Search Results

No Fleas Please! Fleas can be a real problem. And, many people are embarrassed to report a flea problem, but our advice is – don’t be embarrassed if you have a flea problem. It’s very common and at PGM & SON Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire we’ve seen it all before so there’s no need to worry. If you’ve got a cat or you’ve come into contact with a cat you can quite easily end up with a flea problem. In this week’s blog, we’ll look at what we know about fleas and what we can do to help if you find you have a flea problem. What do we know about fleas? Fleas are parasitic; living on warm blooded animals. After feeding on an infested animal, the female flea lays her eggs. Female fleas can live up to two years and lay up to 1000 eggs. After several days the eggs turn into larvae which then spin silk cocoons. When the developed adult detects vibrations on the host animal it will emerge from the cocoon. The complete life cycle takes around one month. Fleas are most active in communal rooms where pets sleep and where there is most activity. Fleas can be found living on domestic animals, in carpets, pet bedding and upholstery. The adult fleas feed on blood of humans and animals. Larvae live in the nest of the host and feed on skin, feathers and the blood-rich faeces of the adult flea. Although fleas don’t usually transmit diseases, they do bite and their bites can cause irritation which may be worse for people with allergies. How to Tell if You Have a Flea Infestation Your pets are scratching. You can see fleas or flea droppings in the coat of your cat or dog (dry back brushing your pets or brush them over a piece of paper to more easily spot the signs of fleas. You or your family experience bites – usually around the ankles or legs. Typically, flea bites are a small red spot about 5mm in diameter. You can see fleas jumping in your carpets or on your furniture if you have an active infestation. How Can I Prevent Fleas? Well, it’s pretty hard to prevent your pet from getting fleas but nevertheless you can take some steps to reduce the chances of you getting a flea infestation in the future: Apply veterinarian approved flea treatments to your pets on a regular basis. Hoover carpets, rugs and furniture that your pet frequents. Regularly wash pets’ beds in the hottest cycle on your machine, including blankets and toys. Keep your garden neat and tidy; regularly mow, rake up leaves and dispose of grass and bush cuttings. DIY treatments for fleas are rarely successful. Pest Controllers have access to treatments that are not available to the general public. What Can You Expect From a PGM & SON Pest Control Flea Treatment? Call us and we’ll give you advice. Book a treatment and we’ll send you some pre-treatment advice. You’ll need to follow this to ensure that the treatment is as thorough as possible. We’ll carry out a comprehensive treatment in your property. Advice on what to do after we’ve carried out the treatment to ensure that you remain flea-fee! PGM Pest Control’s service is second to none; we like to see happy customers! Flea Top Tip for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Tenents When you move into a new property check for signs of fleas . And, ask your landlord whether the previous tenants had pets and whether a flea fumigation was undertaken prior to your occupation. If you have a flea problem in Herefordshire  or Worcestershire  call PGM and Son Flea Control Services , for all your flea control needs and flea advice. About PGM Pest Control PGM Pest Control  is an award-winning pest control company based in the UK, offering trusted, effective, and environmentally responsible services for homes and businesses. Known for our expert knowledge, educational resources, and excellent customer service, we go beyond treatments — we help our clients understand pests and prevent future problems. 👉 Visit us at   www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk  for professional pest control, insect identification, and free downloads.

If you’ve ever searched “how to get rid of wasps UK” or “are wasps dangerous?”, this is the video you need. In our brand new video, UK pest control expert Phil answers the most common questions Brits ask about wasps. Whether you’re worried about a wasps’ nest in the garden or just want to know if wasps actually do anything useful — Phil’s got you covered. Phil Knows Pests!  🔎 What UK Viewers Will Learn in This Video How to identify wasps vs bees (key differences explained). Do wasps sting unprovoked? Here’s what actually triggers them. Are wasp nests dangerous in lofts or sheds? Phil breaks it down. When to call a pest control professional (and what not to do yourself). Natural wasp deterrents that actually work. This quick-fire Q&A is perfect for UK homeowners, renters, gardeners, and anyone prepping for summer outdoors. Tailored for UK Homes and Gardens Phil brings over a decade of experience working with pests across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. From terraced homes in town to countryside cottages, he’s seen it all. His advice is practical, local, and backed by real-world experience. "In the UK, wasp season starts peaking from late June through August — and that’s when the panic sets in,” says Phil. “The key is knowing when to leave them alone and when to act.” Behind the Buzz: Why We Made This Video This is part of our # PhilKnowsPests YouTube series , designed to give viewers reliable, down-to-earth advice on common UK pests. We created this episode in response to the top wasp-related Google searches from across the UK. So if you’ve searched “how to remove a wasps nest in the UK” – you’re in the right place! Why You Should Watch our Q&A Wasp Video Quick, clear answers (under 4 minutes). UK-based advice you can trust. Free to watch and easy to share. Helps you decide when you need help — and when to leave wasps alone. 🎬 Watch the full video now : If you find it helpful, please like, subscribe, and share with a friend or neighbour. Got a pest problem Phil should tackle next? Drop it in the comments — we’re listening. 👉   Your Top Wasp Questions Answered by a UK Pest Expert 👉 Watch now and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! 👀 Also Worth Watching If ants are your current summer worry, don’t miss our Ant Q&A video: 👉   Your Top Ant Questions Answered by a UK Pest Expert What’s Next in the Q and A Series? We’ve already tackled ants in the home in our previous Q&A video — so if those tiny invaders are bugging you, check it out here (you can link this to the ant video post or YouTube). Coming up next on Youtube: 👉 A full breakdown on fleas — where they come from, how to get rid of them in carpets, and why even homes without pets aren’t safe. Phil will answer the top flea-related questions straight from UK homeowners, including: “Can fleas survive in winter?” “How do I know if it’s fleas or dust mites?” “What’s the best flea treatment for homes?” Subscribe to our YouTube channel or join our mailing list so you don’t miss it! 📍 Need Local Pest Control Help in Herefordshire or Worcestershire? If you’re in or around Herefordshire or Worcestershire, our expert pest control team is ready to help. Visit our site or get in touch for affordable, fast, professional pest control support. 💬 Final Word Don’t let wasps ruin your summer. Start by watching Phil’s video, and you’ll know exactly what to do — and what not to do — when you spot those yellow-and-black intruders. We take great pride in our commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and techniques for our wasp nest removal service . Our award winning pest control team regularly attends industry conferences to learn about the latest developments in the field, and we invest in state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that we provide the most effective and efficient services possible. By combining our dedication to ongoing professional development, investment in cutting-edge technology, and commitment to environmentally responsible practices , we have established ourselves as a leader in the field of wasp nest removal. Read more about our Herefordshire pest control services and Worcestershire pest control services . Our clients can trust that when they choose us, they are selecting a team that not only understands the intricacies of pest control but also prioritises their safety and satisfaction above all else.

This week we’ve interviewed pest controller, Phil Martin, from PGM & SON Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire about the issue of bed bugs. To find out more, read on… Morning Phil, thank you for taking time to answer some of our questions about bed bugs today. Hello, that’s no problem I’m happy to help. Are bed bugs a common problem? Surprisingly, yes. People don’t realise that you can pick up bed bugs from all sorts of every-day places such as trains, planes, coaches, buses and most public places where there is a high footfall. We handle bed bug problems frequently and we’ve seen a rise in cases over time. Why do you think there has been a rise in bed bug cases? The mass migration of people, people are travelling more and the onset of globalisation. People often report picking up bed bugs in hotels – does this mean the hotels aren’t keeping their rooms clean? No, it doesn’t mean that at all. A hotel may just be unlucky. However, it is important that the hotel acts on any report of potential bed bugs. When first reported, the hotel should act immediately to ensure they treat any problem and to carry out routine monitoring to ensure they remain bed bug free. Hotels should train their staff to know what to look out for and to isolate and contain any problems as soon as they are spotted. How can people be certain they have a bed bug problem? Indicators of a problem include bites, laundry and bedding having an unpleasant smell, dark spots on bed frames and mattresses that look like ink spots, blood smears on bedding and headboards and you may also see bed bugs on your bedding or furniture if you have an active infestation. What should people do if they think they do have a bed bug problem? The best thing to do is to seek professional advice. A pest controller will inspect the property, may put down monitoring devices and once a problem is identified they will advise on the best course of action. DIY treatments for bed bugs are rarely successful. Pest controllers have access to treatments that aren’t available to the general public. Also, it’s really tricky to treat bed bugs because all crevices and cracks including plug sockets and skirting boards need to be treated so it’s best to engage the services of a fully qualified pest controller. What’s your top tip for avoiding a bed bug problem in future? There isn’t a great deal you can do due to the presence of bed bugs in public places. Unfortunately, it’s often just down to bad luck. You can be vigilant and carry out visual checks of temporary accommodation you are staying in or the new property you’re moving into. You should also check for signs of pests when buying second hand-furniture. If you do find that you’ve staying somewhere which has a confirmed bed bug problem then you should take precautionary measures before returning home such as washing clothing, bedding and luggage on a 60 degree cycle, tumble drying on a hot setting for at least half an hour or you can freeze everything in the deep freeze for at least 3 days. Ultimately, if you find you have a problem don’t panic it’s a common issue and there’s usually no health risk. How can Herefordshire and Worcestershire residents and businesses contact PGM & SON Pest Control if they think they may have a bed bug problem? Well they can call us on 01981540088 or 07964 370480. Or, they can visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk where they can book a call back. Or they can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk and, if they prefer, they can find the live chat facility on the right hand side of their screen our website. That’s great Phil, thank you for your time today. No problem!

How to spot the tell-tale sign of Bedbugs Got itchy red spots or lumps on your body? Can you see dark ink like spots or blood smears on your bedding, bed frame or mattress? Does your laundry and bedding smell unpleasant? YOU MAY HAVE A PROBLEM WITH BED BUGS IF... If you’ve seen bed bugs on your furniture or bedding then you almost certainly have an active bed bug infestation. Bed bugs look for a human host to feed from and they most usually do this during the night. They lay their eggs in cracks and crevices near their human hosts so often bed frames, skirting boards, plug sockets and behind loose wallpaper are ideal housing for bed bugs. BED BUGS Did you know? Bed bugs can go without feeding for months and often lie dormant waiting for a human host. This is why people often experience problems with bed bugs when first moving into a new home or rental property. And, bed bugs are quite often found in multiple occupancy buildings like flats, hotels, hostels, B&Bs where there is a quick and high turnover of occupants. Bed bugs aren't considered disease transmitters. Bites from bed bugs can cause irritation particularly in people with allergies. DIY Treatment for Bedbugs Whilst you can treat bed bugs yourself, often we find that DIY treatments don’t resolve the problem. That’s because DIY treatments aren’t as effective as those used by qualified pest controllers who have access to solutions that aren’t available to the general public. And, because bed bugs lay their eggs in cracks and crevices it can be difficult to carry out a bed bug treatment effectively yourself. Fully qualified, professional pest controllers like PGM & Son Pest Control have received the training to ensure that your bed bug infestation is treated effectively and efficiently. For all your bed bug control needs, give PGM & Son Pest Control a call on 01981 540088 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. We serve all areas throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire . If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk  or you can use the live chat facility on our website.

What Are Bed Bugs? Bed bugs ( Cimex lectularius ) are tiny, flat, oval-shaped insects, about the size of an apple seed. They feed exclusively on human blood, usually at night, and can quickly become a major problem in homes, hotels, and rental properties. Bed Bugs Key facts: Adult bed bugs are reddish-brown and swell after feeding. They do not fly but move quickly across floors, walls, and ceilings. Bed bugs can survive for months without feeding, making them hard to eradicate. Why Are Bed Bugs Still a Problem in 2025? With incre ased travel, property rentals, and second-hand furniture sales, bed bugs remain a persistent nuisance. Even clean homes and businesses are at risk—bed bugs hitchhike on luggage, clothing, and furniture. Did you know? Bed bugs can lie dormant for months, waiting for a human host. This means vacant properties, hotels, or Airbnbs can have hidden infestations ready to emerge when people return. How Do I Know If I Have Bed Bugs? Common Signs of Bed Bugs Bites:  Red, itchy welts, often in clusters or zigzag patterns, usually on exposed skin. Blood stains:  Small red marks on sheets or pillowcases. Dark spots:  Bed bug excrement on bedding, mattresses, or walls. Shed skins:  Tiny, pale-yellow shells in mattress seams or furniture crevices. Odour:  A musty, sweet smell from bed bug scent glands. Where to Look for Bed Bugs Mattress seams and tags Bed frames and headboards Box springs Behind wallpaper or wall hangings Bedside tables and furniture joints Wardrobes, curtains, and carpets Luggage, clothing, and soft furnishings Sofas and armchairs What Should I Do If I Find Bed Bugs? Step 1: Don’t Panic—But Act Fast Bed bugs multiply quickly. Early action is key to preventing a large infestation. Step 2: Contain the Problem Declutter:  Remove unnecessary items from the affected room. Isolate bedding:  Bag bedding, clothes, and soft items in sealed plastic bags until they can be washed. Vacuum thoroughly:  Use a vacuum with a HEPA filter on mattresses, bed frames, furniture, and floors. Empty the vacuum outside immediately. Step 3: Clean and Treat Wash  bedding and clothes at 60°C (140°F) or higher, then tumble dry on hot for 30+ minutes. Steam clean  mattresses, bed frames, and carpets—bed bugs and eggs die at 60°C+. Encase  mattresses and pillows in bed bug-proof covers. Step 4: Don’t Rely on DIY Sprays Most shop-bought sprays are ineffective against eggs and hidden bugs. Professional treatment is highly recommended for complete eradication. Why Professional Bed Bug Treatment Is Best Bed bugs are notoriously difficult to eliminate without expert help. At PGM Pest Control, we use the latest, safest, and most effective methods, including: Targeted heat treatments  that kill all life stages, including eggs Professional-grade insecticides  applied by trained technicians Follow-up inspections  to ensure the infestation is fully eradicated We are BPCA certified —your guarantee of quality, safety, and peace of mind. How to Prevent Bed Bugs Inspect hotel beds and furniture when travelling Check second-hand furniture before bringing it home Vacuum regularly and keep bedrooms clutter-free Use protective mattress encasements Be vigilant after guests or travel "Pests are our passion, we follow the CRRU Code of Best Practice" Are you looking for the best and affordable Pest Control Company in Herefordshire or Worcestershire ? 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? Our member's 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. Learn more about Bed Bugs Call PGM & Son Pest Control on 01981 540088 or our emergency 24/hr 07964 370480. Or, emai l us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

As the weather warms up and people start to book their holiday visits, local hotel, B&B and Airbnb and other holiday accommodation businesses are advised to check for bedbugs now before the holiday season starts. Why should holiday businesses check for bedbugs? Bed bugs are much more common these days as people travel more frequently and transmit problem bed bugs from one holiday let to another. Unfortunately, bed bugs often become a major issue for holiday accommodation businesses as people can be be embarrassed about bed bugs and so will often try to deal with the problem themselves. DIY bed bug tre atments often just prolong the problem though and often an infestation then gets out of control. Don’t let a bedbug problem get out of control in your hotel or Airbnb holiday let business! Bed Bug Fact Bed bugs are prehistoric insects and they’ve been around for at least 115 million years. This should give you an idea of how resilient these little insects are! Five reasons to deal quickly with a bedbug problem in your Hotel, B&B or Holiday Rental Business COST If you must replace of furniture, mattresses, towels and bedding in a holiday business it can become an expensive exercise not to mention the environmental impact. REPUTATIONAL DAMAGE Negative online and press reports can cause irreparable damage to your business. The sharing of bad experiences can spread very quickly in today’s online world. Reputational damage can be unlimited. LOSS OF INCOME Following on from reputational damage, if customers act on bad worth of mouth and online reviews or other press reports, you could find your business suffers a loss in revenue as your bookings fall. FINANCIAL LOSS Customers who come across a bedbug problem whilst staying at your holiday property will likely complain and want a refund. LEGAL ACTION It’s not unheard of for customers take you businesses to court following pest issues in their holiday accommodation. This might then result in your business incurring cost, loss of revenue, financial loss and reputational damage – things to be avoided!! John Horsley Technical Officer at BPCA advises: “Bed Bugs can live for up to a year without feeding, so a room that has been unused for a few months may not be as empty as it appears". Bedbugs are parasitic insects that can be transported on items such as luggage and second-hand furniture. They will hide in crevices in beds , nearby furniture, behind skirting boards, under loose wallpaper and even in plug sockets. If you spot signs of a bedbug infestation , we strongly recommend you act immediately and contact a professional pest control company, preferably a member of the BPCA.” This is why dealing with a bedbug problem early on is absolutely essential. Bedbugs bite and can cause irritation and distress. Some people are more prone to allergies and may react to bedbug bites as well. Imagine your horror when a customer approaches your reception desk scratching itchy painful swollen lumps… What businesses are more likely to experience bedbug infestations? High volume businesses and those who welcome frequent travellers may experience more infestations than others, but the reality is that most stay businesses can find they have a bedbug problem. Common businesses include hotels, B&Bs, hotels, Airbnb and other holiday let businesses. But other businesses might also find they experience bedbug problems such as aeroplanes, cinemas, office buildings, campsites. DIY treatments are usually ineffective and can prolong and worsen a bedbug infestation (for example causing bedbugs to migrate to other rooms or even to adjacent properties) so it’s usually best to call in the professionals immediately. Check out our Bed bug Control Services If you have got a bedbug problem, it’s usually best to call in the professionals. For all your pest 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 bedbug problems, give us a call now!

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 01981 540088 or e mail us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use our live chat facility on our website.

Ensure a Bed Bug-Free Stay for Every Guest with Our Swab Service! As a holiday let provider, you understand that guest satisfaction and their safety are your top priorities. Our Bed Bug Swab Service offers peace of mind for you and your guests. We’ll come in between bookings, perform a rapid swab test to detect any early signs of bed bug activity, and provide immediate eradication if needed.   Benefits of Our Bed Bug Swab Service Peace of Mind for you and your Guests Fast and Accurate Testing Immediate Action and Treatment Protect your Reputation Cost-Effective Management Fast and Discreet Testing Protection Against Negative Reviews Support for all Accommodation Types Reliable Bed Bug Detection Services across Herefordshire and Worcestershire What We Offer: Fast, Accurate Testing : Our swab test is discreet and thorough, ensuring no signs of pests go undetected. Immediate Action : If any signs of bed bug activity are found, our team is ready to provide a comprehensive treatment, keeping your property pest-free and guest-ready. Protect Your Reputation : Bed bug incidents can hurt guest reviews and reputation—our service helps prevent this. Supporting the Hospitality Industry: Bed Bug Testing for All Accommodation Our Clients rely on us for a pest-free business: Hotels, B&Bs, Social Housing and Holiday Rental Properties. For businesses that cater to guests frequently and rely on clean, pest-free accommodations to maintain their reputation. Holiday Rental Companies & Property Managers Managing multiple properties requires a commitment to guest satisfaction. Frequent bed bug swab testing is essential for these businesses to prevent infestations that can lead to negative reviews and lost revenue. By ensuring a pest-free environment, property managers can enhance their reputation and attract more guests. Boutique Hotels and Inns For smaller establishments that pride themselves on high cleanliness standards, our proactive bed bug detection services are invaluable. Boutique hotels and inns face heightened scrutiny from guests who expect immaculate conditions. Regular testing helps mitigate risks, ensuring that these properties maintain their reputation for excellence and guest comfort. B&Bs and Guesthouses Family-owned or independent B&Bs often rely on local services for quick responses to pest issues. Our reliable bed bug swab testing provides peace of mind, allowing these businesses to focus on delivering a warm, welcoming experience for their guests without the worry of infestations disrupting their operations. High-Traffic Holiday Rental Homes Properties with frequent bookings and rapid turnover are at increased risk for bed bug transfer. Our testing service is crucial for these high-traffic rentals to catch any potential infestations early, minimising disruption and ensuring that every guest enjoys a comfortable stay. Luxury and Premium Holiday Let Providers Luxury accommodations have elevated expectations regarding guest satisfaction. Our proactive bed bug testing service is essential for maintaining the high standards that discerning guests demand. By preventing infestations before they occur, these providers can uphold their reputation and ensure repeat business. Corporate Housing and Short-Term Rentals Companies offering accommodations for business travelers must guarantee a clean, pest-free environment. Our bed bug swab testing service helps these businesses provide assurance to their guests, fostering trust and encouraging positive experiences that lead to repeat bookings. Social Housing and Council-Owned Properties We support social housing initiatives by providing effective bed bug testing services to ensure safe living conditions for residents. Addressing pest issues promptly not only enhances the quality of life for tenants but also upholds the integrity of the housing authority's commitment to community welfare. Ensure a Pest-Free Environment for Your Business! Our Bed-Bug Swab Affordable Pricing Packages Single Swab Service (Pay-Per-Visit) Ideal for properties with lower turnover rates or those looking to try the service before committing. ✔ Single swab test with report, plus any recommendations for preventive steps. (Reduced treatment rate if eradication is needed after a positive result.) Monthly/Seasonal Package (Pay for multiple short-term visits) Perfect for properties with frequent guest turnover during peak seasons, such as summer holidays. ✔ Monthly or bi-weekly swabs, prioritised booking slots, and discounted rates on treatment if needed. Annual Subscription (Best Value) For properties looking to maintain high standards year-round and want peace of mind without the hassle of frequent bookings. ✔ Regular monthly swabs with unlimited emergency checks if requested, priority response for any positive findings, and discounted rates on any bed bug treatments. Bed bugs are on the rise, with reports indicating a significant increase in infestations across the UK. Join us for an insightful discussion on bed bugs with Phil Martin, owner of PGM and Son Pest Control, as featured on BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester. In this video, we delve into the rising concerns surrounding bed bug infestations in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, particularly in light of recent reports warning of a potential surge in cases across Europe. CALL FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION PRICE QUOTE BASED ON YOUR PREFERRED PACKAGE AND TAILORED TO YOUR BUSINESS PREMISES SIZE AND REQUIREMENTS. 📞 01981 540088 In today’s competitive hospitality industry, ensuring a bed bug-free environment is not just a luxury—it's a necessity . Our Bed Bug Swab Service offers you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your property is protected against these unwelcome pests. By choosing our proactive bed bug testing and treatment solutions, you can enhance guest satisfaction, protect the reputation of your hospitality business , and ultimately drive more bookings. Avoid letting a bed bug incident damage your establishment’s reputation. Protect your guests' comfort and your hospitality business’s success by investing in our dependable and efficient bed bug swab testing service. Bed Bugs Can Cost You More Than You Think! - Contact PGM Pest Control today to schedule your free bed bug swab testing consultation on 01981 540088 or e mail us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk  or use the live chat facility on our website . 7 Days a week Emergency Bed Bug Removal: We’re Here When You Need Us!

This week we’re blogging about fleas in Hereford again and why?! Well, because, pest controllers are being inundated with calls from the public about fleas and at PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford we’re no different – calls about flea problems are up significantly from last year. The press recently reported that flea complaints across the UK have increased by 415% in 2019. Why Are We Seeing an Increase in Fleas? Record heat temperatures combined with the usual British rain has combined to make very humid conditions which are the perfect environment for fleas. Fleas thrive in these conditions and this accelerates their life cycle – they can grow from an egg to a fully-grown adult flea in just two weeks. July was the hottest month on record for the Earth since records started in 1880. The other contributory factor is the UK's love of cats and dogs! Around a quarter of UK households own at least one dog and almost 20% a cat so fleas have an abundance of hosts in the UK. Although fleas love the host animal, they are more likely to be found in bedding, furniture, carpets and rugs. And, a small flea problem can quickly become a problem – some flea species lay up to 40 eggs per day. Spot the Signs you May Have Fleas, which include: Your pets are scratching. You can see fleas or flea droppings in the coat of your cat or dog (try back brushing your pets or brush them over a piece of paper to more easily spot the signs of fleas). You or your family experience bites – usually around the ankles or legs. Typically, flea bites are a small red spot about 5mm in diameter. You can see fleas jumping in your carpets or on your furniture if you have an active infestation. So, as a reminder, be vigilant; checks your pets regularly including their bedding. Flea Top Tip for Herefordshire Tenents When you move into a new property check for signs of fleas . And, ask your landlord whether the previous tenants had pets and whether a flea fumigation was undertaken prior to your occupation. If you have a flea problem in Herefordshire  or Worcestershire  call PGM and Son Flea Control Services , for all your flea control needs and flea advice. About PGM Pest Control PGM Pest Control  is an award-winning pest control company based in the UK, offering trusted, effective, and environmentally responsible services for homes and businesses. Known for our expert knowledge, educational resources, and excellent customer service, we go beyond treatments — we help our clients understand pests and prevent future problems. 👉 Visit us at   www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk  for professional pest control, insect identification, and free downloads.

Introducing The Honeybee! PGM & SON Pest Control Services are proud to announce our new series of 'Pest Trumps'! Today we launch the first of many of our information cards about pests so you can understand more about our work and how pests have a place in our world. You can download each file for free to use at your workplace to help identify pests for the safety of your staff and visitors. The collection of the PGM 'Pest Control Trump' information cards are produced to help with pest-related problems within UK. << DOWNLOAD FOR FREE >> PGM & SON are compiling a comprehensive range of 'Pest Trump' publications available for the pest management sector and the general public to download for free to help with pest-related problems in the UK. If you wish to keep updated with our latest updates in the Pest Trump range please subscribe to our blog and never miss an update!

This week we’re looking at the subject of mice. Did you know each part of the mouse breeding cycle takes typically around 21 days? That’s around 3 weeks for gestation, around 3 weeks for weaning and a further 3 to 3 and a half weeks for developing to maturity. Mouse fact number 1: Mice typically survive for less than a year in the wild. How many babies do mice produce? On average between 5 and 7 pups but it can be up to 12. A female can become pregnant almost immediately after giving birth which is one reason why an infestation of mice can rapidly become out of control. That means females can produce between 5 and 10 litters a year. 120 mice from one female is a lot of mice! Mouse fact number 2: Mice are colour blind. Their other senses make up for this though – they have an acute sense of hearing and they use their whiskers to sense temperature changes and surface textures. Mouse fact number 3: Mice are nocturnal and are great at climbing, jumping and swimming – contenders for the rodent Olympics! Mouse fact number 4: Mice can squeeze through any gap into which they can fit their head – around 5mm . And the reason they can do this is that they have flexible ribs! Unlike rats, mice make multiple trips at night to various food sources which can make it difficult to control them with toxic bait. This differs from rats who will gobble up one food source. How can I prevent Mice? Proof, proof, proof! Seal your entry points. This can be quite difficult with mice – remember how we said they can squeeze through a hole 5mm in diameter? That’s equivalent to the end of a bic biro! Start with low level gaps first and then move to higher entry points. Take particular care around areas like pipes, windows, doors and cellars or basements as we often find these are common entry points for mice. If you gap under a door is larger than 4mm then install a door brush strip. Take a good look around the exterior of your property for potential nesting sites. This means cutting back any overgrown areas and clearing debris. Keep your garden clean and tidy. Do the same in your cellar, basement and loft! Check household waste is tidied away into sealed bins and that your rubbish is collected or removed regularly. Don’t forget about your compost heap either – make sure you have a suitable cover. Clear and wipe down surfaces in your house – don’t give mice a food source. Put unused food away into sealed containers. Encourage your teenagers to clean their rooms regularly and to empty their bins. A teenager’s room is often the place that used crockery and food crumbs are found so important to try to train your teenager! As the British Pest Control Association says, “Whilst good hygiene won’t eliminate a mouse problem, poor practices will attract them.” How to get rid of Mice If you do have a mouse problem, we recommend contacting a professional fully qualified pest controller. You can adopt some DIY mouse control methods but, in our experience, these rarely work effectively. If you do want to have a go at your DIY mouse control, then make sure you read the label on any amateur use poisons and traps you buy. And, when placing traps or poison make sure that you place them in a safe and secure place out of the reach of children and pets and any other non-target species. However, the best way to deal with a mouse problem is to find your local BPCA Pest Controller . PGM & Son Pest Control is fully trained in handling mice infestations . We have access to a range of professional mice control treatments that are not available to the general public. PGM & Son Pest Control technicians are trained to know how much, where and when to use mouse control treatments. And, we have access to monitoring equipment to enable us to determine possible entry points, size of infestation and to track mice to their nest. At PGM & Son Pest Control, we operate an Integrated Pest Management approach meaning that we will work with you to advise you on how to reduce your risk of attracting mice in future. For all your pest control needs, give PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire 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 you can use the live chat facility on the right side of your screen.

Introducing The Rat! This week we are excited to carry on with our series of "Pest Trumps" at PGM & SON Pest Control Services with The Rat . 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. THE RAT - FACTS 101 FACT FILE Aside from the wasp, probably the most well-known pest in the UK – the Rat! There are two main rat species in the UK, the most common is Rattus Norvegicus also known as the brown rat. The other is Rattus Rattus which is commonly known as the black rat or ship rat although these are now rarely seen in the UK. Rats are disease carriers and spreaders and so considered a public health risk. DID YOU KNOW Historically, the harsh winter climate in the UK was a natural way of culling the rodent population but with milder climates the rat population in the UK has grown. There are an estimated 150 million rats in the UK so if you haven’t seen one, you’re in the minority. If you own a property, you have a legal obligation to keep premises rodent free, or if there is a threat to health or property, to report it to the local authority. A RATS STRENGTH - 9 The rat’s greatest strength is in their teeth. They can gnaw through just about anything – wood, glass, metal, bone – you name it they can chew it! This means they can cause significant damage to property with their gnawing which can result in structural damage and other significant issues such as fire and flood risk when they chew through electrical cables and pipes. BREEDING OF RATS - 10 Rats score very highly in the breeding category. In fact, the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) awards them a gold medal when it comes to breeding! A female rat can reproduce every 6 weeks and her litters can produce 6-8 babies. Each part of the cycle takes an average of 21 days. A rat can become pregnant very quickly after giving birth so a rat infestation can very rapidly grow out of control. New-borns sexually mature after just 5 weeks when they can also start to produce babies. This means that a pair of brown rats could produce up to 200 babies and 2,000 descendants in just one year or more! NUISANCE FACTOR OF RATS - 10 Rats are a major nuisance both in the house, business premises and garden. They burrow, gnaw, urinate, defecate, nest and generally make a mess. Their urine also produces a very nasty strong, distinctive smell which isn’t easy to get rid of. More than being a nuisance, rats carry and spread serious disease to humans such as Weil’s disease, Salmonella and Listeria. They can also cause significant structural damage to property. All things considered; the rat is up there as one of the UK’s most problematic pests. AGILITY OF RATS - 9 Rats are also agile. Gardeners and allotment holders often report sightings of rats climbing nimbly up bird tables to reach food. They also shimmy up drainpipes and scurry through sewers and squeeze through small holes to get into places. They are good swimmers too. If the rat was entering the Olympics, it would be up for a silver medal in the triathlon! ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS OF THE RAT POPULATION - 2 Although not as essential as other pests we’ve reviewed in this series, nevertheless rats are an important part of balancing our ecosystem. They provide a food source for other predatory animals. Also, they are opportunistic scavengers and will happily clear up the food we throw away. RATS SUPERPOWER - Highly Advanced Rats are highly adaptable and developed. They have a well-developed sense of smell and touch and an acute sense of hearing, frequently using ultrasound to communicate. They are neophobic meaning that they are wary of new objects, and they are highly mobile. All these traits how shown that rats are also capable of being trained. So, all in all, the rat is a highly developed creature. Overall PGM Rating 2/10 The rat scores impressively in pretty much every category and we must give them credit for that. But we’ve given them an overall low rating due to their risk to public health. The rat is widely regarded as the UK’s most problematic pest, most often described as vermin and has been seen as this throughout history. Even going back to the 14th and 17th centuries rats were blamed for the Black Death plague that swept Europe although recent studies suggest that they might not have been responsible.