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What fantastic weather we’ve been having recently! With the sun shining and the BBQs out, the wasps are on the way! This week we’re looking at “TOP 3s” information items related to the summer pest most commonly experienced by the Herefordshire public. TOP 3…..REASONS WHY WE CONTROL WASPS Wasp stings can be painful and, at worst, fatal. For some people with sensitivities a wasp sting could result in a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency and if someone has symptoms you should call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance. Whilst wasps are not normally aggressive unless threatened, they often build nests in very inconvenient spaces meaning that they can become a public health issue, for example, if members of the general public have to access those areas. In particular, they could present a risk to young children, vulnerable adults and the elderly who may not be as aware of their presence. Household pets! Pets can be sensitive to wasp stings as well and a dog chasing a wasp can end up with a very nasty sting. TOP 3…..WAYS TO TREAT A WASP STING Wash the sting area with soap and water and apply a cold compress for 10 minutes. If you can, elevate the affected area. Don’t scratch! Above all it is very important to seek medical help if you become dizzy after a wasp stings you, you have a swollen face and / or difficulties breathing. TOP 3 REASONS WHY…..BUSINESSES SHOULD CARE ABOUT WASPS Wasps can put your customers off, particularly if you are a hospitality business. Who wants to eat dinner with wasps swarming around them? Wasps can cause reputational damage. Nuisance wasps could invite bad reviews online which puts off potential customers as well. Wasps can cause a public health issue which, as a business owner, you are responsible for addressing. TOP 3 REASONS WHY…..WASPS AREN’T ALL BAD Wasps are early pollinators so it’s not just bees that are good for the environment. Wasps are beneficial to gardeners as they feed their grubs on other insects that are destructive in the garden. Wasps are a natural predator which means they contribute to our eco-system. TOP 3….PLACES TO SPOT A WASP NEST In fact, wasps can, and do, make their nests anywhere and everywhere. They’ve been found in some very unusual places! However, the most common places wasps’ nests are spotted are: In sheds or garages. In wall cavities and under eaves. Under trees and in bushes. If you’re experiencing a problem with wasps, give us a call today! PGM & Son Wasp Control Hereford & Worcester We offer fast call out and competitive prices on wasp nest treatment For all your pest control needs, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call on 01981 251116 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. WE COVER HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now!

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

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

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

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

Why businesses should consider engaging a regular pest control professional How Pest Infestations Can Impact Office Businesses Unhappy staff! Costs to repair damage caused by pests such as chewed pipes and cables Disruption to the business if you must close to carry out a pest treatment Complaints and claims from employees or the public Loss of income from un-rentable or unsaleable office space Damage to your reputation Disputes with your neighbouring businesses if pests transfer to their offices Termination of rental contracts if your landlord considers you have encouraged or not prevented or removed a pest problem Practical Tips for Office Pest Control Clean your kitchen areas properly and frequently. Instil in your employees the importance of good hygiene by making sure they clean up spills and crumbs and dispose of their rubbish and leftover food and drink Check your bins are emptied regularly and external bins taken away for disposal. Make sure bins have tight fitting lids and consider investing in external pest proof bins Clear desk policies are easier to implement in our connected world so there’s no excuse for employees to create pest harbourage and food sources on their desks anymore! Pest proof your office. Make sure regular maintenance jobs are completed by blocking holes and sealing gaps. Pay attention to the high-risk areas such as window frames and doors, pipes and air vents. Fix leaks as soon as you spot them, pests need water as well as a food source Train your staff to spot a potential or actual pest problem. For example, make sure your maintenance staff are actively looking for access points and pest harbourage. Ask your cleaners and other office staff to look out for signs of pests such as droppings, strong smells and insects on plants Make sure your caretakers or building maintenance staff pay attention to the external permitter keeping shrubs and trees cut back and preferably away from the building, clearing piles of leaves and keeping window and door frames clean and clear All of these things will help you to minimise your risk of experiencing a pest problem in your office business. Top Five Pests Found in Offices Rats Mice Ants Flies Cockroaches How to Deal with an Office Pest Problem The first thing to do is not panic. Make sure your staff report any problems as soon as they are spotted and explain they should not try to handle a pest problem themselves for their own and others’ health and safety. Call a professional pest controller, they have access to solutions not available to the general public and they are trained to deal with pests in a safe and effective manner. If you have got a pest 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 our local number 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.

Hearing noises in the loft can be very unsettling, even enough for you to avoid going up to see what pests you may have! This can be a major problem when it comes to lofts and attics. Because we rarely visit them, we often don’t realise there’s a problem before it’s too late. A window may be poorly sealed, allowing a mouse to slip in through a crack, or a missing tile may have given way to a small hole in your roof, an entry point that roof rats especially like to exploit. One of the best ways to limit unwanted intrusions by insects, rodents, birds, squirrels and other pests is to deny them entry - a procedure known as pest proofing. Many pests seek refuge in homes and other buildings in response to changes in weather, such as extended periods of rain or drought, or the onset of cooler temperatures in autumn. Taking steps to block their entry before they end up inside can greatly reduce the chances of future sightings. Five Most Common Loft Pests Mice Rats Squirrels Wasps Birds Don’t run the risk of bad odours, disease, or electrical hazards. If you think any of these pests may have infested your loft space, reach out to a professional immediately to have them removed. Noises in the Loft? If you’re hearing noises in the loft and find signs of habitation like droppings, nesting, or damage caused by gnawing, you might just be dealing with loft pests. Loft spaces are the ideal environment for rodents They can damage stored items by gnawing and could even chew through your electric cabling. They leave droppings and other animal matter, which make your loft space the ideal breeding ground for insects and diseases. When rodents need to be taken out of your home, our expert pest controller acts in accordance with the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU); we’re dedicated to protecting people, pets and the planet. We are contentious about the types of products we use and we stand by them. Looking for a pest removal service in Hereford or Worcester? Check out our loft pest control and clearance services to see what we have to offer. Pest Proof Your Home Did you know that mice can squeeze through a hole the size of the end of a biro? Rats can push themselves through a hole no bigger than a fifty pence. This means that just about any hole in your roof or attic needs to be fixed immediately. If there’s a way to exploit an entrance to your home, rodents will certainly find a way, and then you’ll be sure to see signs of a rodent infestation before too long. Sometimes there is more than one entry point and only by proofing many different areas will a solution be reached. Many homes are repeat targets for rodent and other pest infestations. Rodents can cause damage to the home, spoil food and spread disease. The home owners find themselves baiting and trapping rodents year after year in a never ending cycle. This usually happens because the home owners are relying on getting rid of a rat infestation or a mouse infestation instead of preventing one. Rodent infestations can be prevented by rodent proofing your home. At PGM & SON we provide a loft clearance and a pest proofing service to ensure your loft space is pest free. As part of our loft clearance and pest proofing service our technician will help you to ensure that your home remains pest free with tips and helpful advice. Let us clear your loft space so you can utilise the space. Call PGM & Son Loft Clearance Herefordshire, Worcestershire & Gloucestershire 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

Why are some animals associated with Halloween and pest control? Rats have been long feared. Known to infest abandoned, filthy, run-down places rats were associated with plagues and epidemics in times gone by. In fact, rats were blamed for the Black Death plague across Europe in the 14th and 17th centuries although more recent studies suggest that they might not have been responsible after all. Do Rats carry diseases? Rats carry diseases, some-times very serious and potentially fatal diseases so naturally people are fearful of the rat. Check out our popular Pest Top Trumps series, this month we’ve a Rat Trumps card for you! However, in modern times rats continue to cause problems and rats are up there with wasps as the UK’s most nuisance pest. Experiencing a rat problem in Hereford? Need rat control in Worcester? Get in touch with PGM & Son Rodent Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or call us on 01981 540088 or drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for all your Rat Control needs. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your Rat problems, give us a call!

As we ring in the new year of 2023, the team at PGM & SON would like to take this opportunity to thank all our customers past, present and future for your continued trust and support. We are grateful to have the opportunity to serve you and help keep your homes and businesses free of pests. As we look ahead to the new year, we remain committed to providing the highest level of service and professionalism. We will continue to use the most effective and eco-friendly techniques to keep your spaces pest-free, and we will always go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction. We wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy new year. Here's to a happy, healthly and pest-free 2023! Happy New Year! Over the New Year we’re on hand to help with any pest problems you may have including Rat and rodent removal, bed bug control and flea control across the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire For all your pest control needs contact PGM & Son Pest Control Services Herefordshire and Worcestershire at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or call us on 01981 540088 or drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

A big thank you to all our customers for your business during 2022 We’re open for business as usual over the Christmas period so don’t worry about your pest problems contact PGM & SON, your local Pest Control Service in Hereford and Worcester for pest advice, pest guidance and pest solutions. If you have a rat problem or mice problem or any other pest problem this Christmas give PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire a call. Some of our Pest Control Services include: We also offer advice and assistance with preventative measures for commercial businesses. We won't charge a fee until we've agreed a price with you - there's no hidden charges with PGM & Son. For a full range of our services please go to our service page. For all your pest control needs contact PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or call us on 01981 540088 or drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Around halloween and this time of year, we always get calls from Herefordshire and Worcestershire householders worried about spiders. If you’re worried about spiders, read on. Why you shouldn’t be worried about spiders In the UK our native spiders are not dangerous or a threat so although they can be a nuisance and many people have a fear of them, they are not something you should be concerned or worried about. Reasons to love your spiders Spiders eat flies - yes, spiders are your greatest defence against a fly infestation. And they eat other small bothersome insects in the garden making them a great natural predator for gardeners. Let’s applaud them for that! Spider webs are beautiful. Have you ever looked closely at a spider web before? If you haven’t, we thoroughly recommend taking time to look. They are amazing, intricate patterns of silverly, lacey web they weave to catch their prey. In the morning dew they look simply stunning. If you are worried a spider might be dangerous... If you are worried that you have come across a species of spider that might be dangerous you can contact the Natural History Museum or your local RSPCA centre for advice. We’d point out that it is very rare in the UK to come across a dangerous spider. How to get rid of spiders The best way to get rid of a spider, the most humane and cheapest option is to place a small carton or glass over it and slide a piece of card between the carton or glass and the surface the spider is on. Then, take your spider and release it outside. Lots of people have a fear of spiders (arachnophobia) so if you suffer from this, ask a friend, family member of neighbour to do this for you. Spiders seem like they can move super-fast which probably accounts partly for some people’s fear of them. However, they are like the cheetahs of the insect world – they must stop for a breather after a short sprint and even flat out they can only reach speeds of around 1mph. You CAN out-run a spider! A note on the False Widow The false widow receives a lot of bad press in the UK. Not to be confused by the black widow (an extremely rare species in the UK), they aren’t deadly. It can look big and scary but the biggest its body grows is to around 14mm and a bite from a false widow would be very rare. Males are more prone to biting but this is usually only ever when provoked or trapped against skin. If you should be very unlucky to be bitten by a false widow, you can be assured that it is likely to be no worse than a wasp sting. Check out the Natural History Museum’s interesting article on the false widow spider: https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/how-dangerous-are-false-widow-spiders.html Armed with these facts, you can be much more at ease with your spiders. And finally, the money spider is said to carry great fortune if it sits on you so look out for these tiny shiny black spiders – we could all do with some good luck! For all your pest control needs, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call on 01981 251116 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now!

Got Bed Bugs? We’ve Got It Covered! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The history of bed bugs dates back thousands of years! The Cimex lectularius is the most common type of bed bug found in the UK. After WWII, there was a reported increase in bed bugs. The increase in their population was attributed to the heating systems used in homes which created warm living conditions for them to thrive in. Bed Bugs are small, oval, brownish insects that feed on the blood of human hosts. Adult bed bugs have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed. After feeding, however, their bodies swell and are a reddish colour. Bed bugs do not fly, but they can move quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings. Bed Bugs | National Geographic Video ‘’Smelling a musty odour in your bedroom could mean you have a bed bug infestation’’ Signs that you may have bed bugs include: Blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases. Dark or rusty spots of bed bug excrement on sheets and mattresses, bed clothes, and walls. Bed bug faecal spots, egg shells, or shed skins in areas where bedbugs hide. An offensive, musty odour from the bugs' scent glands. Bites on your body - When bed bugs bite, you often see clusters of bites. Each cluster usually contains 3 to 5 bites that appear in a zigzag pattern. Places in your home where bed bugs live are: Your mattress The box spring of your bed Walls near your bed or other furniture Bedside tables Headboards and bed frames Wardrobes Sheets Curtains and carpets Luggage and clothing Sofas, armchairs or other furniture where you spend time How did I get bed bugs in the first place? Bed bugs come in as stowaways in luggage, furniture, clothing, pillows, boxes, and more when these are moved between properties. Moving won’t solve the problem, since bed bugs can travel and they lie dormant in properties to wait for a human host. So, although it sounds strange, when treating bed bugs, it’s best not to sleep away from home. Used furniture, particularly bed frames and mattresses, are prone to harbour bed bugs. Watch out for items sold on second-hand sites or at car boot sales! Because they survive for many months without food, bed bugs could already be present in clean, vacated properties meaning that there could be a problem when you move into a new home. What should everyone know about bed bugs? YOU CAN STOP THEIR SPREAD Adults are ¼”, reddish-brown and flat. You can see them without magnification but early stages of bed bugs (nymphs) are tiny and very hard to detect with the human eye. They like to hide in cracks and crevices. Inspect sleeping areas—if you find a bed bug, STOP looking and contact a professional. Do-it-yourself pest control is often not successful. However, you can take steps to minimize your risk of having bed bugs such as washing and tumble-drying items on a hot setting, dry cleaning and deep freezing items. Live bugs or eggs may drop off while moving things from one place to another—items with bed bugs should be sealed in a bag before moving them. Check second-hand purchases carefully for bed bugs. Tell your friends! Not warning others robs them of the chance to avoid bringing bed bugs into their homes and businesses. Having bed bugs don’t mean you have a dirty property or unhygienic practices – it’s just bad luck! How to get rid of bedbugs? Bed bugs can be very difficult to treat. Bed bugs can die at very high or very low temperatures, or they can be treated by an insecticide with industrial strength. DIY bed bug treatments often don’t have the desired effects. If you suspect an active infestation book a professional bed bug treatment to confirm you have a problem and to carry out effective treatment for you. Interesting Bed bug Facts! According to the National Pest Management Association, almost all (97 percent) pest professionals have treated bed bugs in the past year. A majority of them say that overall bed bug service work and the prevalence of these pests are increasing. Bed bugs may be easily confused with other pests; many pest control professionals were initially contacted about a different type of pest before identifying them as bed bugs. For example, pest controllers were often contacted about fleas and cockroaches only to discover the issue was bed bugs. More than half of pest control professionals noted that they receive the most bed bug complaints during the summer, as increased travel during this time of the year may help spread bed bugs from holiday destinations to homes and also to residential properties as students return from universities and colleges. However, with global travel now more wide-spread, bed bugs are often encountered year-round. Bites are the most commonly reported sign of an infestation and more than half of people reach out for treatment after discovering bites and welts on their bodies. Although some people immediately develop a skin reaction to bites, others may take two to three days before showing obvious symptoms or any symptoms at all, meaning that people could be unaware of a bed bug problem until a full-blown infestation has taken root. Typically found in sofas and bed frames, bed bugs can also be found in some of the most unexpected places, including stuffed toys, wheelchairs, aeroplanes, school buses, handbags and even inside bedside lamps. Many pest professionals agree that this bloodsucking pest is the most difficult pest to control. If an infestation is suspected, the British Pest Control Association and National Pest Technicians’ Association A recommend contacting a fully qualified, professional pest professional preferably a member of either trade body (NPTA or BPCA). When working with a qualified professional, follow their advice to ensure that your bedbug treatment is more effective. For more information on bed bugs, visit www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk/bed-bug-control Need bed bugs treated in Hereford? Call PGM & Son Pest Control on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480. Or, email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk