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One small step for a Pest Controller one giant leap for Sustainability This week we look at how pest controllers can reduce the environmental impact of their operations and deliver best practice. Is sustainable pest control possible? You might ask yourself, given that a common view is that pest control is all about killing rodents and insects. But this is an old fashioned and inaccurate view of pest control because pest control isn’t, and shouldn’t, be solely about eradication. Of course, eradication is a reality when dealing with a pest infestation but what a lot of people don’t know is that it’s not the main part of a pest controllers’ job at all. Pest control is about helping people. It’s about finding out how a pest problem has occurred. It’s about finding solutions to problems . It’s about looking for ways to prevent a pest problem in the first place and to prevent one happening again. It’s about education. And it’s about balancing the needs of public health against protecting the environment. What can pest controllers do to champion sustainable pest control? Promote and encourage integrated pest management Adopt the risk hierarchy model when dealing with rodents: Carry out environmental risk assessments Take measures to prevent access Take steps to deny rodents a food and water source Remove harbourage Consider all non-poison / chemical options first and foremost Reduce waste and dispose of waste correctly Reduce your carbon footprint where you can by using electric or hybrid vehicles or by planning your route to avoid unnecessary journeys Don’t treat bees unless there is a serious and present risk to public health. Engage with other experts in the industry – share best practice and learn from others Help your customers look for non-chemical-based solutions such as use of natural predators like cats for long term rodent issues Make sure your back-office operations are environmentally friendly – use less ink, recycle and use recycled materials. Look for ways to use less paper – this can be quite tricky in a role that requires a report for every pest visit we do! At PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire , stewardship & sustainability is top of our agenda . Check out our articles to see how we’re helping the pest industry by ensuring we do our best to be environmentally friendly. We’re also delighted to have been shortlisted as finalists in the Sustainability Initiative of the Year category at this year’s Pest Management Awards. If you want to know more about our green pest control credentials , email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

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 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 pest control services , pest waste removal and pest advice service we also provide an online 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 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. Submit photos for Insect identification or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

The PGM pest of the month is the Nettle Ground Bug , aka (Heterogaster Urticae), 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 RSPH pest expert, Phil Martin , 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! FAQs about the Ground Nettle Bug (Heterogaster urticae) What is a Ground Nettle Bug (Heterogaster urticae)? The Ground Nettle Bug is a small seed bug that feeds mainly on nettle plants. It belongs to the Lygaeidae family and is often found in grassy areas, gardens, and around stinging nettles. It is harmless to humans and is considered a plant-feeding insect rather than a structural pest.  Are Ground Nettle Bugs harmful to people or pets? No, Ground Nettle Bugs are not dangerous to humans or pets . They do not bite, sting, or spread disease. They are nuisance insects at most and are typically only noticed when they appear in larger numbers near buildings or vegetation. Why are Ground Nettle Bugs appearing near my building or garden? They are usually attracted to areas where nettles and seed-producing plants are growing. If nettles or dense weeds are nearby, the bugs may gather to feed and breed. Removing host plants and reducing weeds typically reduces their presence. Did you know PGM & Son Pest Control offer an insect identification service? Collect your specimen and give us a call to identify it for you! - call us on 01981 540088 or submit photos for our resident pest biologst on our Insect identification service page , or email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk Our Insect Identification Service Are you dealing with pest problems in your home or garden in Herefordshire or Worcestershire ? 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 , carpet beetles , cluster flies , and much more. If you have an unknown insect in your commercial business that needs professional identification, get in touch via our insect control service. What our customers say Check out all our reviews

Key Takeaway A busy town centre fast food outlet faced a significant German cockroach infestation. A structured Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach was implemented, including inspection, chemical treatments, gel baiting, monitoring, and staff guidance. Follow-ups and specialist investigation addressed persistent activity and potential migration from nearby properties. Cockroach sightings dropped to near zero, cleaning standards improved, and the infestation was brought under control. Ongoing preventive measures—such as monitoring, proofing, and routine maintenance—ensure continued protection and compliance.   Introduction German cockroaches (Blattella germanica) present one of the highest risks to food businesses due to their rapid breeding cycle, resilience, and ability to exploit even minor hygiene or structural vulnerabilities. This case study details the successful control of a significant infestation within a busy town centre fast food outlet in Herefordshire , achieved through a structured, evidence-led Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme. The client required a solution that was fast, effective, legally compliant, and operationally discreet, with zero compromise to food safety standards. The Challenge A busy fast food outlet in a town centre was experiencing a significant German cockroach infestation, with sightings reported across kitchen and preparation areas. Multiple life stages were present, indicating an established breeding population. Due to the food-handling environment, the client required a fast, effective, and compliant solution with minimal disruption to operations. Our Approach We implemented a structured Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme, combining targeted chemical treatments, gel baiting, intensive monitoring, and client collaboration. Phase 1 – Assessment & Initial Control Full site inspection confirmed German cockroach activity across multiple areas Immediate treatment using a high-strength residual insecticide and gel bait to achieve rapid knockdown and long-term control Phase 2 – Intensive Treatment & Monitoring Multiple follow-up visits to target harbourage areas including wall and floor junctions, roof voids, and behind equipment Strategic placement of labelled bait stations and monitoring traps Activity levels closely tracked using lures and sticky traps Phase 3 – Re-Treatment & Refinement Re-treatment carried out where necessary to eliminate persistent activity Cleaning practices adjusted to ensure residual insecticide effectiveness Ongoing guidance provided to site staff to support treatment success Phase 4 – Specialist Investigation Accompanied inspection with a field biologist Identified only minimal residual activity above the false ceiling Root cause investigation expanded to include potential migration from adjacent residential properties The Results Dramatic reduction in cockroach activity within weeks Staff reported sightings reduced to near zero Cleaning standards improved and fully aligned with pest prevention best practice Infestation brought under control with only isolated findings during final monitoring Ongoing Prevention To prevent reinfestation, we recommended: Inspection of electrical equipment and hidden voids Monitoring of adjacent residential properties Sealing of structural gaps and proofing works Routine drain maintenance Continued use of pheromone-based monitoring traps The Outcome Through a proactive, professional, and methodical approach, we successfully reduced a high-risk cockroach infestation to controlled, minimal levels. Continued monitoring and preventative measures ensure the client remains protected, compliant, and confident in their pest management programme. Through a professional and methodical approach, we successfully brought the German cockroach infestation under control, ensuring a cleaner, safer, and compliant environment for staff and customers. To maintain these results and prevent future infestations, ongoing monitoring, hygiene improvements, and structural proofing are essential. For expert cockroach control services in Herefordshire or Worcestershire , tailored to commercial kitchens and food-handling environments, contact us today to protect your fast food business and ensure peace of mind.

If you’re dealing with unwanted pests in your home or business in Ross-on-Wye, we’re here to help. As a trusted, family-run pest control company, PGM & Son provide a friendly, professional service across Ross-on-Wye and the surrounding HR9 area — from fast wasp nest removal to expert rodent proofing and insect control treatments. Our qualified RSPH technicians are discreet, reliable and fully insured, and we take pride in delivering a service we’d be happy to receive ourselves. Common Pest Problems in Ross-on-Wye Living and working in a beautiful rural area like Ross-on-Wye means pest problems can be more common — particularly around older properties, outbuildings and garden spaces. We regularly help local customers with issues such as: Rats & Mice Rodents can enter homes through the smallest gaps, often attracted by food sources or warm loft spaces. We identify the entry points, treat the problem and offer advice to help stop it returning. Rat and rodent control services ↗ Wasps & Hornets During the warmer months, wasp nests can quickly become a serious nuisance. Our technicians safely eradicate wasps from lofts, sheds, rooflines and gardens. Wasp nest removal ↗ Bed Bugs & Fleas These pests can be persistent and stressful to deal with. We provide thorough, professional treatments to eradicate infestations effectively. Bed bug treatment , and flea fumigation services. Insects & Other Pests Including ants , carpet beetles , cluster flies , cockroaches , and more — if you’re unsure what you’re dealing with, just ask. We’re always happy to help. Insect control services . How Our Pest Control Service Works We keep things simple, clear and stress-free: Inspection & Assessment We visit your property, identify the pest and assess the extent of the problem. Tailored Treatment Plan We explain the recommended treatment clearly and answer any questions you may have. Follow-Up & Prevention Advice If required we include follow-up visits and provide practical advice to reduce the chance of pests returning. Because we’re a family-run business, you’ll always receive a personal, attentive service — not a call centre experience like that from the Able Group Pest Control. PGM & Son are genuinely local! Why Choose Us for Pest Control in Ross-on-Wye? Local, independent, family-run company Friendly, respectful and professional technicians Discreet service for homes and businesses Fully qualified and insured Honest advice you can trust We genuinely care about doing things properly — and many of our customers come to us through recommendations and word of mouth. Just check out our Google reviews and Trustpilot reviews . Signs You May Have a Pest Problem Contact us if you’ve noticed any of the following: Scratching noises in walls or loft spaces Droppings or gnaw marks Unpleasant smells Live insects or bugs appearing regularly Wasps entering a roofline or outbuilding Bites or irritation during sleep The sooner a problem is investigated, the easier it usually is to resolve. Pest Control for Homes & Businesses in Ross-on-Wye PGM pest control services work with: Homeowners Landlords & letting agents Shops & hospitality Farms & rural properties Offices & workplaces Whether it’s a one-off job or ongoing pest prevention, we’ll look after you. Frequently Asked Questions How quickly can you attend in Ross-on-Wye? We aim to help as quickly as possible and will always offer the earliest available appointment, and often get to you the same day. Are your pest treatments safe for families and pets? Yes — treatments are carried out responsibly by trained professionals, with clear guidance provided. Will you be discreet? Absolutely. Our vehicles and approach are always respectful of your privacy. Do pests return after treatment? We combine treatment with practical prevention advice to reduce the chance of recurrence. What’s the safest way to deal with wasps near my Ross-on-Wye garden? The safest option is not to disturb them  and call a professional on 01981 540088 , especially if the nest is near your home. In the meantime, keep food covered, remove fallen fruit, and seal bins to reduce attraction. How do I stop mice from coming into my Ross-on-Wye house in winter? Seal gaps around doors, windows, and pipes, store food in airtight containers, and keep your home clutter-free. If you still see signs of mice, PGM your local pest controller can find entry points and remove them safely. Can I book an emergency pest control visit in Ross-on-Wye for a rat problem? Yes, PGM offer an emergency 24/7 call out service, call 01981 540088. Areas PGM Cover Near Ross-on-Wye We also provide pest control across surrounding areas including: Walford • Weston-under-Penyard • Goodrich • Whitchurch • Peterstow • Kerne Bridge • and nearby rural villages. If you’re unsure whether we cover your location, just ask — we’re always happy to help. Got a business in Ross-on-Wye HR9 or the surrounding areas? Give PGM a call for a no obligation quote for your commercial pest control contract. If you haven’t had a pest control contract before, give us a call so we can explain the benefits to you. If you already have a pest control contract, give us a call to see what we can offer. Businesses we’ve helped recently in the Ross-on-Wye HR9 area include: Case Studies A local food business was experiencing a cockroach infestation that needed to be resolved quickly and discreetly. We assessed the situation, carried out targeted treatment and had the premises pest-free again in a short time, allowing the business to continue operating with confidence. A local tourism venue contacted us after discovering bed bugs on site. We worked with them to eliminate the problem efficiently and effectively, helping them avoid major disruption and unnecessary costs so they could focus on running their business. Contact Us If you need professional, friendly pest control in Ross-on-Wye , get in touch today and speak to a real person who cares about doing the job properly. We’re here to help — not to pressure-sell — and we’ll always give honest advice.

Just so there’s no misunderstanding here: PGM and Son Pest Control is a LOCAL HEREFORDSHIRE BUSINESS. We live and work here, our children attend school here and our friends and family live here. And, like you, if we need a job doing, we want to support our local businesses and tradespeople. Can you say the same for the companies topping the search engines online who purport to be local businesses?? Here’s some common misunderstandings and a few simple tips for the people of Herefordshire to check who they are dealing with before they hand out their hard earned cash! Myth 1: If it’s a local telephone number, it’s a local business? Fact: NOT TRUE – many companies buy up local telephone numbers to give the impression you are contacting a local business. In reality, the business itself may be based in another part of the country. Myth 2: The website looks professional so it must be a professional service company? Fact: NOT NECESSARILY TRUE – quite often the businesses that top the search engine charts aren’t even the trades service you’re looking for. Many of them are ‘lead generators’ which means they use their purchasing power to get to the top of google, bing and other search engines and then they farm out your business to – guess who – yes, the tradesperson who lives just down the road from you!! Myth 3: They’ve got excellent reviews online Fact: They may have excellent reviews online but are those reviews real? And, are those reviews from people who live in your local area? Top five tips to tell if you're dealing with a local businesses Look more closely at the website – see if they have a trading address and if so, where it is. If it’s a limited company, you can check them out at: https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/ If they report excellent reviews , take a closer look. Do the reviews seems legitimate & are they from local people? Pop their name into google along with another county, such as Surrey, and see if they come up there as well as Herefordshire. Check they are on a recognised register for their service. For example, for pest controllers you can: Check The NPTA Register Ask for copies of their qualifications and licences / certifications. Often, lead generators won’t have those themselves and instead rely on local tradespersons’ to supply their own. For pest controllers, as a minimum, they should be able to supply you with their pest control qualifications (e.g. through the Royal Society for Public Health)

When pests infest homes, lofts, or commercial buildings, they leave behind more than just damage—they also leave waste. Pest waste such as rodent droppings, pigeon guano, insect remains, and contaminated insulation can pose serious health risks and cause property damage if not dealt with professionally. At PGM & Son Pest Control, we provide specialist pest waste cleaning and removal services across Herefordshire ( Hereford , Ledbury , Ross-on-Wye , Leominster , Bromyard , Kington ) and Worcestershire ( Worcester , Malvern , Evesham , Pershore , Droitwich , Kidderminster , Redditch , Stourport ). Why Pest Waste is a Serious Problem Health Risks – Pest waste carries diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, hantavirus, and psittacosis. Property Damage – Droppings and urine corrode surfaces, insulation, and wiring. Odour & Staining – Guano and urine create unpleasant odours that persist without deep cleaning. Secondary Infestations – Waste can attract new pests such as flies, carpet beetles, and mites. Our Pest Waste Cleaning & Removal Services Pest waste is a big problem. It can also be a public health issue. Did you know PGM & Son can remove and clean pest waste in lofts and attics? We’ve worked with the best – historic buildings restorations experts call us when they need pigeon guano removed from external stone work and not only do we clean the mess up, we remove all waste as well leaving the experts to do their job on restoring historic buildings. PGM offer a complete end-to-end service tailored to each property: Survey & Site Assessment Identify type of pest waste. Risk assess contamination and access points. Safe Waste Removal Removal of rodent droppings, pigeon guano, nesting materials, dead insects/rodents. Licensed waste disposal in line with UK regulations. Specialist Loft Clearance Removal of contaminated loft insulation. Installation of fresh, high-performance insulation. Co-ordination with asbestos contractors where required. Deep Cleaning & Disinfection Hospital-grade biocidal treatments. Removal of harmful bacteria, spores, and pathogens. Proofing & Prevention Sealing entry points. Advice on future pest prevention . Pests we commonly clean up after Rodents (rats, mice, squirrels) – droppings, nesting, urine contamination. Birds (pigeons, gulls, starlings) – guano, feathers, nesting materials. Insects ( flies , cluster flies , carpet beetles , wasps ) – carcasses, debris, infestations. Professional Standards & Safety PGM & Son is fully qualified and accredited: Licensed waste carrier. NPTA (National Pest Technicians Association) member. BPCA ( British Pest Control Association ) member. RSPH qualified technicians to Level 3 award status . CRRU compliant for responsible rodenticide use. Fully insured for commercial and residential work. Why Choose PGM & Son? Local, family-run pest control experts. 24/7 emergency call-outs ( 07964 370480 ). Fast, discreet, and cost-effective service. Trusted across homes, businesses, farms, and public buildings. We also carry out pest waste cleaning on public buildings and commercial businesses. Pest waste comes in all shapes and sizes and can be found in residential properties, public buildings and commercial businesses. Pest waste can be smelly, unsightly, cause damage to buildings and may also be a public health issue. Pigeon guano in particular can cause serious illness and, in rare cases, fatalities. Recent stories of pigeon droppings causing deaths in hospitals has highlighted the need for the health risks posed by pest waste to be taken very seriously . Frequently Asked Questions about Pest Waste Cleaning & Removal Why is professional pest waste cleaning necessary? Pest waste such as rodent droppings, pigeon guano, and insect remains carries harmful bacteria and diseases including leptospirosis , salmonella , hantaviru s, and psittacosis . Professional cleaning ensures waste is safely removed , areas are disinfected, and future infestations are prevented. Do you provide pest waste cleaning for commercial buildings? Yes. We work with businesses, offices, warehouses, food premises, and public buildings  to remove pest waste safely and discreetly. Our services comply with health and safety regulations  and can be combined with our Commercial Pest Control  contracts to protect your business long-term. Can you clean pest waste from lofts and attics? Absolutely. We specialise in loft clearance services , removing contaminated insulation, disinfecting affected areas, and installing new insulation where required. We also coordinate with licensed asbestos contractors if older materials are present. What pests leave behind hazardous waste? The most common include: Rodents (rats, mice, squirrels)  – droppings, urine, nesting. Birds (pigeons, gulls, starlings)  – guano, feathers, nesting. Insects (cluster flies, carpet beetles, wasps)  – carcasses, debris.All of these can create health hazards if not removed professionally. How quickly can you respond to pest waste cleaning requests? We offer a 24/7 emergency service  across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. In urgent cases, we can attend the same day to assess, quote, and begin cleaning. Do you dispose of the waste legally? Yes. PGM & Son are licensed waste carriers . All contaminated materials, droppings, insulation, and carcasses are removed and disposed of in accordance with UK regulations. How much does pest waste cleaning cost? Costs depend on the type of pest, level of contamination, and size of the property. We provide free site surveys and quotations  so you know exactly what’s involved before work begins. Do you cover rural areas as well as towns? Yes. We operate across all towns and villages in Herefordshire and Worcestershire  including Hereford, Worcester, Ross-on-Wye, Malvern, Leominster, Kidderminster, Ledbury, Evesham, and surrounding rural communities. Need pest waste removed quickly and safely? 📞 For a free site visit and quotation, give us a call on 01981 540088, or use our Contact Us page to connect with us in the way that suits you best.

Pest control isn’t all about eradication. This week we look at why pest prevention is better than cure when you find you need to get rid of rats. RATS - A Case Study The Problem A concerned neighbour contacted a local pest control company as they had seen a rat at the bottom of their garden. They suspected that it was coming from the neighbouring property. The pest controller advised the resident to speak to the neighbour to see whether access to their property could be gained to assess the problem. The neighbour agreed to the pest control company visiting and when they did, they assessed that the infestation was so significant that the only solution was to eradicate using toxic bait. The neighbour had a major rat problem. Rats could be seen running through the property and garden in plain daylight. The Cause The neighbour liked to feed the wild birds and had numerous bird feeders in their garden. The neighbour didn’t realise that this was attracting the rats as it was an easily available food source for them. The neighbour had a lovely, well-tended garden, but there was a strip at the foot of the garden that was completely overgrown. The neighbour had not appreciated that this provided an ideal harbourage for the rats. There was a broken drain cover outside the neighbour’s house and the fence toward the bottom of the garden was in a poor state of repair. The neighbour had meant to get around to fixing these problems and didn’t know that putting off these jobs would provide ideal access points for rats. The neighbour had also put off reporting the rat problem because they were embarrassed about it. This had given the rats time to breed rapidly. The Effect Rats can carry some nasty diseases such as Salmonella and Leptospirosis (more commonly known as Weil’s disease). Rats can spread these diseases to humans through their urine or when rats come into contact with food preparation areas. The rats being in the house was therefore a real and present public health issue. In addition to this, the rats had gnawed through some electrical wiring which was a fire risk. As the problem hadn’t been reported when first discovered there was now a significant infestation which required use of rodenticides. Earlier intervention may have avoided this which would have reduced the impact on the environment, non-target species and resistance to rodenticide. Apart from the fact that the neighbour was too embarrassed to report the problem initially, it was also keeping them awake at night as the rats were making a noise scuttling through the attic at night. This was having a real impact on the person’s wellbeing. Because the rats had, had a chance to thrive they were now significant in number. This wasn’t only causing a problem at this property, but they were also moving onto the neighbouring property. They were now also becoming a public nuisance. And, because the problem had been allowed to escalate the overall costs in resolving the problem had similarly escalated. Both residents would now have to foot a bill to treat the problem and there were associated costs such fixing the wiring that the rats had damaged. This meant there was now an increased cost implication. The Solution Fortunately, the neighbour had done their homework and called in a local, professional pest controller who was able to diagnose the problem and solution quickly due to their professional training and qualifications. The pest controller was also a BPCA Member meaning the customers could be confident in their ability to treat the rat infestation due to their BPCA seal of approval. As a fully qualified pest controller, the firm had access to solutions not available to the public which enabled them to treat the problem quickly and safely and in line with the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU) Code of Practice. Once the pest controller had the rat infestation under control, they made some recommendations that would help prevent a rat problem in the future, which included: Clearing the overgrown part of the garden to remove the harbourage at the bottom of the garden Fixing the drain cover and fence to prevent access in future Avoiding feeding the birds in future or to use feeder baskets and to clean up any cast-off seed so as to remove a readily available food source Carrying out essential maintenance works to the properties and gardens regularly which would have the benefit of pest proofing against rats and other pests The customers took the pest controllers advice and we are pleased to report that both properties remain rat free. The key message is that prevention is better than cure. If you're dealing with rats or rodents in Herefordshire or Worcestershire , get in touch with PGM & Son Pest Control. As experts in rat and rodent control , we’re here to help. Call us today at 01981 540088 or 07964 370480 for a free, no-obligation consultation. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use the live chat facility.

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 h igh 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 << click here >> 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 << click here >>

Key Takeaway The use of Cholecalciferol over anti-coagulants is greatly preferred due to its ability to control rodents with greatly reduced risk of impact both the to environment and non-target species. This week our Pest Control Technician Joe Martin takes a look at Anticoagulants versus Cholecalciferol. Cholecalciferol is a rodenticide that can be used on both rats and mice Using Cholecalciferol for rodent control has numerous benefits; this bait can control the rodent population within as little as seven days meaning that the rodenticide doesn’t have to be in the environment for extended periods of time. This means there is less chance of a non-target species accessing the poison coupled with the fact that Cholecalciferol does not have any secondary poisoning affects. The benefit of this is that damage to the environment is heavily reduced in comparison to anticoagulant poisons, which take an extended period of time to eradicate the rodent. Anti-coagulant use prolongs the extermination period resulting in rodents being more likely to die outside (7 days for the rodenticide to work) meaning the likelihood of the rodent being eaten by non-target species is increased in anticoagulant rodenticides. With anticoagulant poisons, if a non-target species eats a dead rodent that has been poisoned, they can be poisoned through secondary poisoning. However, with Cholecalciferol, there is no secondary poisoning so even if a non-target species eats the rodent the poison will not be transferred to the non-target species . Due to the significant increase in non-target species found to be poisoned by rodenticides, the likelihood is anticoagulants will be banned in the future. Environmental contamination is a high risk in anticoagulant rodenticides as they are not biodegradable but with Cholecalciferol it does not persist in the earth or in the water meaning the long term affects to non-target species like amphibians is greatly reduced. Study Conclusion The use of Cholecalciferol over anti-coagulants is greatly preferred due to its ability to control rodents with greatly reduced risk of impact both the to environment and non-target species. OUR FAMILY AND PET FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES HAVE MADE PGM & SON A LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PEST CONTROL - WE ARE REDEFINING THE INDUSTRY. Because we’re a local, family run business we genuinely care about our community. Residents and commercial businesses of Herefordshire and Worcestershire who deal with PGM & Son recognise this in their support of our business by coming back to us in future and referring us to others. All our technicians are highly trained and certified pest controllers. For rodent control services contact PGM & Son Pest Control on 01981 540088 or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk