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Key Takeaways Understanding the signs of rodent infestations is crucial for prompt action. The UK is facing a significant rise in rodent infestations, known as the 'ratflation' crisis. Private pest control services are experiencing a surge in demand due to limited support from local councils. In regions like Worcestershire and Herefordshire, access to council assistance for pest control is severely limited or non-existent. Collaboration between authorities, communities, and private pest control services is essential to effectively combat the crisis. Understanding the signs of rodent infestations is crucial for prompt action In recent years, the UK has found itself grappling with a growing crisis – one that is not only concerning but also creeping into the very fabric of our homes and communities. We're talking about the alarming surge in rodent infestations, aptly dubbed as the 'Ratflation' crisis by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA). Phil Martin, an award-winning pest controller at PGM & Son Pest Control, sheds light on this pressing issue, offering invaluable insights on how to identify the tell-tale signs of infestations and what actions can be taken to address them. His expertise, shared during an interview with Jonathan Ray on BBC , underscores the severity of the situation. The UK is facing a significant rise in rodent infestations, known as the 'ratflation' crisis According to BPCA, the statistics are grim. Last year alone, there were over a quarter of a million home visits made by pest control professionals to tackle rat and mice infestations across the UK. To put it into perspective, that's nearly 750 visits per day . Such staggering numbers indicate a crisis that demands urgent attention and effective solutions. Private Pest Control Services are Experiencing a Surge in Demand Due to Limited Support from Local Councils Adding to the gravity of the situation is the dwindling support from local councils. With only a quarter of them continuing to offer pest removal services, the burden falls heavily on individuals and households to fend off these unwanted invaders. The situation is particularly dire in regions like Worcestershire and Herefordshire, where access to council assistance for pest control is severely limited, if not non-existent. In regions like Worcestershire and Herefordshire, access to council assistance for pest control is severely limited or non-existent In most parts of Worcestershire, council aid for pest removal is contingent upon being on benefits, leaving many without recourse. Meanwhile, Herefordshire presents an even bleaker scenario, offering no domestic pest removal service whatsoever. This stark reality underscores the crucial role played by private contractors in alleviating the pest burden borne by communities. In the face of this escalating crisis, it's imperative for homeowners and business proprietors to be vigilant and proactive. Understanding the signs of infestations and promptly seeking professional assistance can help mitigate the risks posed by pests. Moreover, there's a pressing need for greater collaboration between authorities, communities, and private pest control services to effectively combat the 'Ratflation' crisis. Collaboration between authorities, communities, and private pest control services is essential to effectively combat the crisis. As we navigate through these challenging times of climate change, it's evident that raising awareness and advocating for robust pest control measures are paramount. Together, we can stem the tide of infestations and reclaim our homes from the relentless encroachment of rodents. Let's not allow 'Ratflation' to become the new norm – it's time to take a stand against pests and safeguard our communities. If you have a rat infestation let us help! < Rat and Rodent Pest Control Services >

Now we’re into Autumn we’re starting to see cluster flies as they gather in the roof spaces and upper rooms of properties to hibernate, often in significantly large numbers. I had pest control in last year to treat cluster flies and they’re back again? Unfortunately, this is a common problem because cluster flies tend to return to the same location year after year so if you had a cluster fly issue in previous years and you’ve got them again it doesn’t mean your pest controller failed. Unfortunately, what it does mean is that you can expect your visitors once a year. However, once you’re aware of this it can help manage expectations and also enable you to get prepared to treat the problem as soon as it arrives. Cluster flies have a characteristic smell and are sluggish in flight. Cluster flies are a nuisance in the house in particular due to the large numbers in which they congregate. There is one species of cluster fly which is far more prevalent in rural areas such as Herefordshire due to the fact they are parasitic on earthworms. So, it’s not a surprise that so many Herefordshire residents and business owners experience cluster fly problems. If you’re having a problem with house flies, cluster flies, blue bottles or any other pests call PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford for advice and solutions. We will normally treat a cluster fly problem with an insecticidal fog or smoke generator as this is most effective. It is important to make sure there are no resident bats in your property or business before employing any eradication methods and we’re experienced in spotting evidence of bats so it’s always better to get a professional pest controller in rather than trying to treat the problem yourself. And, once the problem has been treated if you want some help in cleaning and removing the pest waste in a hygienic and efficient way, we can help with that too – ask us about our pest waste cleaning and removal services. If you’re in need of pest control call in the pest experts today – PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford. Call us on 01981 540088 or 07964 370 480. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk Visit our website for more information at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk - USE OUR ONLINE CHAT FACILITY - Check out our reviews on Google and Trustpilot

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 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 540088 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.

Woodworm can cause serious harm to your home or business, including structural damage which is often costly and time-consuming to resolve. It’s important to catch it as early as possible to avoid long term damage and costly repairs. Signs you may have Woodworm If you’ve got signs of: Holes in your woodwork Tunnels in your wood Bore dust below timber Weak or damaged floorboards Crumbling or decaying wood Live or dead beetles, eggs or larvae You may have spotted the signs of woodworm and therefore professional treatment is recommended. Is Woodworm causing you a problem? Woodworm is a more common term used to describe the larvae of furniture beetle Get in touch on 01981 540088 or use our live chat facility to chat with a woodworm expert for help, support and guidance today. If you'd like to connect with email then please use this address contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Does DIY Pest Control Work? This week we’re taking a look at DIY pest control. A pest controller s' ‘phone regularly rings with stories from customers who’ve tried unsuccessfully to deal with a pest control problem themselves. Often, we’ll get calls from people who started with a small pest issue that they attempted to handle themselves with various potions they’ve purchased off the internet only to find that they haven’t solved the pest issue, the infestation has got significantly worse and they’re now out of pocket! We popped into a well-known national DIY store recently to check out the DIY pest control products on the market and were amazed at how many products were out there. There were literally dozens on the shelves and when we looked on the internet they run into thousands. Top 5 Reasons Why you Should be Wary about Undertaking DIY Pest Control Yourself You don’t know what you’re doing. Unless you’ve been trained to the same standards as professional pest controllers, it’s unlikely you’ll have the same knowledge and, more importantly, experience as they do. This knowledge, training and experience is essential for resolving pest problems quickly, effectively and humanely. You don’t know what you’re buying. Whilst products in reputable stores which have been through rigorous approval processes might be okay, the internet is an unregulated space and it’s very easy to buy a box or can of something with very little idea of what’s actually in it or whether it has passed, or even been through, a quality control process. You don’t know what you’re eradicating. Professional pest controllers are trained to carry out risk assessments and follow codes of practice to ensure that non-target species aren’t harmed when controlling pests . Imagine how horrified most of you would be to find out that in eradicating the pesky rats in your garden at the same time you accidentally poisoned your family pet, a barn owl or other non-target species. You might make the situation worse. There are various reasons why you might inadvertently make the situation worse but just a couple are that your DIY pest control may not work or work effectively meaning that you could very quickly increase a pest population over a short period of time. Also, some pests are resistant to some chemicals and the more DIY chemicals used, the more the pests evolve to become resistant and that’s a problem for us all! You could spend more in the long run. A pest treatment might seem expensive to you but consider this, repeatedly purchasing DIY products that don’t deal with the issue will soon add up. And, some pests have the ability to cause significant damage. An electric cable gnawed by mice or rats is not only dangerous but could prove costly to put right. And, our wood boring friends such as the Death Watch beetle , have the capacity to cause serious structural problems to properties. DIY PEST CONTROL Tips that WON’T COST A PENNY! Keep your windows and doors shut from pests. Remove your rubbish regularly and keep your bin lids on. Clear up spills and leftovers as soon as you’ve finished eating. Practice good hygiene , clean surfaces regularly; hoover and mop floors. Avoid buying natural fibres that might attract certain pests such as woollen rugs. Move things around your garden regularly to keep the rats on their toes – rats are neo-phobic which means they have a fear of new objects! Keep your garden tidy and cut back. DIY pest control can be a tempting option for homeowners looking to save money and take matters into their own hands. There are several reasons why DIY pest control is a bad idea: Lack of expertise: Pest control professionals have the training and experience to accurately identify pests and determine the best course of action for treatment. DIY solutions may not effectively target the specific type of pest, leading to continued infestations. Ineffective treatment: Pesticides and other pest control methods can be dangerous if not used properly. DIY treatments may not be applied correctly, leading to ineffective results or even harm to humans and pets. Health and safety concerns:  Pesticides and other pest control chemicals can be toxic and may pose a risk to humans and pets if handled improperly. Professionals are trained to safely handle and apply these products to minimize the risk of exposure. Damage to property: Improper application of pest control methods can result in damage to your home or yard. For example, using too much pesticide can kill plants or damage lawns. Legal issues:  In some cases, it may be illegal to use certain pest control methods or products without the proper training or licensing. Conclusion: While DIY pest control may seem like a cost-effective solution, it is often more effective and safer to hire a professional pest control company. If you are experiencing a pest issue then give your local pest controller a call. A professional pest controller will be happy to discuss the issue with you and explore the best options for dealing with your pest problem. For all your pest problems give PGM and Son Rat Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire a call on 01981 540088 or 07964 370480. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or u se 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 pest problems, give us a call and we'll help solve your pest problems.

Key Takeaways Supporting local businesses strengthens the local economy and creates jobs. Local businesses contribute to community events, charities, and environmental initiatives. By supporting local businesses, you help build a vibrant, thriving community. Local businesses have a vested interest in the success and well-being of their community. The Vital Role of Local Businesses in Our Communities Supporting local businesses is more important than ever. Local family businesses, like ours at PGM and Son Pest Control, play a crucial role in the community, offering personalised services and contributing to the local economy. Here's why it's essential to support your local businesses and how doing so benefits everyone. Local Family Business Local family businesses bring a personal touch to their services. At PGM and Son Pest Control, we pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our customers and providing customised pest control solutions. Our history, values, and commitment to the community set us apart from larger, impersonal corporations. A family operated business is generally truer to its company values as a whole, which gives you - the consumer - confidence in purchasing goods or services. Local businesses rely on word of mouth as well as referrals from other businesses, so it's important to shop local and consider them as a priority. With a local business that is run by a family operation, there is generally a rich business history that supports the company from the foundation up. With a local, family-owned business the chances are much greater of receiving high service and quality. Why Supporting your Local Businesses Matters Economic Benefits: Local businesses keep money within the community, creating jobs and stimulating the local economy. Every pound spent locally generates more economic activity in the area. Community Benefits: Local businesses support community events, schools, and charities. They provide personalised services and products tailored to local needs, enhancing the quality of life for residents. Environmental Benefits: Local businesses often have a smaller carbon footprint compared to large chains. Reduced transportation emissions from local sourcing contribute to a healthier environment. How Local Businesses Support the Community Local businesses like PGM and Son Pest Control actively contribute to the community by: Sponsoring local events and sports teams, fostering community spirit. Providing jobs and training opportunities to local residents. Participating in charity drives and environmental initiatives, making a positive impact on local causes. Stay updated in your community and consider asking your neighbour or friends to recommend a services or products that are local before outsourcing from afar. The Vested Interest of Local Businesses Local businesses have a vested interest in the success and well-being of their community because: They rely on local customers for their livelihood, ensuring they provide the best possible service. Their reputation is built on community trust and satisfaction, motivating them to contribute positively to the community. To support local businesses, consider: Shopping at local stores and markets for your daily needs. Using local services and contractors for home improvements and other needs. Spreading the word and recommending local businesses to friends and family. Local Businesses make a Difference Supporting local businesses strengthens the local economy, creates jobs, and contributes to community well-being. By choosing local, you help build a vibrant, thriving community. Visit PGM and Son Pest Control to experience the benefits of supporting a local family business for your pest control needs, we serve the local areas of Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We focus on a beneficial relationship for everyone involved with our services, from our top community partners down to the very last resident in our community. Local businesses rely on customer reviews, so don't forget to take a moment out of your day to write a review when you receive excellent service or have a fantastic meal at your local restaurant or pub. ⬅You can leave us a review here :)

Got Wasps? We’ve Got it Covered! Last week we had a lovely brief heat wave across Herefordshire and, as we start to head into the Summer months, wasps have already started to become a problem. The Queen wasps have been emerging from hibernation, the warm weather activating them to start to populate new colonies. Did you know that a wasp nest can produce around one hundred Queen wasps each season? That gives you an idea of how rapidly wasps can become a problem in your home or business in Herefordshire. Wasps can become very aggressive and, whilst a wasp won’t go out of their way to sting you, they can and do sting with very little provocation. If you get too close to a wasp nest or agitate them, you may expect to be on the end of a wasp sting. Have you been stung by a wasp? A wasp sting can be very painful. Wasp sting symptoms may include swelling around the wasp sting site for around 24 hours or more, itchiness, a sharp burning pain and a visible mark or welt where the wasp’s stinger punctured the skin. Ouch! Advice for treating a wasp sting Always thoroughly clean the area with soap and water to remove the venom. You can also apply an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling and take an over-the-counter antihistamine. Raising the affected area can also help as elevation can help to reduce swelling. Try not to scratch the affected area as this can lead to infections and cause more issues. If you’ve been stung by a wasp and your symptoms don’t improve over the next few days or you’re worried about a wasp sting or the wound becomes infected (for example pus, increased pain / swelling / redness) then contact your GP or call NHS 111 for advice. When wasps are a threat to public health Where someone’s body reacts adversely to a wasp sting, they can experience an allergic reaction. In some cases, an allergy can become quite serious; in rare cases fatal. If you or someone you’re with is stung by a wasp or wasps and experience any of the following symptoms you should seek immediate medical assistance: Swelling of the face, lips or throat (anaphylaxis), difficulty swallowing Dizziness Hives or itchiness in areas of the body not directly affected by the sting Feeling lightheaded and nauseous or vomiting Loss of consciousness Stomach cramps Sudden drop in blood pressure, weak or racing pulse or fast heart rate Wheezing, breathing difficulties Dial 999 for an ambulance if you or someone else displays signs of a severe reaction. At PGM & Son Wasp Control Hereford we will always do our best to prioritise call outs where there is a clear and immediate threat to public health. Please let us know when you call if you, or a member of your family, has an allergy to wasp stings so that we can do our best to get to you as soon as possible. If you are a business or public service across Herefordshire and you have a problem with wasps, call us at PGM & Son Wasp Control Hereford as we can treat any wasp nest that may present a risk to your customers or the public. If you have a wasp problem, give PGM and Son Hereford a call – we offer a fast, reliable, local service across Herefordshire, 01981 540088 or 07964 370480 today to help with all your pest needs. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Woodworm are destructive creatures. They mainly cause problems to: Floorboards Joinery Structural timbers such as floor joists and rafters – this can cause serious structural damage to a building What is Woodworm? Woodworm is a more common term used to describe the larvae of furniture beetle. How To Tell If You Have Woodworm. Usually, the tell-tale sign is holes appearing in wooden surfaces. Often this will be accompanied by a pile of wood dust underneath. If the hole is fresh the wood inside will normally be clean white wood. The holes are made by emerging adult beetles but behind the scenes immature grubs may be tunnelling their way through the wood causing more destruction. What Does Furniture Beetle Look Like? Adult furniture beetle are around 3mm to 6mm long. They are small brown insects which fly. They lay their eggs on wood and their grubs bore directly into the wood where they remain for around three years before they emerge as adult beetles. The adults usually emerge around May and September. Common Ways Woodworm Access Properties. Second-hand furniture items Tea chests Wicker items Via dead branches of nearby trees – beetles are able to fly through open windows. How is Woodworm Treated? Furniture affected by woodworm is usually treated by coating all surfaces with a woodworm treatment. The fluid may also be injected into exit holes. An insecticide polish may also be used as a precaution. Structural timbers must first be cleaned; it may also be necessary to remove insulation to expose joists so they can also be cleaned and treated. Similarly, floorboards may be lifted to treat the underneath and floor joists. It is usually sensible to to leave structural woodworm to the experts rather than performing DIY treatments. Learn more about Woodworm Treatments and our Frequently Asked Questions. PGM and Son are a local family run pest control service, we love nothing more than helping people solve their pest problems, call us today on 01981 540088 for help, support and guidance. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website.

This week we’re looking at the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY – Not the Spaghetti Western but the European and Asian Hornets. The Good The Hornet is Mother Nature’s pest controller. They feed on aphids, which makes them a gardener’s dream and the 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. Hornets are also relatively uncommon. The Bad 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 times and, due to the level of venom they carry a single sting can be extremely painful. The Ugly The Asian hornet! 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! What to Do If You Spot a Hornet’s Nest? 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 Pest Control today on 01981 540088. Or us the live chat facility on our website to chat to a pest expert today. 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!

Worried about Wasps? With already a sharp incline in the wasp calls, this week we’re looking at some interesting facts about wasps and why wasps aren’t all bad. 6 Interesting Wasp facts you probably don't know There are over 7,000 species of wasp in the UK? A spider wasp will paralyse their prey and their larvae then eat their spider victim alive! They are the insect version of Hannibal Lecter! The UK weather helps to manage our wasps - the biggest wasp nests are generally found in Australia where the winter climate is milder – there can be up to two million workers in those nests – imagine! In the UK we don’t generally see our wasp nests getting that big as the winter tends to stop them growing to their full potential. Honey bees die when they sting but if a wasp loses its sting, it will just make more venom – this makes them a formidable insect warrior! A social wasp that is upset will emit a pheromone which is like a call for help from other wasps. A entire upset wasp colony means big trouble! Even though a wasp nest can typically hold thousands of wasps, there is only ever one Queen – Girl Power! Wasp Benefits to Nature Wasps are an important contributor to the eco-system – they are early pollinators Wasps are a natural predator – they help keep the insect and spider population down Wasps are a gardeners’ friend – they keep catch insect prey such as caterpillars and green fly If you are a business or public service across Herefordshire and you have a problem with wasps, call us at PGM & Son Wasp Control Hereford as we can treat any wasp nest that may present a risk to your customers or the public. Call us today for wasp help, support and guidance on 01981 540088. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or us the live chat facility on our website.

The wasp season is well and truly underway and set to continue with throughout the next few months. The Hereford Times reported last week the very sad news of the death of a Tenbury Wells resident who suffered anaphylactic shock following a wasp sting. This story, whilst thankfully rare, highlights how dangerous wasps can be. And just this week, we received a call from a customer who attempted to treat a wasp nest himself and was pursued by an extremely angry swarm of wasps! He told us he won’t be making that mistake twice! It’s important not to panic or worry though because the stories we’ve reported on above are rare. In fact, wasps will only usually attack people if they feel they are threatened. So, if you leave a wasp alone, chances are that they will also give you a wide berth too! But if you do scare a wasp be aware that it might call for backup – wasps in distress emit a pheromone that colony members nearby will pick up and defensive wasps start a stinging frenzy. Treating a wasp nest can be extremely dangerous and that’s why you need to call in the professional pest controllers. Pest controllers have access to solutions not available to the general public. Plus, we’re fully trained and qualified. We wear protective clothing and we know our pests! What to do if you find a Wasp Nest? Wasps aren’t all bad though. They can be beneficial in gardens as they feed their grubs on caterpillars and other insects. They act as a natural predator. Wasp nests come in all shapes and sizes and in all places – we’ve seen some in some surprising places, for example, in a BBQ – not a great place to have a wasp nest. They’ve also been found in toilet cisterns and brass instruments. Wasp nests start off quite small but can grow to very large sizes during summer and they can contain thousands of wasps. The earlier a wasp nest is treated, the less aggressive the colony will be. DIY products rarely work on wasp nests, particularly large established nests. Worried about Wasps? If you have a problem with Wasps call us today for help, support and guidance on 01981 540088 or use our live chat facility to talk to a pest expert now. Learn more about wasps and our removal process. Call PGM & Son Pest Control – pest control solutions across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or check us out on social medial @pgmpestcontrol #MakePestControlGreenAgain

Key Takeaways Climate change affects pest behaviour, distribution, and population growth. New pests like the Asian Hornet are expanding their range in the UK. Increased pest activity threatens agriculture, food security, and public health. Effective pest management requires research, innovation, and community involvement. PGM & Son Pest Control is dedicated to sustainable, adaptive pest control solutions. Introduction Climate change is influencing pest behaviour and distribution globally, including in the UK. Understanding these changes is essential for effective pest management. At PGM & Son Pest Control, we aim to stay ahead of these evolving threats and protect your home and business environment. Climate Change and Pest Behaviour Rising temperatures and milder winters are affecting pest behaviour: Extended Activity: Pests like insects and rodents are active for longer periods. Homeowners may notice an increase in the presence of ants, spiders, and cockroaches indoors as they seek food and shelter year-round. Businesses, particularly those in the food industry, may experience more frequent pest sightings, affecting hygiene standards and customer satisfaction. Survival Rates: Milder winters allow more pests to survive and reproduce. This means a higher number of pests like rats and mice making their way into homes and commercial properties, looking for warm places to nest. Increased rodent populations can cause significant damage to property and pose significant health risks. Breeding Cycles: Changes in climate can lead to more frequent breeding, increasing pest populations. Mosquitoes, for example, can reproduce more rapidly in warmer conditions, potentially increasing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases. Homeowners with gardens or outdoor spaces may see a rise in mosquito activity, while businesses with outdoor seating areas could find it challenging to keep these pests at bay. Climate change is expected to increase the prevalence and activity of various pests in the UK. Here are some specific pests likely to become more problematic due to changing climate conditions: Asian Hornet Expansion: The Asian Hornet, an invasive species, is expanding its range in the UK due to warmer temperatures. This pest poses a significant threat to local bee populations, which are crucial for pollination. Beekeepers and gardeners should be particularly vigilant. Impact: The Asian Hornet can disrupt ecosystems and cause painful stings to humans, making it a concern for both rural and urban areas. Mosquitoes Increased Activity: Warmer temperatures and wetter conditions create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This can lead to a rise in mosquito populations, especially in areas with standing water. Health Risks: Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases such as West Nile Virus and, potentially, malaria. The increased mosquito activity could pose new public health challenges. Ticks Extended Range: Milder winters and warmer temperatures allow ticks to thrive and expand their range. They are more likely to be found in gardens, parks, and woodland areas. Disease Transmission: Ticks are known carriers of Lyme disease, which can have serious health implications. Increased tick populations raise the risk of this disease spreading to humans and pets. Rats and Mice Higher Survival Rates: Milder winters contribute to higher survival rates for rodents like rats and mice. These pests can reproduce quickly, leading to larger populations. Property Damage: Rodents can cause significant damage to homes and businesses by gnawing on electrical wires, insulation, and food supplies. They also pose health risks through their droppings and potential to carry diseases. Ants Increased Infestations: Warmer weather can lead to more frequent and larger ant infestations. Species such as the Pharaoh ant, which thrive in warmer conditions, may become more common. Indoor Problems: Ants seeking food and water can invade homes and businesses, becoming a nuisance and potentially contaminating food sources. Wasps Longer Seasons: Warmer temperatures can extend the wasp season, leading to larger colonies and more frequent encounters with humans. Aggression: Wasps become more aggressive in late summer and autumn, increasing the likelihood of stings, which can be dangerous for those allergic. Spiders Increased Activity: Spiders, particularly those that prefer warmer climates, may become more common indoors as they seek shelter and prey. Health Concerns: While most UK spiders are harmless, the presence of more spiders can be unsettling for many people. Geographical Shifts in Pest Populations Climate change is causing pests to move into new regions: New Areas: Pests such as the Asian Hornet are expanding their range in the UK. These hornets pose a threat to local bee populations, which are crucial for pollination. Gardeners and farmers might see a decrease in crop yields due to reduced pollination. Asian Hornets can also be a nuisance and danger to humans due to their painful stings. Invasive Species: Warmer climates may introduce new, invasive species, threatening local ecosystems. Species like the Oak Processionary Moth can defoliate trees, impacting forestry and landscape businesses. Invasive pests can also disrupt local wildlife, leading to a loss of biodiversity and changes in the ecosystem balance. Impact on Agriculture and Food Security Climate change affects crops and food security by: Increased Pests: Warmer temperatures favour crop pests, leading to more infestations. Farmers might struggle with pests like aphids, which can damage a wide range of crops. Increased pest pressure can lead to higher costs for pest control and lower crop yields. Vulnerable Crops: Crops stressed by climate conditions are more susceptible to pests. Drought-stressed plants, for example, are more likely to be infested by pests like spider mites. This increased vulnerability can result in significant economic losses for farmers and higher prices for consumers. Food Production: Higher pest activity can reduce crop yields and affect food supply. This can have a cascading effect on the entire food production chain, impacting food manufacturers, retailers, and ultimately consumers. Businesses involved in food storage and distribution must also deal with increased pest pressure, requiring more stringent pest management practices. Health Risks and Human Diseases Pest-related diseases are also a concern: Vector-Borne Diseases: Changes in climate can increase the spread of diseases like Lyme disease, carried by ticks, and potentially malaria, carried by mosquitoes. Warmer, wetter conditions can extend the breeding season for these vectors, increasing the risk of disease transmission. Homeowners and businesses alike must be vigilant in preventing standing water where mosquitoes breed and managing vegetation where ticks thrive. It’s important to always check your pets and farm animals for ticks. Public Health: New or more prevalent diseases can strain healthcare systems. Increased cases of vector-borne diseases can lead to higher healthcare costs and greater demand for medical services. Businesses, particularly those with outdoor operations or those that employ outdoor workers, need to be aware of these risks and take preventive measures to protect their employees and customers. Challenges for Pest Control Professionals Managing pests is becoming more complex: Resistance: Pests are developing resistance to traditional pesticides. This means that methods that were once effective may no longer work, necessitating the development of new pest control strategies. Businesses involved in pest control must continually adapt to these changes, investing in research and development of new solutions. Adaptation: Traditional methods may not be effective under changing climate conditions. For example, warmer winters may reduce the effectiveness of certain pest control methods that rely on cold weather to suppress pest populations. Homeowners and businesses need to be open to trying new approaches and technologies in pest management. Innovation: New, climate-resilient pest control methods are needed. This includes exploring biological control options, such as introducing natural predators or using environmentally friendly pesticides. PGM & Son Pest Control is committed to staying at the forefront of these innovations to provide effective and sustainable pest control solutions. Adaptation and Mitigation Strategies To address these challenges, we need: Research and Monitoring: Ongoing research to track pest behaviour and develop new control methods. Monitoring pest populations and their movements helps anticipate and respond to outbreaks more effectively. This proactive approach is essential for both preventing infestations and minimizing their impact when they occur. Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Combining biological, cultural, and chemical tools for sustainable pest control. IPM focuses on long-term prevention and uses a combination of techniques to manage pest populations with minimal environmental impact. PGM & Son Pest Control integrates IPM principles to provide comprehensive and effective pest management services. Community and Policy Implications Effective pest management requires: Community Awareness: Educating the public about pest prevention and control. Community involvement is critical for successful pest management. Homeowners and business owners should be informed about best practices for preventing infestations and the importance of reporting pest sightings, especially Asian Hornets. Government Policies: Supporting research, regulation, and sustainable practices. Policies that encourage the use of environmentally friendly pest control methods and fund research into new technologies are essential. Government initiatives can also support public health campaigns and infrastructure improvements to reduce pest-related risks. Collaboration: Working together with scientists, policymakers, and pest control professionals. Collaborative efforts ensure that pest management strategies are informed by the latest research and best practices. By working together, we can develop and implement more effective and sustainable solutions to the challenges posed by climate change. Conclusion In summary, climate change significantly impacts pest behaviour, geographical distribution, agriculture, food security, and public health. These changes present unique challenges for traditional pest control methods, highlighting the need for innovative, adaptive approaches. Understanding these shifts is crucial for effective pest management, which relies on continuous research, community involvement, and robust policies. At PGM & Son Pest Control, our goal is to stay ahead of these evolving threats by embracing integrated pest management (IPM), investing in climate-resilient solutions, and fostering collaboration among policymakers, and pest control professionals. We are committed to making pest control more sustainable and effective in the face of climate change. Join us in our mission to #makepestcontrolgreenagain by supporting continued research, innovation, and collaborative efforts. Together, we can protect our communities, agriculture, and environment from the growing challenges posed by climate change. For more information or assistance with pest control, please visit our website or contact PGM & Son Pest Control today on 01981 540088 or email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk