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Key Takeaway Hundreds of rodents on site 3.2kg of Selontra used Complete control in six site visits The Challenge A local arable farm contacted PGM & Son Pest Control regarding an infestation of hundreds of rats across the site, causing extensive damage to farm buildings. Upon Joe’s assessment, he discovered significant evidence of high levels of rodent activity including smear marks, runs and tracks, damage to buildings and droppings both inside and outside. “During my first walkthrough of the site, it was apparent there was a high level of rodent activity. The client reported regular sightings of rats across the farm and had tried controlling the infestation themselves before calling us.” The site which was primarily used for crop growth, was also home to a range of animals including chickens, cats and dogs and a large population of birds of prey, so food sources were readily available, as was plenty of harbourage, making it a breeding ground for rats. The Result After a thorough survey of the site, Joe devised a plan to tackle the infestation using a combination of tamper-resistant bait boxes across the site, and man-made bait stations using natural resources found across the farm for familiarity, placing blocks of Selontra at all bait sites. Initially, uptake of the bait appeared slow due to other food sources such as animal feed located at the farm. Working with the client, Joe advised the removal of access to competitor food sources from the site in order to encourage the rats to feed on Selontra. Within the first two weeks of placing the bait, once access to other food sources had been reduced, Joe noted 100 per cent uptake of bait from all stations. “Following the initial two-week period, I visited the site a further three more times at seven day intervals, to replenish the bait. At my sixth visit no more bait was being taken at this point, so I removed all bait and equipment from the site, and initiated measures to clean up and proof the site to decrease the likelihood of a new infestation. “Selontra is a fantastic product to use. Working alongside the client to reduce access to any other food sources, we were able to fully control the infestation using the one product in as little as 6 site visits, resulting in a happy client and reduced call outs for the business. “Every day is a different challenge. I thoroughly enjoy helping people and it feels great being able to solve their problems and rid them of unwanted pests.” Check out August’s edition of Professional Pest Controller Magazine where our very own Joe Martin of PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford & Worcester features in an article. Multinational company BASF invited Joe to carry out a case study of its award winning cholecalciferol rodenticide Selontra a high performance non-anticoagulant rodenticide bait for faster control of rodent infestations, even in the most challenging situations. As one of the first small pest control companies to use Selontra bait, PGM & Son Pest Control were well placed to share their experiences with other pest controllers, farmers and businesses. To read the case study <> The benefits of Selontra include: Rodent-free is possible in as few as 7 days Saves treatment times and improves productivity Stops the waste of resources Balancing performance and environmental impact Breaks the cycle of resistance To read more about Selontra <> Pest infestations can be a real nuisance and can cause serious health problems and property damage. Fortunately, our reliable pest control services available in Herefordshire and Worcestershire that can help you get rid of all kinds of pests, from rats, to wasps, silverfish, pigeons, bed bugs, and cockroaches Whether you're dealing with a rat problem in your loft or a wasp nest in your garden, our award winning PGM & SON professional pest control technicians can identify and eliminate the source of the problem and provide you with long-term solutions to prevent future infestations. PGM & SON Pest Control Services Inspect. Detect. Protect. The Right People, The Right Solutions. A family run business, proud to say that we put our customers first. We are redefining the pest industry, one pest at a time. © PGM & SON LTD. 2023 | All rights reserved T: 01981 540088 | M: 07964 370480 contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk Don't let pests take over your home or business - call us, your local pest control experts today! #MakePestControlGreenAgain

No two days are the same in the life of a pest controller. We often get asked, 'What is a day in the life of a pest control technician'?. What starts out as a quiet day of carrying out some routine servicing of customers can quickly change as the calls for help come in, particularly during the busiest times of the year which are usually wasp season and rat season. Although as the climate continues to change so do the “normal” pest cycles and seasons that we see meaning that, for example, rats become more of an all-year round pest and wasp seasons start earlier and continue for longer than before. What do pest controllers do? A pest controller’s day can be a matter of a hour or run well into the evening and weekends depending on the season and number of pest problems that arise. Most people think a pest controllers' job is to eradicate pests, but this isn’t true at all! A pest technician’s main job is to control pests, that’s true, but to do so in a way that balances the needs of the public, the pest, the environment and the business. That’s not an easy balancing act! What are the pros and cons of being a pest control technician? Pest technicians will always look for the least harmful method to control pests. That’s not always simple to do with lots of competing interests. For example, members of the public won’t always want to pay for multiple visits to trap rodents particularly with a cost-of-living crisis. Understandably they want their rat problem to be solved in the quickest and cheapest way possible and they might not be willing to pay for a pest controller to visit lots of times to set traps; something they think they can probably do themselves! What is an eco friendly pest management system? Pest controllers play an important role in educating people about pests and the environment. For example, helping the public to understand how critical bees are for our ecosystem and how important it is to #leavethembee where at all possible. Read more about our Integrated Pest Management services. Pest controllers are also often a sounding board for people’s distress and anger. They need to have good listening skills as people are commonly in distress when they call for assistance with a pest issue. The pest controller needs to be able to put the pest problem into context and to be able to offer advice and reassurance. Often the pest controller will be visiting elderly or people living on their own or in difficult circumstances and so pest controllers might be the only person that customer has seen for some time. Taking time out of their day to spend having a cup of tea and a chat with that person can make a real difference to that person’s life. So, as you’ve seen, a pest controllers’ job is varied and challenging but always rewarding. And we’ll leave this by saying that pest controllers don’t always come across the pest they are looking for – this week one of our pest technicians came across this lovely grass snake on his travels. At PGM & SON, we see some wonderful wildlife when we’re about and about..which is another great part of our job! If you are looking for a reliable, trustworthy pest control services near you in Herefordshire or Worcestershire then give us a call - 01981 540088 or if you have an emergency pest problem call our mobile on 07964 370480, you can also email us contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for advice and support. Inspect. Detect. Protect. The Right People, The Right Solutions. A family run business, proud to say that we put our customers first. © PGM & SON LTD. 2023 | All rights reserved T: 01981 540088 | M: 07964 370480 contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

What effect does stockpiling have on pest activity? With the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) this week reporting a surge in pest activity in the Covid-19 lockdown, this week we’re looking at the effects of stockpiling. Over half of all pest controllers polled reported an increase in rat activity and 41% increase in mice activity. The BPCA reported that “We’ve had reports of rats and mice infesting empty buildings and it seems their lifestyle patterns are changing”. This surge in rodent activity is consistent with the calls and enquiries we’ve been receiving at PGM & Son Pest Control. So what’s causing this increase in rodent activity? There are a number of factors which can be attributed to this rise in pest activity but this week we’re looking at the issue of stockpiling. The continued restrictions imposed on the general public by the Government due to the Covid-19 pandemic are having a knock-on effect on many other areas of life and pest control is no different. One of the effects of the Covid-19 restrictions is the ability to continue normal household shopping routines. Although the Government and Supermarket chains have confirmed there is no issue with food supplies, the fact is there is a continued distribution issue which may explain why some people are stockpiling food stuffs. People self-isolating may not be able to easily access food supplies, and this could be one reason for purchasing more than is needed. For those who are well enough to venture to their local supermarket, they may feel anxious about the restrictive measures in place or find the additional time needed to carry out a weekly shop can be stressful and so they too may buy more than is required to avoid the need to go out as regularly as they would normally. Delivery and click and collect services continue to be in short supply. Although more slots are become available priority, rightly, is given to vulnerable individuals. Where people can get a slot, they may buy more than they usually would as there is no certainty about when they might next get a delivery or collection. For some people, it continues to be a concern about the ongoing availability of essential items such as flour, eggs, pasta and even toilet roll! This is why we have seen shelves in these aisles emptier than usual. It is clear that people’s shopping behaviours and patterns are adjusting to the changes in normal lifestyles and although there has been much talk about easing restrictions of late, the Government has indicated there will be no immediate lift to the lock down. If restrictions do ease at some point, the Government has also made clear that life will be unlikely to return to normal for many, many months to come. What does all this have to do with pests? As restrictions continue and people purchase more than is necessary for one or more of the reasons explained above, this “stockpiling” can lead to issues with pests. We’ve had some lovely weather recently which has been great for sitting in the garden or enjoying a daily exercise activity but the hot weather can create additional problems for those stockpiling foods, particularly perishable goods. The National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) has warned households about the public health and pest control dangers posed by stockpiling and hoarding during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Good housekeeping is more vital than ever They key issues to bear in mind are: Stockpiling means that there is more food to attracts rats and mice Hot weather can make food go off more quickly, particularly perishable goods, meaning more waste. Rodents aren’t fussy about the freshness of their food! More food waste means more refuse to store at home. Bins are often overflowing before the refuse collectors are able to take it away Overflowing bins provide a great opportunity for rodents to access food sources. Other animals such as cats and foxes can also scavenge for food and they often leave food stuffs and wrappers strewn across floor surfaces which will attract rodents When the bins are full, people pile bags next to them. This provides great cover to attract rodents which often won’t be spotted at the bottom of the pile Householders are storing foods in different areas because of restricted space in normal storage spaces. For example, they may use conservatories, outbuildings and garages to store food items which increase their attractiveness to rodents Rodents are becoming bolder and braver and more innovative in finding food and shelter during lockdown. Rodents usually try to avoid humans but with less of us out on the streets, they are becoming braver in roaming freely where they wouldn’t normally be seen. What can you do to reduce your risk of a rodent infestation? There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of inviting rodents into your property, such as: Try not to stockpile if you can. There are enough supplies for everyone so think about how you can best ensure you can access shopping services so that you can avoid having to buy more than you need Put rubbish in an outside bin as soon as possible Make sure bins have tight sealing lids Be vigilant – check that your food items for signs of pest or pest activity such as droppings or gnaw marks Consider carefully where to store your food items – remember that outbuildings and garages are at increased risk from pests as they tend to be less secure than our homes Regularly check your property for possible entry points – seal holes and cracks and pay particularly attention to pipes and drains Keep bushes and shrubs away from your buildings if you can – this can screen rodent activity otherwise Clean your work surfaces, tables and floors regularly to avoid a build up of food which may also attract pests Pest control is a critical service supporting public health, however, the risks of spreading the virus need to be weighed against the risk of inadequate control and management of pest species. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns either by emailing us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or telephoning us on 01981 241334 / 07964 370480 so that we can help you to find a solution to your rodent problems. Please note we will not carry out any non-essential visits during this period, however, we will treat pest problems that present a risk to public health and we are always on the end of the ‘phone to discuss a pest problem so please give us a call or email us! If you are worried about your safety during the Covid-19 pandemic ask us about our control measures so that we can set your mind at rest. We carry a letter from the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth which sets out the circumstances in which pest control can continue to be carried out safely for the public. Ask us if you would like to see a copy as we are happy to share this with you. PGM PEST CONTROL - PROTECTING YOUR WORLD 🌍

At PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford we don’t just offer pest control and pest eradication services, we also offer pest waste cleaning and removal services. See how effective our pigeon guano cleaning service is from the photos below of the recent pigeon guano cleaning job we carried out at a public house in Herefordshire. We’ve worked with expert buildings restoration partners to ensure historic buildings are clear of pest waste prior to restoration works being carried out so we’ve got the experience and contacts to help you to restore your historic building to its former glory. And, we don’t just handle pigeon guano. We carry out cleaning and waste removal for all sorts of pest waste problems including bird mess and rodent droppings and urine. We’re experts in cleaning pest waste from buildings. PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford also works with landlords to ensure that property letting are free from pest activity and pest waste prior to and after tenancy. We provide a clean bill of health service for landlords which can help with release of deposits from Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes. Some of the issues PGM & SON Pest Control can help with include: Removal and cleaning of bird droppings from brickwork Cleaning pigeon guano from historic buildings Pest disinfection services End of tenancy pest cleaning services and pest clean bill of health Loft / attic pest waste clearance, removal of contaminated loft insulation and re-insulation services Bird proofing Crime scene cleaning and trauma scene cleaning WHY CLEAN PIGEON GUANO? Pigeon guano is acidic and can corrode stonework, metal and brickwork so it’s important to ensure early intervention to ensure that problem does not become worse. If you’re a business, having a building covered in foul smelling bird droppings isn’t a great image! Customers may not want to do business with you or visit your premises if you have a serious pigeon guano problem. Pigeons also carry a variety of diseases and pigeon guano can become airborne in small particles which can lead to respiratory complaints. In fact, there have been some recent serious issues reported in hospitals alleged to be linked to pigeon droppings. So if you have a building that is covered in pigeon guano, call PGM & Son Hereford carry out professional and safe cleaning and removal for you. Need pigeon guano removal in Hereford & Worcester? Call PGM & SON Pigeon Guano Cleaning and Removal Services today for fast and effective solutions. Schedule a free no-obligation quote today Click Here Call on 01981 241334 / 07964 370480 for advice and guidance. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use our live chat facility at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

As the weather heats up, the pests are starting to wake up too! With reports of increased honey swarm bees across the UK due to the warmer weather off the back of a rainy April and May, we’re looking at what other pests are causing us an issue in May and June. Britain's wasp population set to soar this summer Wasps and hornets can be a major source of concern for many householders and business owners. Wasps and hornets are nuisance pests and, for some, a considerable public health issue. Allergies to wasp and hornet stings can cause significant adverse allergic reactions and in rare cases, fatalities. Call us today to help with your Wasp infestation. We are your local wasp extermination specialists, with emergency response. Family Run Business. Open 7 days a week. Award winning pest control services. Call today on 01981 540088. Bee and wasp stings in dogs; an allergic reaction For dog guardians wasps, hornets and bees can also cause concern as our furry friends can also suffer from insect sting allergies. Puppies in particular can be difficult to manage as they chase these buzzing insects, trying to catch and play with them. A puppy suffering from a wasp, hornet or bee sting can very quickly develop an allergic reaction such as being covered in itchy raised hives which may cause discomfort and distress. In very serious cases, dogs can suffer anaphylaxis just like humans. Learn about wasps Learn about hornets Learn about rats Learn about bed bugs Learn about Pest Prevention Our insect identification service Does warmth attract Insects? Virtually all types of insects thrive and develop faster in warmer weather. Wasps, bees and hornets are all pollinators and therefore critical to our fragile ecosystem. Particularly with bees, it is important to leave them to get on with that important eco work. However, for some people (or their animals!) wasps and hornets can pose a real risk to public health and will need to be treated. So make sure you, your family, customers and furry friends are safe and wasp free this June by calling PGM & SON Wasp Control Hereford for all your wasp and hornet control needs. How The Weather Can Impact Ant Infestations Another pest we tend to see an increase in, as the weather starts to heat up is the ANT! Ants are attracted to sweet foodstuffs and liquids and one reason why we start to see an increase in ants is when people start to eat and drink outside in the nice weather leaving food and drink residues for ants to feed to their larvae and queen. Ants are highly organized and social insects and fascinating to watch. However, they are also a nuisance pest and potential public health issue as they move across worksurfaces, containers and crockery in their search for food. Don’t suffer from ants this June, give PGM & SON Ant Control Hereford and Worcester a call for all your ant control needs. What kind of pests do we treat? From rats, to wasps, silverfish, pigeons, bed bugs, and cockroaches, PGM & SON Pest Control are experts in treating every pest in your household or business premises. We are the local specialist for wasp nest removal and hornet & wasp extermination in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Call us today or use the online booking system and let our pest exterminators get rid of your pest problems without delay. Inspect. Detect. Protect. The Right People, The Right Solutions. ​ A family run business, proud to say that we put our customers first. Award Winning Pest Control Services, serving Hereford & Worcester T: 01981 540088 | M: 07964 370480 contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Today PGM & SON is celebrating World Pest Day! We celebrate pest control professionals and the vital role of the pest control industry in protecting public health, homes, property, hospitals, businesses and the nation’s food supply from threats posed by pests. Pest controllers around the world today will be celebrating World Pest Day. World Pest Day is observed every June 6 to raise awareness about effective pest management practices and how they benefit the quality of human and plant life. #WorldPestDay #WorldPestDay2023 World Pest Day aims to: Increase awareness of the importance of pest management and how it plays an important role in protecting public health. Promote the professionalism of pest controllers Show how pest management can be implemented in a scientific and socially responsible way Shine a light on how small pests can cause big threats. World Pest Day Recognises How the Pest Control Industry Preserves Public Health and Property PGM & SON Pest Control in Herefordshire and Worcestershire enlightens homeowners about summertime pest health and property threats. World Pest Day, which occurs on June 6, is an annual observance dedicated to recognising and raising awareness about the role of the pest control industry in protecting public health, food and property from the threats posed by pests. Pest control plays such a vital role in our everyday life, in fact, public health officials attribute it as one of three reasons for the heightened quality of life we have today. This World Pest Day, PGM & SON Pest Control is joining the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) to highlight the pests that pose serious threats to family and property this summer. Consider some of these staggering facts from NPMA (National Pest Management Association): Ticks thrive in warm, humid climates and are responsible for transmitting diseases such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to humans. To keep your property tick-free, be sure to keep the grass cut low, clear any overgrown vegetation, and remove weeds, woodpiles and debris. Also, it is important to inspect yourself and your pets for ticks following any time spent outdoors. Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animal and can spread diseases such as Malaria, West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Dengue Fever to humans and animals. While Malaria is not present in the U.S., it is important to reduce the threat of other mosquito-borne diseases like WNV by eliminating sources of standing water around the home, including birdbaths, flowerpots and clogged gutters. Stinging insects such as hornets, wasps and yellowjackets send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year. These insects can build their nests in a variety of places, including but not limited to attics, crawlspaces, gutters and under patios or decks. If you find a nest on your property, do not attempt to eliminate or remove it on your own, as stinging insects will attack if they feel threatened or are disturbed. According to NPMA, termites cause an estimated $6.8 billion in property damage every year and for most, this costly damage is not covered by homeowners insurance. Termites thrive in warm, moist conditions and are found in almost every region of the U.S. Termites are not controlled by do-it-yourself measures and homeowners should schedule annual inspections with their pest control partner to protect against these wood destroying pests. Rodents, like mice and rats, are known to contaminate or consume about 20% of the world’s food supply. These pests are also capable of spreading 35 different diseases including hantavirus, Salmonella, tularemia, rat bite fever and plague. Once inside your home or business, these pests multiply rapidly and can cause serious damage so be sure to call a pro at the first sign of a rodent infestation. “Summer is peak season for bug and rodent activity, which is why now is a crucial time to prioritise pest control to better protect your family and property,” said Philip Martin, Director at PGM & SON. “World Pest Day is an important reminder that pest issues can have significant negative impacts on both our health, homes, businesses and even our food supply. If you have pest issues, contact a qualified pest control professional to evaluate the problem and implement an appropriate course of treatment.” Please visit www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for additional pest-proofing tips and information on pest control and join PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford and Worcester in celebrating and promoting pest control around the world. #MakePestControlGreenAgain 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. Get in touch today for help, support and guidance. Telephone 01981 540088 or Mobile 07964 370480 or email us contact@pgmpestcontrolc.co.uk with your questions. We are BPCA | How to choose a trustworthy pest management company Whether you're dealing with a rat problem in your loft or a wasp nest in your garden, our award winning PGM & SON professional pest control technicians can identify and eliminate the source of the problem and provide you with long-term solutions to prevent future infestations.

Death Watch Beetle causes severe structural damage to hardwood timbers usually where some form of decay is present. We've Got Hereford & Worcester Covered! This week we’re looking at the Death Watch Beetle, often located in historic buildings like stately homes where they’ve likely made their home for many years, often from the inception of the building as Death Watch Beetle were often already in the timbers used in the construction. The Death Watch Beetle is a wood boring beetle whose grubs eat hardwood structural timbers. These grubs can live up to ten years inside timber (although they don’t like softwood) after which they emerge as beetles. The Death Watch Beetle is around 7mm in length and bears a mottled brown / grey outer shell. They can fit through a much smaller hole of around half their size. Interesting fact about the Death Watch Beetle: Adult Death Watch Beetles’ mating call is produced by beating their heads against the wood and resulting in a fast tapping sound. The adults rarely fly and their natural predator is the spider. Death Watch Beetle infestations are declining, and this is thought to be because old buildings are treated as they are restored, or the buildings are demolished altogether. How to treat Death Watch Beetle Chemical treatment can be used to treat an infestation. Specialist advice can achieve a more environmentally friendly solution such as regulating moisture levels with a view to killing off the beetle. However, in situations where improvement to the environment can’t be achieved, chemical intervention is more likely. - If you’re in need of pest control call in the pest experts today - PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford Call us on 01981 241 334 or 07964 370 480 Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk Check out our reviews on Google and Trustpilot

Pest control – what’s in a word? The importance of explaining pest control clearly Key takeaway: The role of a pest controller involves dealing with a diverse range of customers with varying needs and abilities. One of the essential skills for a pest controller is the ability to effectively communicate and engage with customers from all walks of life. This requires active listening and understanding to address their pest issues. While highly educated individuals may excel in many areas, the skill of connecting with diverse customers is not guaranteed. Additionally, documenting conversations in writing helps customers reference important information, especially those who struggle with listening or focusing. Pest controllers often employ different words and phrases to convey the same message, aiding comprehension for customers with different learning styles. Although some may consider this repetition as tautology, it is a valuable technique for enhancing understanding, particularly for those who find instructions and words challenging in the first place. The Role of Clear Communication in Pest Control Professionals Pest controllers deal with a very broad range of customers who have very differing needs, skills, and abilities. Customers of all ages, from all sorts of backgrounds. Vulnerable customers, highly educated customers, customers whose first language is not English, business customers, carers, tenants, and landlords. Calm customers, stressed customers, angry customers, nice customers and, frankly, unpleasant customers. One of the main skills for a pest controller is to be good with people from all walks of life. How Clear Communication Strengthens Pest Control Efforts Pest controllers need to be able to engage with such a broad range of customers and to ensure that they are listening and understand what plans are put in place to address their pest issues. This can be challenging, and it takes time and experience to be able to deal with such a broad spectrum of customers. It’s a skill and not one that even the most highly educated in society can accomplish. The written word is very important as it creates a record of what was discussed with a customer. It’s obviously not possible to detail an entire conversation but key aspects of a conversation and important elements should be drawn out and put in writing to enable the customer to refer to, particularly if they have difficulty in listening or focussing on what’s being said to them. Why Clear Explanations are Crucial in Pest Control Often a pest controller may say the same thing more than once, using different words, which can help customers to understand in different ways. They often clarify or reinforce the meaning of an instruction. Although some might say repeating information in different ways is more confusing than helpful, this is often by those who find words and understanding instruction easy in the first place! Wordsmiths call this “tautology”. “What’s the first excellence in a lawyer? Tautology. What the second? Tautology. What the third? Tautology.” Sir Richard Steele If you need pest control in Herefordshore or Worcestershire, give PGM & SON a call. We know how clear communication strengthens pest control efforts, so if you have pests, we have it covered! We are PGM & SON, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Pest Control Services, driving excellence in Pest Management. Our BPCA membership proves we’re committed to excellence in every part of our business. Get in touch today for help, support and guidance. Telephone 01981 540088 or Mobile 07964 370480 or email us contact@pgmpestcontrolc.co.uk with your questions.

Pest Control – A Dying Trade? This week, we're taking a look at the UK's labour shortage situation and what it means for the future of pest control services. Key takeaway The pest control industry is facing a shortage of skilled tradespeople, which is impacting the quality of services provided to customers. To address this issue, it's important to promote the value of skilled trades in pest control and create initiatives that support the growth of skilled trades in the industry. Offering competitive career opportunities, training programs, and mentorship can help attract more young people to the field and build a strong, sustainable workforce for the future. Why the Uni Culture is Leaving Skilled Trades in the UK with a Labour Shortage The demand for skilled tradespeople is dying out as a “Uni” culture in the UK leaves skilled trades with a labour shortage and demand for skilled tradespeople high. But a University education no longer guarantees better job prospects or a higher salary and can actually present hurdles for employment. According to Prospects, part of Jisc, a survey highlighted that 96% of University respondents said they faced barriers when looking for jobs or apprenticeships. University students said that having the required work experience was their biggest barrier, followed by a lack of opportunities to apply for and having the necessary skills. Conversely, apprenticeship students have gained valuable work skills and experience well before their peers in higher education by their early 20s meaning that they are ahead of the game well before their school counterparts. Why are young people not joining the pest control industry? According to one graduate service technician speaking at the BPCA 80th anniversary parliamentary reception at the House of Commons her experience is that “Sometimes when they first meet me, customers say that because I’m young, I’m inexperienced and, therefore, incapable of solving their problems,” she said. But that’s so wrong! Pest Control is a highly skilled trade Pest controllers must pass qualifications to be able to purchase and use professional poisons and chemicals. Reputable pest controllers will pass a Level 2 qualification in pest management set by the Royal Society for Public Health and carry out a minimum level of continuous professional development each year to maintain skills and knowledge. Many pest controllers go onto achieve advanced and specialist qualifications as well and follow Codes of Conduct from professional trade bodies. Pest controllers learn practical skills on the job through apprenticeships and mentoring schemes and shadowing more experienced pest controllers. Those thinking of a career in pest control shouldn’t be put off – everyone must start from the beginning! The Importance of Skilled Trades in Pest Control and How to Attract the Next Generation Like other tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, stonemasons and many more, pest controllers face a dying trades crisis as a “Uni” culture over the last few decades has resulted in less apprenticeships and fewer young people being motivated to pursue skilled labour jobs. The internet and social media have also created and encouraged a “get rich quick” culture where young people can earn vast amounts of money very quickly without having to do much work. This potentially leaves the UK in a skilled labour crisis in the future as a generation retires with no-one to pass on the skills to. Until robots can collect rats or mice or rid a house of wasps it’s time for the pest control industry to step up and encourage more young people into the industry and to support young people through their early career paths. Many pest control businesses are sole trader or small family run businesses. Government apprenticeship schemes are therefore not accessible, and the cost of the apprentice falls on the small business putting them at a major disadvantage to the industry giants. Creating initiatives that support the growth of skilled trades in the pest control industry Another strategy could be to offer competitive salaries and benefits packages to attract more young people to the field. This could include apprenticeship programs that offer on-the-job training and mentorship, as well as opportunities for continuing education and professional development. Attracting the next generation of skilled tradespeople to the pest control industry is essential to ensure the continued success and growth of the industry. By highlighting the importance of skilled trades and offering competitive career opportunities and training programs, pest control companies can help address the current labour shortage and build a strong, sustainable workforce for the future. There is room for all business sizes and competition is a good thing for consumers. Pest control is a vital public health service Skills required to be a good pest controller include having a desire to help people – pest control is about listening to people’s pest problems and finding ways to solve the problem for them. Customer service is an essential skill when working in Pest Control You must be great with people, pest control is about dealing with all sorts of people daily; some may be difficult and antagonistic, so you need to have a thick skin sometimes to maintain positive relations for repeat business. Pest control is a responsible job that that requires commitment, motivation, and tenacity. It’s not for everyone but most people in pest control love the industry and wouldn’t want to do anything else! From rats, to wasps, silverfish, pigeons, bed bugs, and cockroaches, PGM & SON Pest Control is expert in treating every pest in your household or business premises. Call us today or use the online booking system and let our pest exterminators get rid of your pest problems without delay. #MakePestControlGreenAgain with PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford and Worcester. Call 01981 540088 for all your pest control needs or email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk Pest infestations can be a real nuisance and can cause serious health problems and property damage. Fortunately, our reliable pest control services available in Herefordshire and Worcestershire that can help you get rid of all kinds of pests, such as rodents, insects, and birds. Whether you're dealing with a rat problem in your loft or a wasp nest in your garden, our award winning PGM & SON professional pest control technicians can identify and eliminate the source of the problem and provide you with long-term solutions to prevent future infestations. Don't let pests take over your home or business - call your local pest control experts today!

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.