an ant, it’s all about great teamwork. They may be tiny insects, but they are mighty team players! Ants can be a major nuisance in a home or business, and they are disease carriers, so they score low on both points. However, in the garden, ants are an important part of biodiversity and win extra points for this. They are also fascinating insects with impressive ability given their small size.