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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. And, 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 to give you advice and 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 Herefordshire today on 07964 370480 or email us at . 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!

Our pest of the month this month is the Nettle Ground Bug which we located recently in the roof of a block of flats. The specimen we found had alternating light and dark bands on the legs and borders of the abdomen, with long, erect, hairs on the head and pronotum and two dark spots on the wings, with the rostrum reaching to the middle coxae. There are similar species it could be confused with such as the Mirid bug but our expert confirmed it to be a Nettle Ground Bug. These bugs are usually found in open habitats on nettles, the host plant, so it was quite a surprise to find it where we did! Nettle Groundbugs are not an invasive pest so that was good news all ‘round! Did you know? PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford offer an insect identification service. Collect your specimen and give us a call to identify it for you! PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford and Worcester - call us on 01981 540088 or visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or drop us an email to contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk Our Insect Identification Service Are you dealing with pest problems in your home, garden, or business in Hereford or Worcester? Let our expert insect identification service help you identify the culprits and find effective solutions. Our service is designed to provide fast and accurate identification of a wide range of insect species, including ants, bees, wasps, beetles, moths, flies, and more. What our customers say Check out all our reviews

Inspect-an-Insect How often do you find an insect, or more likely, an infestation of insects and have no idea what they are?! This is actually more common than you think. We get a lot of enquiries from people asking what insects they’ve found in their home or business. And, frequently, we are contacted by customers who tell us they’ve found a pest or insect in their Hereford home or business and when we arrive the pest or insect is actually something else entirely. According to reports, it is estimated that there are 10 quintillion (10,000,000,000,000,000,000) individual insects alive at any one time. Wow! That’s a figure most of us have never even heard of, although it’s comforting to know that something is bigger than the national debt or the Brexit bill!! We can usually tell what pest or insect you’ve found. However, there are rare occasions when the species stumps even us! Insects are often really small, and it can be tricky to tell the difference between say, a grain weevil and a rice weevil close up without a microscope and a trained eye. Did you know that as well as our Herefordshire pest control service, pest waste removal and pest advice service we also provide an insect identification service? We’ll arrange to store your insect/s properly and remove them for identification purposes. Once the insect has been assessed we’ll provide you with an identification report. And, if you want treatment for any infestation after we can provide this for you. What insect/s you have but no need for pest control treatment An example of this might be gardeners or vegetable plot owners who have found insects and want to know if they represent a threat to their flowers or vegetables. Once an insect species has been identified and deemed harmless, they can simply be left to their own devices. Nature and humans working together in harmony. Also, it might be beneficial to actively encourage a species; for example, Lacewing larvae are voracious predators of small pests such as aphids, whitefly, caterpillars and leaf-beetle larvae. They will colonise almost any plant where they have a plentiful food supply and can effectively keep troublesome plant pests under control. PGM & SON Hereford Insect Identification Services At PGM Pest Control we offer an insect identification service. Call the insect identification specialists in if you’ve got a problem. PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford can help. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or call us on 01981 241334 / 07964 370480 or use the contact us page on the website for a free no-obligation quote.

The last 10 days has seen a mini heat wave across Herefordshire with the Met Office issuing a heat warning to Herefordshire residents and business owners. As the heat has intensified so has the wasp and hornet season. The two main hornets we might find in Herefordshire 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 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. Hornets are also relatively uncommon 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 your award-winning pest controllers at PGM & Son Pest Control 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 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!

What am I? I am mostly active during the Spring and Autumn I am considered a nuisance pest I am mostly a problem in rural areas, like Herefordshire You might find me with hundreds and thousands of my fellow pests congregating in the upper rooms of your house or around your window frames I love worms! The answer is... I am….a cluster fly! If you’re having a problem with cluster flies in Hereford or Worcester call PGM & SON Pest Control to deal with your cluster fly problem for you. Call us on 01981 540088 or visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or drop us an email to contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk More information on Cluster Flies Cluster fly problems are seasonal and occur in the Spring and Autumn. In the Spring, cluster flies emerge from their Winter hibernation and start the task of seeking suitable outdoor sites to lay their eggs and carrying on the cluster fly cycle. We are often asked about the issue of cluster flies re-occurring. Unfortunately, the fact is that cluster tend to return to the same locations each year it is an unfortunate fact, that if you have experienced a cluster fly issue previously you will likely suffer the same fate in the future. For this reason, we always try to educate our customers that cluster fly prevention is unrealistic but please don’t worry because there are steps you can take to sort out your cluster fly problems! Give us a call to discuss how we can help! What can you do about cluster flies? If you’re having an issue with cluster flies this April, you can try to reduce the numbers of cluster flies in your property by carrying out some basic property maintenance. Top Cluster Fly Tips:  Seal gaps around your windows  Re-point your brickwork, especially around windows  Make use of fly papers  Hoover them up! Unfortunately, though there is little you can do to stop flies getting in and if one fly can get in then so can many others. Read more about what can I do about Cluster Flies here. Everything you need to know about cluster flies We have written another blog post on everything you need to know about cluster flies, we discuss everything you need to know about cluster flies, including their behaviour, life cycle, and how to prevent and control infestations in your home and business. Cluster flies can be a major nuisance for homeowners across Herefordshire in particular, as this is a rural county and cluster flies are more prevalent in rural locations, but with the right knowledge and preventative measures they can be effectively controlled. Remember to seal cracks and openings around windows and doors and ensuring that screens are well maintained. With the right approach, you can keep your home free from cluster flies. Got Cluster Flies? We've Got it Covered! Why choose us? PGM & SON are a member of the BPCA (British Pest Control Association) and have been assessed to ensure that we meet their strict criteria to obtain our membership to which we are very proud. This also provides assurance to our customers that we are insured, trusted pest control company with a team of Level II and Level III professionally trained and qualified technicians who follow the BPCA Codes of Best Practice. We are BPCA | How to choose a trustworthy pest management company We are also members of the PROMPT Register, which ensures that pest control is carried out responsibly by people who are properly trained and competent in the field. The BASIS PROMPT Pest Controllers register is an industry initiative which provides independent proof that a pest controller has received proper training and continues to update their expertise. Some of our Awards!

The Christian holiday is celebrated every year and commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is also a sign of better weather to come. The clocks have gone forward meaning lighter nights and with the recent sunshine and weather warming up, unfortunately pests are also starting to come out of hiding. So, what pests might you encounter this Easter? Wasps, Bees, Hornets are all out and about looking for a place to build their nests. Early wasp signs are the Queen wasps emerging from hibernation ready to start their nest building. Bees buzzing around starting to pollinate. Speaking of Bees remember the PGM & Son Pest Control mantra #LeaveThemBee Bees are a vital part of our ever fragile eco system and it’s critical that we ensure their survival so leave them bee unless there is a clear and present danger to public health. Ants – as the earth starts to warm up so do the ants! It’s also the time of year to start seeing flying ants. Ants are attracted to sugary foods and with all the Easter Egg hunts planned across the country there’s plenty of the sweet stuff hiding outside for them. Learn more about our Ant Control Service. Bed bugs - with schools out for Easter, many families will be starting out on a long Easter break away. The pest you are most likely to experience on your travels is the hardy bedbug. Bedbugs are notorious hitch hikers and will travel from room to room and country to country so keep your eyes peeled. Learn more about our bed bug control service. Having a problem with pests at Easter? Looking forward to a long weekend break with the family? Signs of insect eggs around your Herefordshire home or business could mean that you have a serious pest infestation on your hands. Being able to correctly identify a pests egg can help you manage your pest infestation properly, but if you are unsure you should always call in a pest professional, such as ourselves, to help you. Signs of pest eggs around your home or business usually means you have an infestation to deal with. To save you time and money, it’s best to have a pest management plan in place, and to also try to prevent pests entering your home in the first place. Don’t let pests spoil your Easter break - Keep the Sweets from Attracting Insects Easter involves a lot of eating, from sweets to family barbecues. All this al fresco food makes your garden a bug magnet. A few simple precautionary steps will go a long way to keep the pests at bay. Whether it be rats, mice, cockroaches, fleas, bedbugs, cluster flies or some other pest don’t worry about a pest problem this Easter. Call in the professionals at PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford and Worcester for all your pest problems. If pests are spoiling your Easter break, call PGM & Son Pest Control to deal with the pest problem for you. Call us on 01981 540088 or visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or drop us an email to contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk PGM & SON - Easter Bank Holiday Opening Hours Good Friday 8am - 8pm Saturday 8th April 8am - 8pm Easter Sunday 8am - 8pm Bank Holiday Monday 8am - 8pm From all the team at PGM & Son Pest Control - Have a Happy Pest Free Easter!

What fantastic weather we’ve been having recently! With the sun shining and the BBQs out, the wasps are on the way! This week we’re looking at “TOP 3s” information items related to the summer pest most commonly experienced by the Herefordshire public. TOP 3…..REASONS WHY WE CONTROL WASPS Wasp stings can be painful and, at worst, fatal. For some people with sensitivities a wasp sting could result in a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and if someone has symptoms you should call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance. Whilst wasps are not normally aggressive unless threatened, they often build nests in very inconvenient spaces meaning that they can become a public health issue, for example, if members of the general public have to access those areas. In particular, they could present a risk to young children, vulnerable adults and the elderly who may not be as aware of their presence. Household pets! Pets can be sensitive to wasp stings as well and a dog chasing a wasp can end up with a very nasty sting. TOP 3…..WAYS TO TREAT A WASP STING Wash the sting area with soap and water and apply a cold compress for 10 minutes. If you can, elevate the affected area. Don’t scratch! Above all it is very important to seek medical help if you become dizzy after a wasp stings you, you have a swollen face and / or difficulties breathing. TOP 3 REASONS WHY…..BUSINESSES SHOULD CARE ABOUT WASPS Wasps can put your customers off, particularly if you are a hospitality business. Who wants to eat dinner with wasps swarming around them? Wasps can cause reputational damage. Nuisance wasps could invite bad reviews online which puts off potential customers as well. Wasps can cause a public health issue which, as a business owner, you are responsible for addressing. TOP 3 REASONS WHY…..WASPS AREN’T ALL BAD Wasps are early pollinators so it’s not just bees that are good for the environment. Wasps are beneficial to gardeners as they feed their grubs on other insects that are destructive in the garden. Wasps are a natural predator which means they contribute to our eco-system. TOP 3….PLACES TO SPOT A WASP NEST In fact, wasps can, and do, make their nests anywhere and everywhere. They’ve been found in some very unusual places! However, the most common places wasps’ nests are spotted are: In sheds or garages. In wall cavities and under eaves. Under trees and in bushes. If you’re experiencing a problem with wasps, give us a call today! PGM & Son Wasp Control Hereford & Worcester We offer fast call out and competitive prices on wasp nest treatment 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. WE COVER HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE 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!

Do you have a smallholding with a rodent problem? If so, you’re not alone. Rodents are a common problem for smallholders and can cause a range of issues. In this blog post we’ll look at the causes of a rodent infestation, how to identify the signs of a rodent problem, and the best ways to deal with it. We’ll also examine the latest advice on rodents and give practical advice on reducing the risk of future infestation. Smallholders finding they are experiencing higher than normal levels of rat and mouse activity this Winter need to take steps to make sure they are taking a ‘prevention rather than cure’ approach. What smallholders can do to deter rats and mice. Phil Martin of PGM Pest Control says that "It is essential to take steps to make your property less attractive for rodents. Removing food and water sources, shelter and warmth is key to our ‘prevention is better than cure’ message”. 10 steps smallholders can take to keep their outbuildings rodent free this Winter. Store animal feed in sealed containers. Choose storage containers with tightly fitting lids. Check your yard and building daily for evidence of rodent activity. Bag and bin your waste. Make sure bin lids are tightly secure and dispose of rubbish regularly to avoid piles of rubbish building up. Rodents love piles of rubbish so make sure you use bins to store rubbish until it can be properly disposed of. Sweep your yard regularly and keep it clean from debris, spilled food, hay or straw and animal faeces. It is essential to remove all possible food sources. Cats and dogs are regular residents of yards so make sure their food is put away after eating. Food left out is an invitation for rodents and not only is a food source but could also be contaminated by rodents. Remove harbourage for rodents, for example, bushes, hedgerows, brambles and untended vegetation are ideal places for rats to shelter. Keep these regularly cut and tidy. Make sure you always trim back outside of nesting seasons. Check and maintain your drains and covers. Unused pipes should be capped off. Take an honest look over your yard and outbuildings to see whether you’ve made it easy for rodents to access your outbuildings. For example, if you’ve placed storage containers under windows this could be a clear route of entry for rodents. Proofing is essential. Look for holes and possible entry points and seal them up. Remember that mice particularly can squeeze through very small holes. Take time out to do all those essential maintenance tassks such as clearing gutters and fixing drain covers. Act quickly when you spot a problem. Rats and mice breed rapidly so if you spot the signs of rodents you need to act quickly. It is important to deal with a rodent problem early on for the following reasons: Rats and mice can carry diseases such as listeria and salmonella. These can be spread to humans through contact with their urine in food preparation areas. Rodents can also contaminate animal feed and cause distress to livestock and chickens. Both rats and mice will gnaw to keep their teeth in good condition, and have been known to gnaw wood, metal, cinderblock, pipes and cables. Structural damage, floods and fires have all been attributed to rodent activity. Rats and mice have rapid breeding cycles, which means a nesting pair moving onto your property can quickly become a major infestation. All these things can leave smallholders with a very large bill to resolve. If you have a rodent problem, it’s usually best to call in the professionals. For all your local rat and mouse problems give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford and Worcester a call on 01981 540088 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use the live chat facility on our website and if we’re not available on the live chat for any reason then there’s a handy message service for you to leave your details so we can call you back. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your Rodent problems, give us a call now! We are Herefordshire and Worcestershire Pest Control Experts.

In our latest blog post we discuss why farmers should worry about rodenticide resistance and how do you control rodent on a farm? Key Takeaways A rodent management program for farmers involves assessing the risk of rodent infestations, implementing preventive measures, monitoring for signs of rodent activity, and controlling infestations if detected. Effective rodent management is critical to the success of the farm and the health and safety of its occupants. Effective Rodent Management Practices for Agriculture Businesses and Farms The BPCA says that food processors using ‘permanent baiting’ as a form of DIY pest control could be inadvertently contributing to the rise of the rodenticide-resistant pests. And in 2022 a BASF survey found that 88% of farmers don’t check the level of resistance to rodenticides in their area before use. What are the issues with using certain rodenticides in high resistance areas? The rodenticide will only target non-resistant rats leaving the resistant ones to continue breeding and to increase their population. Rats breed rapidly so a significant infestation in a short period of time can easily occur. There may be signs that bait has been taken by the resistant rats which can lead to a belief that a problem has been resolved when it has not. Use of rodenticides in an area of resistance can contribute to the issue and make it harder to deal with rat infestations. This is particularly a problem when those using rodenticides don’t realise there is a resistance problem in their area. Your business may incur additional costs through paying once for an ineffective DIY product and then having to call in a professional pest controller to resolve a much bigger problem further down the line. Farmers may think that permanent rodenticide baiting is a cheap, quick, long-term solution but it is not. Permanent baiting can actually create a rodenticide resistance problem. Rodenticide resistance rats will then be on the look out for places which offer a food and water source. This can cause major problems for food processing farms. How best to avoid these problems and to mitigate the risk of a minor rat problem escalating very quickly into a significant infestation and a major headache? The best solution, and one recommended by the British Pest Control Association, is to establish a routine pest management cycle. This involves engaging with a professional pest controller to carry out regular monitoring visits and who can identify signs of rats early on so that any treatment can be targeted to problem areas. Professional pest controllers will also make recommendations for preventative measures such as proofing farm buildings. And professional pest controllers will have access to information about resistance levels in your area. To put in place an effective routine rodent management program at your farm or business, choose a BPCA member firm. BPCA members: Carry the right insurances Are fully trained and qualified and continue to update their knowledge regularly Are assessed to the British standard in pest management EN 16636 Follow the BPCA’s Codes of Best Practice. To find a BPCA member near you, visit the BPCA website here Effective Rodent Management Practices for Farms For farmers, rodent management programs are essential to protect crops and prevent damage to agricultural products. Rodents can cause significant economic losses by consuming crops, contaminating stored products, and damaging equipment. A rodent management program is an essential part of farm management. Rodents, such as rats and mice, can cause significant damage to crops, contaminate stored feed, and spread diseases to both livestock and humans. Implementing a rodent management program can help farmers control rodent populations and minimise the damage they cause. A farmer's Rodent Management Program typically includes the following steps: Assessment: Assessing the farm's vulnerability to rodent infestations and the potential risks to crops, livestock, and farm buildings. Prevention: Taking preventive measures to minimise the likelihood of rodents entering the farm, such as removing potential food sources, sealing cracks and gaps, and keeping the surrounding vegetation trimmed. Monitoring: Regularly monitor fields and storage areas for signs of rodent activity, such as burrows, gnaw marks, and droppings. Control: If a rodent infestation is detected, we implement control measures, such as trapping or baiting, to prevent further damage. Evaluation: Evaluate the effectiveness of the farms' rodent management program and make adjustments as needed. A rodent management program for farmers aims to protect their crops and equipment, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and promote a safe and healthy working environment. Let us help you measure the effectiveness of your rodent management program, for more information on our service learn more >> PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford and Worcester’s commercial rodent management program If you would like us to quote for our commercial rat control service, please contact us on 01981 540088 or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Did you know there are around 2,500 types of moth recorded in the UK and only a small number cause a nuisance by damaging fabrics and textiles in homes and businesses? This week we’re looking at the rise in moth problems, why this might be, what you can do to try to prevent a moth problem and what you should do if you find you have a moth infestation. Like most other pest controllers, at PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford and Worcester, we’ve also noticed a rise in moth problems. This is likely to be a combination of factors, including: The return to use of natural fibres – people are using less man-made products due to their impact on the environment. Whereas in the 1970s moths were much less a problem due to the use of polyester and nylon products Globalisation – more frequent travel and import of goods from around the world increases the transport of pests Less use of central heating due to concerns over the economy improves conditions for the brown house moth whereas an improved climate is also better for the common clothes moth How do you know if you have a moth problem? The main indicator will, unfortunately, be damage to fabrics and textiles, such as holes in clothes, carpets, rugs, curtains etc. Other indicators include small maggot like larvae, silken cases in which the larvae live, pupae (the silk cocoons from which the adults will eventually emerge) You may also see the adult winged moths although they tend to crawl rather than fly What can you do to try and prevent a moth infestation? 8 practical measures you can take to prevent a moth infestation Deny entry to the property by use of fly screens, curtains and sealed doors. Keep rarely used fabrics and textiles in sealed plastic bags (time to store the wedding dress!) or suitcases. Regularly clean your natural fibre clothes by shaking them thoroughly, washing them on the highest temperature the manufacturers’ guidelines will allow or (certainly for silk products) freezing them. Hoover regularly – make sure to reach all those hard to reach or hidden areas such as underneath the sofa and beds. Removing moth eggs before they hatch is key. Check your loft for birds’ nests and remove them as moths are attracted to nests. Use moth repellents, for example, hang mothballs in your wardrobes, cupboards and drawers. Ensure your vintage clothes are properly dry cleaned. Keep an eye out for signs of moths – early intervention is always key. For Moth Control in Hereford and Worcester call PGM & SON Pest Control If you’ve spotted the sign of a moth infestation, give us a call at PGM & SON Moth Control Hereford. We’ll deal with your moth problem for you. Call us on 01981 241 334 or 07964 370480. Or, drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk PGM & SON Pest Control is a local Hereford based family run pest control firm. We’re friendly, trustworthy and reliable. We offer fair and transparent prices, fast call outs and advice and guidance. Call us today – you won’t be disappointed.

Congratulations to the newest member of the PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford Team, Joe Martin, who has recently passed his RSPH Level 2 award in Pest Management. The highly-regarded RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management is a recognition that demonstrates his commitment to providing the highest quality pest management services to our customers. The RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management is a rigorous program that covers a range of topics related to pest management, including the biology and behavior of pests, the principles of integrated pest management, and the safe and effective use of pesticides. It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to work in the pest management industry, and is recognised by the industry as evidence of an individual's competence and commitment to their profession. Our pest technician's achievement of this prestigious award shows their dedication to their professional development, and to providing the best possible service to our customers. We are proud to have such a talented and committed member of our team, and we look forward to continuing to deliver the highest quality pest management services to our customers. Did you know? All our pest control technicians are qualified to the Royal Society for Public Health Level 2 in Pest Management. We also have Advanced Bird Management Technicians so if you are experiencing bird problems and need bird control or bird proofing works give PGM & Son Bird Control Hereford and Worcester a call. What is Advanced Bird Management? Advanced Bird Management (ABM) refers to a set of techniques used to manage bird populations, particularly in urban areas like Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The aim of ABM is to mitigate the negative impact of birds on human health, safety, and the environment, while also preserving the well-being of bird populations. This may involve a variety of methods, such as bird proofing buildings, habitat modification, relocation, and humane control measures. ABM also involves monitoring and researching bird populations and behavior, and using this information to develop and implement effective management strategies. The goal of ABM is to find a balance between the needs of people and the needs of birds in urban environments. What are the techniques involved in Advanced Bird Management? There are a number of techniques that we use as part of Advanced Bird Management (ABM). Some of the most common techniques include: Bird proofing: This involves modifying buildings and structures to make them less attractive to birds and prevent them from roosting or nesting. This may include the use of physical barriers, such as spikes, netting, or bird-resistant glass, as well as the use of visual deterrents, such as reflective tape or balloons. Habitat modification: This involves changing the environment to make it less attractive to birds. This may include removing food sources, such as bird feeders or waste food, or planting vegetation that is less attractive to birds. Relocation: This involves removing birds from one location and releasing them into a more suitable habitat. This is typically done in consultation with wildlife agencies to ensure that it is done in a humane and responsible manner. Humane control measures: This involves using non-lethal methods to control bird populations, such as egg and nest removal, or the use of bird scaring devices, such as audio deterrents or laser lights. Monitoring and research: This involves monitoring bird populations and their behavior, and using this information to develop and implement effective management strategies. This may involve conducting surveys, monitoring bird nesting and roosting sites, or studying the effectiveness of different control methods. These are some of the most common techniques used as part of ABM. The specific techniques used will depend on the type of bird, the location, and the specific issues being addressed. What is RSPH Level 2 award in Pest Management? The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) Level 2 Award in Pest Management is a qualifications program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills required to work in the pest management industry. This program covers a range of topics related to pest management, including the biology and behavior of pests, the principles of integrated pest management, and the safe and effective use of pesticides. The RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management is designed for individuals who are either new to the pest management industry or who have limited experience in the field. It is intended to provide a foundation of knowledge and skills that can be built upon with further training and experience. The award is recognised by the pest management industry and can be used as evidence of an individual's competence and commitment to their profession. The program is delivered through a combination of classroom-based training and practical assessments, and is typically completed over a period of several weeks or months. Successful completion of the program results in the award of the RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management, which is recognised as evidence of an individual's competence in the field of pest management. The RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management is considered a prestigious qualification for several reasons: Recognition: The award is recognised by the pest management industry as evidence of an individual's competence and commitment to their profession. This recognition can help individuals to stand out from others in the field and can increase their employment prospects. Industry standards: The program is designed to cover the knowledge and skills required to work in the pest management industry, and is based on industry standards and best practices. This means that individuals who complete the program have a good understanding of what is expected of them in their professional role. Rigorous assessment: The program involves both classroom-based training and practical assessments, which are designed to test the individual's knowledge and skills. This rigorous assessment process helps to ensure that only individuals who have the necessary knowledge and skills receive the award. Reputation: The RSPH is a well-respected organisation with a long history of promoting public health and environmental sustainability. The association of the RSPH with the award helps to give it credibility and prestige, and can help to increase the standing of individuals who hold the award. Professional development: Completing the RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management demonstrates an individual's commitment to their professional development, and can help them to advance in their careers. It can also provide a foundation for further study and professional development in the field of pest management. If you are looking for a professional and experienced pest management commercial service or pest prevention service, look no further. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your property free from pests. PGM & SON are available 7 days a week to eradicate your pest problems. Rat and Rodent Pest Control Wasp Nest Removal Flea Control Cockroach Control Loft Clearance, Contaminated Waste Removal Woodworm Control Bedbug Control See more of our Pest Control Services throughout Hereford and Worcester For all your pest control needs, call PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford and Worcester on 01981 540088 or visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or drop us an email to contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Friday the 13th is a day steeped in superstition and fear, with bad luck, ghosts, ghouls and spooky goings on generally. But there's one thing you don't want to be unlucky with: pest control! Pests such as ants, rodents, and cockroaches can cause a lot of damage to your home, and it's important to take the proper precautions on this day to ensure that your home remains pest-free. In this blog, we will discuss the common pests and how to deal with them, as well as prevention tips to keep your home safe from pests on this day. The 10 Most Common Pests in UK Homes 1. Mice 2. Rats 3. Bedbugs 4. Cockroaches 5. Fleas 6. Wasps 7. Ants 8. Moths 9. Flies 10. Woodworm Pest Prevention Tips Inspect the home for entry points: Pests can enter a home through the smallest of cracks and crevices, so it is important to inspect your home carefully for any potential entry points. Check around windows and doors, as well as in any areas where plumbing or wiring enters the home. Seal cracks and crevices: Once you have identified any potential entry points, take steps to seal them up with caulk or other appropriate materials. This will help prevent pests from entering your home. Store food properly: To discourage pests from entering your home, make sure all food is stored properly. This means keeping all food items in tightly sealed containers, and making sure all surfaces are wiped down after cooking or eating. No one enjoys dealing with pests in their home, and by following these simple steps, you can ensure that your home is safe from any unlucky pests that may try to take up residence on this superstitious day. By taking the necessary steps to control pests, you can ensure that your home is safe on Friday the 13th and every day of the year. Friday the 13th is often considered an unlucky and superstitious day. While some may go out of their way to avoid any potential bad luck, it’s important to remember that it's also a day to take extra precautions when it comes to pest control. From ants to cockroaches and rodents, pests can wreak havoc in your home, and Friday the 13th presents an extra opportunity to take action. What pests are bothering you on Friday 13th?! Pest Control Services Pest problems we solve at PGM & SON Pest Control Services include RATS, MICE, FLEAS, BEDBUGS, COCKROACHES, CLUSTER FLIES, SQUIRRELS, PIGEONS, ANTS, WASPS, MOTH, BEETLES, LADYBIRDS, MOLES, WOODWORM and many more pest problems. For all your pest control needs call PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire on 01981 540088 or drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk Visit our website for more pest advice and information at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk