This week we’re taking a look at the repeat pest offender and asking the question: If a pest is eradicated will I be pest-free for life? Unfortunately, the answer is likely to be no or, if you’re lucky, a maybe. Pests move and like humans they look for food, water and somewhere to set up home. If you experience a pest problem, you may well remove it successfully but that won’t stop other pests (or indeed the same species) infesting your property again. This is why it is vital to take proactive, preventative measures.Let’s look at the two main pest issues people regularly experience: Insects Adult insects can typically walk and fly and so it is unrealistic to expect that you will be insect free for-ever! Flies are a particular problem; although pest controllers can use solutions to treat a large fly problem and put in place methods to minimise further issues, as this pest flies it is simply impractical to eradicate completely. Cluster flies are a particular nuisance and commonly return to the same location year on year so if you have experienced a cluster fly problem, unfortunately, it is quite likely that you will see them again the following year. You can take some simple steps to reduce the risks of inviting insects into your home or business, such as: Keeping surfaces clean and tidy Keeping food in sealed containers Ensuring bins have tight fitting lids and are regularly emptied Using fly screens Electric fly machines, particularly in food businesses Installing fly traps Rodents Again, eradication of an infestation can be carried out, but the reality is that where there is a food, water and harbourage source, rodents can and will take up residence again. Particular problem areas are allotments, schools, small holdings, restaurants and live-stock areas. All of these places provide food and water sources for rodents. Rodents can access properties through open doors and windows and mice can squeeze through holes the size of the end of a bic pen! Businesses are advised to implement regular routine rodent monitoring programs to assist with minimising risk and to ensure any problems are promptly identified and quickly dealt with. Some simple steps you can take to keep out rodents are: Keeping food in sealed containers Ensuring bins have tight fitting lids and are regularly emptied Removing food sources (for example, clearing up uneaten food stuffs in live-stock areas) as soon as possible after feeding times Removing harbourage (for example, cutting back bushes and vines, disposing of debris) Ensuring your customers or students put their rubbish in bins, especially when it contains food remnants Regularly maintaining your property (for example, sealing holes) Don’t let a pest problem get worse – often pests breed rapidly so what may start as a small problem can quickly escalate – Call in the professionals today to sort out a pest infestation. If you have a pest problem, don’t panic. Call PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480 today for advice and solutions. Give us a call, visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or drop us an email to: contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

If you’re having problems with Mice in Hereford call PGM & SON Pest Control – We’ve got it covered! THREE REASONS FOR MICE CONTROL They are a public health pest and may spread serious diseases to humans such as Salmonella and Listeria which cause food poisoning Mice are destructive – they can, and will, chew through pipes, electrical cables and wires, packaging, soft furnishings and woodwork. Their destructive behaviour can cause fires and floods Mice carry dirt and bacteria around as the move around distributing it to kitchen work surfaces, cabinets, larders and anywhere else they choose to go REASONS WHY YOUR BUSINESS SHOULD CARE ABOUT MICE As a business owner, you have a legal obligation to keep your premises rodent free under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 You must report any infestations to the local authority where rodents pose a threat to health or property If you don’t have adequate pest management policies and procedures in place the Environmental Health can issue you with an enforcement notice. If you do not comply with that notice you could face fines or even imprisonment Mice can cause irreparable damage to a business’ reputation. In particular, food businesses can really suffer if customers spot, or become aware of, a mice problem on the premises HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE A MICE PROBLEM? Droppings! Mice droppings are usually black, 3-6mm long and rod shaped. You may find these under kitchen units and in roof spaces. Mice can lay lots of droppings, around 80 per day, and when freshly laid they are soft and moist Nests – in lofts or under floorboards. Nests are made of wool, cloth and paper Gnaw marks on skirting boards, pipes, cables and furniture Dark grey smear marks left by their oily fur Strong ammonia smell left by their urine You may also notice damage to food you have stored in your home or business Mice access your home or business through neighbouring properties or through gaps or holes – they can squeeze through very small spaces around 5mm so it can be very difficult to keep them out. Mice are also rapid breeders so if you don’t deal with the problem a large infestation can take hold quite quickly. Mice don’t hibernate and so they are a year-round problem. If you’re having a problem with mice, give us a call at PGM & SON Mouse Control Hereford for all your pest control needs. Give us a call on 01981 241 334 or 07964 370480. Or, drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk PGM & Son Pest Control is a local Hereford based family run pest control firm. We’re friendly, trustworthy and reliable. We offer fair and transparent prices, fast call outs and advice and guidance. Call us today – you won’t be disappointed.

This week we discuss what you should look for in a pest controller. QUALIFIED Always make sure your pest controller is suitably qualified. Those involved in the application of pesticides must be able to demonstrate that they are adequately trained and competent to purchase and use professional products and equipment. At PGM & Son Pest Control we hold the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) Level 2 Award in Pest Management. This qualification fulfils the legal requirement relating to the training of pest control technicians as set out in the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986. TOP TIP – ASK TO SEE A COPY OF YOUR PEST CONTROLLER QUALIFICATIONS! KNOWLEDGEABLE Make sure your pest controller keeps their knowledge up to date. Changes happen in any industry and it’s important to refresh knowledge and keep up to date with new developments. PGM & Son Pest Control are members of BASIS Prompt – an independent industry and Government recognised register for professional pest controllers. The BASIS PROMPT Pest Controllers register is an industry initiative which provides independent proof that a pest controller has received proper training and continues to update their expertise through Continuing Professional Development (CPD). TOP TIP – ASK YOUR PEST CONTROLLER FOR THEIR BASIS PROMPT REGISTRATION NUMBER! PROFESSIONAL Your pest controller should be a member of a recognised trade body. The two main ones in the UK are the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA). PGM & Son Pest Control is a member of the NPTA. TOP TIP – CHECK OUT MEMBERS OF THE NPTA IN HEREFORDSHIRE BY SEARCHING THE NPTA REGISTER AT: http://www.npta.org.uk/member-search PEACE OF MIND Make sure your pest controller carries adequate public liability insurance. Sometimes things go wrong, even with the best of intentions so your pest controller should have measures in place to mitigate the risk that something doesn’t go to plan. Your pest controller should also have the correct waste carrier’s licence in place. PGM & Son Pest Control carries comprehensive public and products liability insurance. We are also hold an Upper Tier Waste Carrier Licence. TOP TIP – DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK YOUR PEST CONTROLLER FOR DETAILS OF THEIR INSURANCES AND LICENCES. A PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROLLER WILL BE HAPPY TO SUPPLY DETAILS FOR YOU. LOCATION & SERVICES Most people pick up the ‘phone to national pest control companies usually because they recognise the brand name, or they appear top of the list when searching on internet. There’s nothing wrong with using a national firm of course but there are some benefits to using local firms. A local firm can offer faster response times because they’re based closer to you. And, a local firm may have a better understanding of the issues facing your area and community. Local firms often have a great local network so can help with connected issues. Check your pest controller offers the services you require. Not all pest controllers handle all types of pest problems. For example, some only offer wasp control others offer commercial services but not residential. Check out your pest controller’s eco credentials. A pest controller should be able to discuss environmentally friendly solutions with you and explain how they try to reduce their own carbon footprint. PGM & Son Pest Control offers a wide range of pest control services, We handle most pest problems, offer both residential and commercial services and additional services such as pest waste cleaning, pest waste removal and insect identification. The environment is important to us, we’re always happy to share our views on preventative pest control measures. Managing the risk to non-target species is top priority. We educate through working with individuals and businesses and through our regular weekly blogs. And, we’re working hard to reduce our carbon footprint, for example, jobs are carefully planned and coordinated so that we keep the amount of time we spend on the road to a minimum – essential in a vast rural county like Herefordshire. TOP TIP – BE ALERT FOR FIRMS WHO ALWAYS ADVOCATE ERADICATION AND NEVER FOCUS ON PREVENTION QUALITY OF SERVICE It can be expensive calling out a pest controller. Often the chemicals and materials used are expensive and costs have to be covered. So, it is essential you are provided with a quality service. Make sure your pest controller has good credentials. Also, make sure your pest controller provides you with a quote for services and explains clearly to you what the service will entail and what the cost will be. PGM & Son Pest Control was crowned Sole Trader of the Year 2019 ate the British Pest Management Awards (BPMA) and 2019 Family Business of the Year finalist in the Herefordshire Business Awards. What better accolade than being recognised by your industry peers and local businesses in this way! TOP TIP – CHEAPEST ISN’T ALWAYS BEST! COMPARE QUOTES AND SERVICES TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE GETTING VALUE FOR MONEY. RECOMMENDATIONS It can be a worry engaging the services of a firm or individual when you have no prior experience of them. Word of mouth referrals are a great way to sharing information on local services. Similarly, social media have local business boards so the individuals can share their experiences and details of local traders. Feedback and ratings can also be found online which can also be a useful indicator. PGM & Son Pest Control has excellent feedback from customers – check out our feedback and ratings on our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk/reviews look up our reviews on Google by typing in PGM Pest Control and clicking on Google reviews. Read the feedback on Trustpilot at https://www.trustpilot.com/review/www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk TOP TIP – CHECK OUT ADVERTS FOR LOCAL PEST CONTROLLERS IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY MAGAZINES, PARISH NEWSLETTERS AND LOCAL STORE NOTICE BOARDS! What are you waiting for? Give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call today to book your appointment. Call us on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480 Visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Happy New Year from all the team at PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford! Wishing all our customers a Happy, Pest Free New Year! As we move into a new decade in 2020, we’re giving readers a reminder of the services we can provide: Pests we deal with: · Rats · Mice · Cockroaches · Bedbugs · Fleas · Insects · Cluster flies · Wasps · Carpet moth · Carpet beetle · Clothes moth · Ants · House flies · Moles · Squirrels · Flying insects · Crawling insects Services we offer: · Residential pest control · Insect identification · Commercial pest management and control · Pest waste cleaning · Pest waste removal · Loft waste clearance · Loft re-insulation · Pest proofing works What makes PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford stand out from the rest? Sole trader of the year 2019 in the British Pest Management Awards (BPMA) Finalist – Family Business of the Year 2019 Herefordshire Business Awards Local Family run Professionally trained & qualified under the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) Member of recognised trade body – National Pest Technician’s Association (NPTA) Member of industry recognised continuing professional development scheme BASIS Prompt Fully insured min. £5m public liability insurance for your peace of mind Waste carrier’s licence Fast response times, out of hours availability Confidential, discreet services Environmentally friendly & non-toxic solutions Clear, fair and transparent pricing – value for money service Give your local pest control business a call today for a free no-obligation quote on 01981 241334 / 07964 370480 Or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

TIS THE SEASON TO BE JOLLY! 'TRA LA LA LA LA LA LA We wanted to share the highlights of our amazing year at PGM Pest Control. During 2019: We won Sole Trader of the Year at the prestigious British Pest Management Awards! In the Herefordshire Business Awards we were Family Business of the Year finalists! 100% Google reviews left by customers rated us as 5 Star! 100% of customers rates us as Excellent on Trustpilot! We’re delighted at the success we’ve had during 2019 and we’re thrilled to be recognised by our customers and peers. In 2019 we saw a rise in flea and bed bug problems – in all likelihood due to increased globalisation with more people travelling. Other factors have contributed to the rise in these pests such as an increase in second-hand furniture. We’re also seeing an increase in rodents particularly following the appalling weather conditions we had recently which saw many parts of Herefordshire under water. Of course we’re a pest control business but we don’t want to see people suffering with pest problems. We’re a unique type of business in that we don’t want to see return customers!! Well, certainly not with the same problem! In fact, a big part of our business is to carry out pest management and prevention and we handle pest waste cleaning and pest waste removal as well. So, as the year draws to a close and with Christmas almost upon us, we wish all our customers a very Happy Christmas with Best Wishes for the New Year! At PGM & SON Pest Control, we’ll also be taking time out to enjoy the Christmas festivities but we’re still open for business and always on the end of the ‘phone or email to offer advice and help. So, if you have a pest control problem or need some help and guidance give PGM & SON Pest Control a call on 01981 241 334 or 07964 370480. We’re an award winning, local family run business. email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use our live chat facility on the website WISHING EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM ALL AT PGM PEST CONTROL

PGM & SON Cluster Fly Control Hereford – We’ve Got It Covered! Are you having an issue with cluster flies? Did you know cluster flies are predominantly found in rural areas? It’s a perfectly common problem in Herefordshire so if you are having cluster fly problems give us a call today at PGM & SON Cluster Fly Control Hereford – we’ve got it covered. Facts about cluster flies Cluster flies are so called because of their habit of forming clusters when they are hibernating. Presence of cluster flies is not a sign of poor hygiene. Cluster flies are a particular problem during Autumn when they gather in significant numbers on walls and windows during the day, retiring into roof spaces during the night. As the Autumn months have been warmer, we’re still seeing people experiencing problems with cluster flies. As temperatures drop, the cluster flies will crawl under the eaves and facias and roof spaces to hibernate safely over the winter. Although cluster flies aren’t harmful, they can be a nuisance and, if gathering in significant numbers they can be unsightly in your home and put off customers in your business. They can also leave dark coloured spots on walls and windows which can be tricky to clean and look off putting. Another issue is that if the flies die in false ceilings and wall voids, they may attract other pests. Suffering from cluster flies again? Unfortunately, this is a common problem because cluster flies tend to return to the same location year after year. If you had a cluster fly problem last year you are more likely to experience another one again. 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 every 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. So, if you’re having a problem with cluster flies, call us today to help. We can treat your cluster fly problem and we can also clean up any pest waste for you. No more dead flies on the carpet to worry about this Christmas! - 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 Visit our website for more information at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk #MAKEPESTCONTROLGREENAGAIN

Bought a new house? Recently moved into a rental property? If you’ve just moved into a new home and find you have a pest problem, give the experts a call to sort out your problem for you. PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford and Worcester can help with all your pest control needs. Rats, mice, fleas, bed bugs, cluster flies, cockroaches - you name it we deal with it. Landlords – have your tenants left you with a pest problem? Do you need a clean bill of health for your landlord deposit scheme? Lettings agents – are you looking for a pest controller to give your properties a clean bill of health before you let to new tenants? Herefordshire residents - have you moved into a new house or flat and found the previous residents have left you with a pest problem? Don’t worry – PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford can provide advice and solutions to your pest problems. What to look out for when moving into a new house or renting a new property: Signs you’ve got Rodents Scratching, scrabbling and crawling noises Droppings and strong smell of urine Greasy marks on skirting boards and walls Gnaw marks, chewed surfaces including pipes and electrical cables Nests, holes and burrows Footprints and tracks Signs you’ve got fleas Your pets are scratching You can see fleas or flea droppings on your pets’ coats You and your family experience bites, typically around the ankles and legs Fleas jumping in your carpets or on your furniture Signs you’ve got bedbugs Itchy red marks / lumps on your skin Unpleasant smell on your laundry / bedding Marks on your bed frame / mattresses which look like ink spots Blood smears on bedding / head-board Sight of bed bugs on bedding and furniture PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford can help with all your pest control needs. We’re a local, family owned and run, award-winning pest control business. So, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call today to book your appointment. Call us on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480. or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

During flood conditions rats are more likely to spread disease. We’re seeing extreme weather conditions this year and, currently, rainfall is causing major problems. Flooding is causing problems across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, the Midlands and South Wales. Many Herefordshire residents are facing significant problems with flood waters damaging homes and businesses. Travel around the county is restricted and schools and businesses have been forced to close. Another issue that comes with flood waters is rats. You may find that rats move into your property to escape the flood waters. As their burrows fill with water, rats need to find alternative accommodation. And, if food sources are destroyed by flooding, rats will seek food elsewhere. Health experts warn homeowners to take measures to prevent "huge numbers" of rats flushed out by the floods re-establishing themselves. Did you know rats are strong swimmers and will swim great distances to find a new home? It’s also important to check outbuildings as storm damage can create the perfect nesting places for rodents. Flood waters create a health risk to the public. Rat urine contains leptospires which can survive outside the rats’ body for much longer periods in extreme wet weather. The leptospires within the rats’ urine can cause Leptospirosis (commonly known as Weil’s disease). If you’re having problems with rats give PGM & Son Rodent Control Hereford a call on 01981 241 334 or 07964 370480 Or, drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk We’re 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.

CALL PGM & SON PEST CONTROL HEREFORD – WE’VE GOT PESTS COVERED! PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford is a local, family run business offering pest control solutions to residents and business across Herefordshire. We deal with all sorts of pests such as rats, mice, fleas, bed bugs, cluster flies, cockroaches, carpet moth, carpet beetle, woodworm, squirrels, birds, wasps, hornets and more! If you have a problem with pests we can help! PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford also offers commercial pest management contracts, pest waste cleaning and removal services, including loft clearance, insect identification and more! Ten good reasons to choose PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford :- LOCAL – we’re local, family owned and run and have a vested interest in serving the local Herefordshire community FAST RESPONSE – because we’re local, we can often offer same day service VALUE FOR MONEY – our services offer value for money and are transparent and competitive – ask us today for a free no-obligation quote! MASTER TECHNICIAN – we’re fully qualified and trained to carry out pest control in the UK AWARD WINNING – winners of the British Pest Management Awards 2019 Sole Trader of the Year and chosen by Herefordshire Business Awards as finalists for the family business of the year 2019 we’re recognised by our peers and local businesses PEACE OF MIND – we carry comprehensive public liability insurance, employers’ liability, waste carriers licence and membership of recognised trade body GREEN – we aim to promote and deliver environmentally friendly and ethical solutions to pest control #makepestcontrolgreenagain TAILORED SERVICES – we recognise a ‘one size fits all’ approach often doesn’t give customers what they need so rest assured that, with PGM & Son Pest Control, our services are tailored to your specific needs RECOMMENDED – don’t just ask us, check out what our customers are saying about us. We’re reviewed on our website, Trustpilot and Google and customers give us the thumbs up! KNOWLEDGEABLE – we’re always keeping our knowledge up to date by participating in industry approved continuous professional development schemes. And, in the rare event we don’t know the answer, we’ve access to a range of experts who can help. PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford – Herefordshire Business Awards’ Family Business of the Year 2019 Finalists. WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? Give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call today to book your appointment. Call us on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480. Visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk to use the online chat facility or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk FORGET THE REST AND CALL IN THE BEST PGM & SON HEREFORD PEST CONTROL SERVICES

We’re delighted to announce that PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford has been announced as finalists in the Family Business of the Year 2019 by Herefordshire Business Awards. PGM - FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR 2019 FINALIST - AMAZING NEWS! This is fantastic news for PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford, following their win at the 2019 British Pest Management Awards at the London Excel earlier this year. The Herefordshire Business Awards ceremony will be held at the Three Counties Hotel in Hereford on 25th October 2019 where the winners will be announced. The Herefordshire Business Awards were established in 2017 by Rich and Kim Beale from Bookkeeping4U and Richard and Kerry Low from Character Design. The 2019 Herefordshire Business Awards are brought to you by Herefordshire Means Business and sponsored by Hereford Business Solutions Centre. The Awards are a celebration of talent and success across the County, rewarding Herefordshire’s high achievers, inspirational leaders and growing businesses. Check out the shortlist here: CLICK TO SEE SHORTLIST Phil Martin, Owner and Pest Control Technician at PGM & SON Hereford, said:-- “We’re absolutely delighted and amazed that PGM & SON has been announced as a finalist in this important local awards event. This is a really fantastic event which celebrates local talent, promotes local business and builds a strong community ethos. There are many family businesses across the county so, in our second year of trading, we’re absolutely thrilled that the Herefordshire Business Awards has recognised our contribution in this way. Coming off the back of our earlier win at the British Pest Management Awards 2019 earlier this year when we were awarded sole trader of the year, we’re just thrilled that all our hard work has paid off. There is a strong family team behind PGM & SON Pest Control which drives the business forward to make PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford stand out from the rest. I’m taking this opportunity to thank them for all their hard work and dedication. We are a local, family run business which put customers and the community first. I’m incredibly proud of our accomplishments over the past 2 years and to be announced as finalists in the Herefordshire Business Awards is a huge honour! We look forward to celebrating with fellow finalists at the awards ceremony in October and wish everyone good luck and best wishes.” For all your pest control needs, give PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford a call on 01981 241334 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 our live chat facility on our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now.