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As the weather warms up and people start to book their holiday visits, local hotel, B&B and Airbnb and other holiday accommodation businesses are advised to check for bedbugs now before the holiday season starts. Why should holiday businesses check for bedbugs? Bed bugs are much more common these days as people travel more frequently and transmit problem bed bugs from one holiday let to another. Unfortunately, bed bugs often become a major issue for holiday accommodation businesses as people can be be embarrassed about bed bugs and so will often try to deal with the problem themselves. DIY bed bug tre atments often just prolong the problem though and often an infestation then gets out of control. Don’t let a bedbug problem get out of control in your hotel or Airbnb holiday let business! Bed Bug Fact Bed bugs are prehistoric insects and they’ve been around for at least 115 million years. This should give you an idea of how resilient these little insects are! Five reasons to deal quickly with a bedbug problem in your Hotel, B&B or Holiday Rental Business COST If you must replace of furniture, mattresses, towels and bedding in a holiday business it can become an expensive exercise not to mention the environmental impact. REPUTATIONAL DAMAGE Negative online and press reports can cause irreparable damage to your business. The sharing of bad experiences can spread very quickly in today’s online world. Reputational damage can be unlimited. LOSS OF INCOME Following on from reputational damage, if customers act on bad worth of mouth and online reviews or other press reports, you could find your business suffers a loss in revenue as your bookings fall. FINANCIAL LOSS Customers who come across a bedbug problem whilst staying at your holiday property will likely complain and want a refund. LEGAL ACTION It’s not unheard of for customers take you businesses to court following pest issues in their holiday accommodation. This might then result in your business incurring cost, loss of revenue, financial loss and reputational damage – things to be avoided!! John Horsley Technical Officer at BPCA advises: “Bed Bugs can live for up to a year without feeding, so a room that has been unused for a few months may not be as empty as it appears". Bedbugs are parasitic insects that can be transported on items such as luggage and second-hand furniture. They will hide in crevices in beds , nearby furniture, behind skirting boards, under loose wallpaper and even in plug sockets. If you spot signs of a bedbug infestation , we strongly recommend you act immediately and contact a professional pest control company, preferably a member of the BPCA.” This is why dealing with a bedbug problem early on is absolutely essential. Bedbugs bite and can cause irritation and distress. Some people are more prone to allergies and may react to bedbug bites as well. Imagine your horror when a customer approaches your reception desk scratching itchy painful swollen lumps… What businesses are more likely to experience bedbug infestations? High volume businesses and those who welcome frequent travellers may experience more infestations than others, but the reality is that most stay businesses can find they have a bedbug problem. Common businesses include hotels, B&Bs, hotels, Airbnb and other holiday let businesses. But other businesses might also find they experience bedbug problems such as aeroplanes, cinemas, office buildings, campsites. DIY treatments are usually ineffective and can prolong and worsen a bedbug infestation (for example causing bedbugs to migrate to other rooms or even to adjacent properties) so it’s usually best to call in the professionals immediately. Check out our Bed bug Control Services If you have got a bedbug 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 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 bedbug problems, give us a call now!

With the press reporting a potential bedbug invasion coming across the Channel from France, this week we’ve been inundated with calls from the public and media outlets about bedbugs. So, with the reports of a tsunami of bedbugs across Europe should you be worried about bedbugs? Bedbugs are a nuisance pest Although they do bite, they are not known to carry disease. Bedbugs carry a bit of a stigma with them and because of this people can be reluctant to call in the pest control professionals which means that a bedbug issue can very quickly spiral out of control. However, bedbugs are not discriminate about their host and both clean and dirty properties can find they are infested with bedbugs. The main issue with bedbugs is that they are extremely transferable – in other words they are well travelled. Imagine the scenario – you’ve been on holiday and unbeknown to you, a bed bug crawls inside your luggage. When you get home, you pop your suitcase on the bed to unpack and the bedbugs crawl out onto your bed. Before you know it you’re infested with bedbugs! Should I be worried if I have bed bugs? Contrary to popular belief bedbug's don’t just live in your bed either. We often find bed bugs' hiding in plug sockets, behind picture frames and skirting boards and in bed frames. This is why bedbugs are so difficult to control. They are tiny and they get EVERYWHERE! Often people are either too embarrassed to call in a professional or they attempt DIY treatments themselves. In both cases, they are all too often just prolonging the problem and letting it become much worse. Phil Martin, award winning pest technician and Owner of PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford & Worcester has been speaking to BBC Hereford & Worcester, The Hereford Times and Greatest Hits Radio Herefordshire and Worcestershire this week about bedbugs. Listen to the recordings here ▶▶▶▶ Bed Bug Top Tip; If you think you have bed bugs, you should contact your local council or pest control service. It's very difficult to get rid of bedbugs yourself because they can be hard to find and may be resistant to some insecticides. If you are suffering from a bedbug infestation call in the professionals. If you have a problem with Bed Bugs get in touch for help, support and guidance. Call 01981 540088 or e mail us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use our live chat facility on our website.

Ensure a Bed Bug-Free Stay for Every Guest with Our Swab Service! As a holiday let provider, you understand that guest satisfaction and their safety are your top priorities. Our Bed Bug Swab Service offers peace of mind for you and your guests. We’ll come in between bookings, perform a rapid swab test to detect any early signs of bed bug activity, and provide immediate eradication if needed.   Benefits of Our Bed Bug Swab Service Peace of Mind for you and your Guests Fast and Accurate Testing Immediate Action and Treatment Protect your Reputation Cost-Effective Management Fast and Discreet Testing Protection Against Negative Reviews Support for all Accommodation Types Reliable Bed Bug Detection Services across Herefordshire and Worcestershire What We Offer: Fast, Accurate Testing : Our swab test is discreet and thorough, ensuring no signs of pests go undetected. Immediate Action : If any signs of bed bug activity are found, our team is ready to provide a comprehensive treatment, keeping your property pest-free and guest-ready. Protect Your Reputation : Bed bug incidents can hurt guest reviews and reputation—our service helps prevent this. Supporting the Hospitality Industry: Bed Bug Testing for All Accommodation Our Clients rely on us for a pest-free business: Hotels, B&Bs, Social Housing and Holiday Rental Properties. For businesses that cater to guests frequently and rely on clean, pest-free accommodations to maintain their reputation. Holiday Rental Companies & Property Managers Managing multiple properties requires a commitment to guest satisfaction. Frequent bed bug swab testing is essential for these businesses to prevent infestations that can lead to negative reviews and lost revenue. By ensuring a pest-free environment, property managers can enhance their reputation and attract more guests. Boutique Hotels and Inns For smaller establishments that pride themselves on high cleanliness standards, our proactive bed bug detection services are invaluable. Boutique hotels and inns face heightened scrutiny from guests who expect immaculate conditions. Regular testing helps mitigate risks, ensuring that these properties maintain their reputation for excellence and guest comfort. B&Bs and Guesthouses Family-owned or independent B&Bs often rely on local services for quick responses to pest issues. Our reliable bed bug swab testing provides peace of mind, allowing these businesses to focus on delivering a warm, welcoming experience for their guests without the worry of infestations disrupting their operations. High-Traffic Holiday Rental Homes Properties with frequent bookings and rapid turnover are at increased risk for bed bug transfer. Our testing service is crucial for these high-traffic rentals to catch any potential infestations early, minimising disruption and ensuring that every guest enjoys a comfortable stay. Luxury and Premium Holiday Let Providers Luxury accommodations have elevated expectations regarding guest satisfaction. Our proactive bed bug testing service is essential for maintaining the high standards that discerning guests demand. By preventing infestations before they occur, these providers can uphold their reputation and ensure repeat business. Corporate Housing and Short-Term Rentals Companies offering accommodations for business travelers must guarantee a clean, pest-free environment. Our bed bug swab testing service helps these businesses provide assurance to their guests, fostering trust and encouraging positive experiences that lead to repeat bookings. Social Housing and Council-Owned Properties We support social housing initiatives by providing effective bed bug testing services to ensure safe living conditions for residents. Addressing pest issues promptly not only enhances the quality of life for tenants but also upholds the integrity of the housing authority's commitment to community welfare. Ensure a Pest-Free Environment for Your Business! Our Bed-Bug Swab Affordable Pricing Packages Single Swab Service (Pay-Per-Visit) Ideal for properties with lower turnover rates or those looking to try the service before committing. ✔ Single swab test with report, plus any recommendations for preventive steps. (Reduced treatment rate if eradication is needed after a positive result.) Monthly/Seasonal Package (Pay for multiple short-term visits) Perfect for properties with frequent guest turnover during peak seasons, such as summer holidays. ✔ Monthly or bi-weekly swabs, prioritised booking slots, and discounted rates on treatment if needed. Annual Subscription (Best Value) For properties looking to maintain high standards year-round and want peace of mind without the hassle of frequent bookings. ✔ Regular monthly swabs with unlimited emergency checks if requested, priority response for any positive findings, and discounted rates on any bed bug treatments. Bed bugs are on the rise, with reports indicating a significant increase in infestations across the UK. Join us for an insightful discussion on bed bugs with Phil Martin, owner of PGM and Son Pest Control, as featured on BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester. In this video, we delve into the rising concerns surrounding bed bug infestations in Herefordshire and Worcestershire, particularly in light of recent reports warning of a potential surge in cases across Europe. CALL FOR A FREE NO-OBLIGATION PRICE QUOTE BASED ON YOUR PREFERRED PACKAGE AND TAILORED TO YOUR BUSINESS PREMISES SIZE AND REQUIREMENTS. 📞 01981 540088 In today’s competitive hospitality industry, ensuring a bed bug-free environment is not just a luxury—it's a necessity . Our Bed Bug Swab Service offers you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your property is protected against these unwelcome pests. By choosing our proactive bed bug testing and treatment solutions, you can enhance guest satisfaction, protect the reputation of your hospitality business , and ultimately drive more bookings. Avoid letting a bed bug incident damage your establishment’s reputation. Protect your guests' comfort and your hospitality business’s success by investing in our dependable and efficient bed bug swab testing service. Bed Bugs Can Cost You More Than You Think! - Contact PGM Pest Control today to schedule your free bed bug swab testing consultation on 01981 540088 or e mail us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk  or use the live chat facility on our website . 7 Days a week Emergency Bed Bug Removal: We’re Here When You Need Us!

This week we’re blogging about fleas in Hereford again and why?! Well, because, pest controllers are being inundated with calls from the public about fleas and at PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford we’re no different – calls about flea problems are up significantly from last year. The press recently reported that flea complaints across the UK have increased by 415% in 2019. Why Are We Seeing an Increase in Fleas? Record heat temperatures combined with the usual British rain has combined to make very humid conditions which are the perfect environment for fleas. Fleas thrive in these conditions and this accelerates their life cycle – they can grow from an egg to a fully-grown adult flea in just two weeks. July was the hottest month on record for the Earth since records started in 1880. The other contributory factor is the UK's love of cats and dogs! Around a quarter of UK households own at least one dog and almost 20% a cat so fleas have an abundance of hosts in the UK. Although fleas love the host animal, they are more likely to be found in bedding, furniture, carpets and rugs. And, a small flea problem can quickly become a problem – some flea species lay up to 40 eggs per day. Spot the Signs you May Have Fleas, which include: Your pets are scratching. You can see fleas or flea droppings in the coat of your cat or dog (try back brushing your pets or brush them over a piece of paper to more easily spot the signs of fleas). You or your family experience bites – usually around the ankles or legs. Typically, flea bites are a small red spot about 5mm in diameter. You can see fleas jumping in your carpets or on your furniture if you have an active infestation. So, as a reminder, be vigilant; checks your pets regularly including their bedding. Flea Top Tip for Herefordshire Tenents When you move into a new property check for signs of fleas . And, ask your landlord whether the previous tenants had pets and whether a flea fumigation was undertaken prior to your occupation. If you have a flea problem in Herefordshire  or Worcestershire  call PGM and Son Flea Control Services , for all your flea control needs and flea advice. About PGM Pest Control PGM Pest Control  is an award-winning pest control company based in the UK, offering trusted, effective, and environmentally responsible services for homes and businesses. Known for our expert knowledge, educational resources, and excellent customer service, we go beyond treatments — we help our clients understand pests and prevent future problems. 👉 Visit us at   www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk  for professional pest control, insect identification, and free downloads.

Introducing The Honeybee! PGM & SON Pest Control Services are proud to announce our new series of 'Pest Trumps'! Today we launch the first of many of our information cards about pests so you can understand more about our work and how pests have a place in our world. You can download each file for free to use at your workplace to help identify pests for the safety of your staff and visitors. The collection of the PGM 'Pest Control Trump' information cards are produced to help with pest-related problems within UK. << DOWNLOAD FOR FREE >> PGM & SON are compiling a comprehensive range of 'Pest Trump' publications available for the pest management sector and the general public to download for free to help with pest-related problems in the UK. If you wish to keep updated with our latest updates in the Pest Trump range please subscribe to our blog and never miss an update!

Introducing The Rat! This week we are excited to carry on with our series of "Pest Trumps" at PGM & SON Pest Control Services with The Rat . Each file is available for free download , and you may use them at work to help identify pests for the protection of your workers and customers. The PGM "Pest Control Trumps" set of information cards were created to assist with pest-related issues in the UK and to ensure the public are armed with the correct information about each pest we highlight in our pest trump series. By proactively promoting an integrated pest management approach, we can protect people and food as well as wildlife and the environment. We all have an important part to play in educating the public and business that prevention is better than cure. At PGM & SON we know stewardship and sustainability are critical both to the survival of the pest control industry and to our planet. THE RAT - FACTS 101 FACT FILE Aside from the wasp, probably the most well-known pest in the UK – the Rat! There are two main rat species in the UK, the most common is Rattus Norvegicus also known as the brown rat. The other is Rattus Rattus which is commonly known as the black rat or ship rat although these are now rarely seen in the UK. Rats are disease carriers and spreaders and so considered a public health risk. DID YOU KNOW Historically, the harsh winter climate in the UK was a natural way of culling the rodent population but with milder climates the rat population in the UK has grown. There are an estimated 150 million rats in the UK so if you haven’t seen one, you’re in the minority. If you own a property, you have a legal obligation to keep premises rodent free, or if there is a threat to health or property, to report it to the local authority. A RATS STRENGTH - 9 The rat’s greatest strength is in their teeth. They can gnaw through just about anything – wood, glass, metal, bone – you name it they can chew it! This means they can cause significant damage to property with their gnawing which can result in structural damage and other significant issues such as fire and flood risk when they chew through electrical cables and pipes. BREEDING OF RATS - 10 Rats score very highly in the breeding category. In fact, the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) awards them a gold medal when it comes to breeding! A female rat can reproduce every 6 weeks and her litters can produce 6-8 babies. Each part of the cycle takes an average of 21 days. A rat can become pregnant very quickly after giving birth so a rat infestation can very rapidly grow out of control. New-borns sexually mature after just 5 weeks when they can also start to produce babies. This means that a pair of brown rats could produce up to 200 babies and 2,000 descendants in just one year or more! NUISANCE FACTOR OF RATS - 10 Rats are a major nuisance both in the house, business premises and garden. They burrow, gnaw, urinate, defecate, nest and generally make a mess. Their urine also produces a very nasty strong, distinctive smell which isn’t easy to get rid of. More than being a nuisance, rats carry and spread serious disease to humans such as Weil’s disease, Salmonella and Listeria. They can also cause significant structural damage to property. All things considered; the rat is up there as one of the UK’s most problematic pests. AGILITY OF RATS - 9 Rats are also agile. Gardeners and allotment holders often report sightings of rats climbing nimbly up bird tables to reach food. They also shimmy up drainpipes and scurry through sewers and squeeze through small holes to get into places. They are good swimmers too. If the rat was entering the Olympics, it would be up for a silver medal in the triathlon! ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS OF THE RAT POPULATION - 2 Although not as essential as other pests we’ve reviewed in this series, nevertheless rats are an important part of balancing our ecosystem. They provide a food source for other predatory animals. Also, they are opportunistic scavengers and will happily clear up the food we throw away. RATS SUPERPOWER - Highly Advanced Rats are highly adaptable and developed. They have a well-developed sense of smell and touch and an acute sense of hearing, frequently using ultrasound to communicate. They are neophobic meaning that they are wary of new objects, and they are highly mobile. All these traits how shown that rats are also capable of being trained. So, all in all, the rat is a highly developed creature. Overall PGM Rating 2/10 The rat scores impressively in pretty much every category and we must give them credit for that. But we’ve given them an overall low rating due to their risk to public health. The rat is widely regarded as the UK’s most problematic pest, most often described as vermin and has been seen as this throughout history. Even going back to the 14th and 17th centuries rats were blamed for the Black Death plague that swept Europe although recent studies suggest that they might not have been responsible.

Introducing The Mouse! This week we are excited to carry on with our series of "Pest Trumps" at PGM & SON Pest Control Services with The Mouse 101. Each pest trump file is available to download for free so you may use them at your business to help identify pests for the protection of your workers and customers. The PGM "Pest Control Trump" set of information cards is created to assist with pest-related issues in the UK. The Mouse 101 FACT FILE Coming alongside the Wasp and the Rat, another of the UK’s most common pests includes mice. Mice are a part of British wildlife and are active all year round. Field mice mainly live outdoors so are not normally a cause for concern. The house mouse on the other hand is a public health issue and can cause serious harm and damage. Mice are disease carriers and have been known to spread nasty diseases such as Listeria and Salmonella to humans through droppings, urine and bedding. They mark their territory with urine and build nests near to food sources putting humans at risk of food poisoning. Did you know this about Mice? Mice are sporadic feeders; on average they eat between 15-20 times a day despite their tiny size. Researchers have found that mice populations are increasing due to milder climates. The Mouse Strength Mice are small but their teeth are sharp. They are voracious gnawers and chew through wood, metal, pipes and cables to keep their teeth sharp. In fact, their gnawing through cables and pipework can cause electrical fires and flooding so the tiny mouse has super strength teeth. The Breeding of Mice Mice breed super quickly so they score highly in this category. On average, there are usually six pups in a litter, so 12 young in two months with the original breeding pair. Those first six young will take a while to become sexually mature, maybe six weeks. They could all then have a litter themselves, then the numbers really start adding up. One female can have five to ten litters per year. So, by the end of a year, it’s easy to end up with 2,000 mice, scurrying around transmitting dirt and bacteria over work surfaces. Mice, Nuisance Factor Due to the fact they can cause damage to property such as electrical fires and flooding along with their ability to spread disease and their rapid breeding cycle, the mouse is up there with wasps and rats for their nuisance factor. Mice Agility Mice are pretty agile, they can squeeze through a gap of only 5mm to gain entry – that’s roughly the size of the end of a pencil! That makes proofing extremely difficult. They are also great jumpers, climbers and swimmers. All round athletes! Their Environmental Impact Mice are an essential part of our ecosystem. Mice are a food source to large numbers of predators such as foxes, weasels, hawks, owls, shrews and more. Superpower: Nifty Ninjas These tiny mice can cause significant damage to property and to public health. Their ability to gain access through the smallest of gaps and their sharp teeth make them nifty ninjas! Overall Mouse Rating 4/10 Along with the rat, mice score highly most categories. However, similarly, we’ve given them an overall low rating due to their risk to public health and property. Mice are particularly problematic because of their ability to breed rapidly meaning you can have a large mice infestation in a relatively short period of time. To aid with pest-related issues in the UK, PGM & SON are creating a complete variety of "Pest Trump" documents that are available for the pest management industry and the general public to download for free . Please subscribe to our blog if you want to stay up to date with all of our current developments on the Pest Trump line. If you have a mouse or any pest problem, it’s usually best to call in the professionals. Find your local trusted BPCA pest controller here. For all your pest problems throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire give PGM & Son Pest Control 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 the right hand side of your screen, 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.

This week we’re giving a heads up on wasps as the wasp season looms. We want people to know that wasps aren’t all bad despite their reputation as a fierce pest! Wasps are early pollinators which means that they are good for the environment. Wasps are particularly beneficial in gardens, they feed their grubs on caterpillars and other insects and this reduces other pest populations. The wasp is therefore a predator which plays a vital ecological role controlling the numbers of pests such as greenfly. Our shout out in the month of May is to leave the wasps to continue to do their work where at all possible. If you can’t live with a wasp nest, it’s in an inconvenient location or is a public health issue (for example, because someone in your home suffers from allergic reactions) then call PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford for help. We can treat wasps’ nests for you. Queen wasps emerge from hibernation from March through to May normally so you may be seeing them in your garden at this time of year. Queen wasps get their sweet sugary liquids as nectar from flowers making them valuable pollinators. Lots of people mistakenly assume that they must have a nest when queens emerge in spring and sadly many of the queens are killed off. Two simple things you can do if you have queen wasps: Open windows and allow the queens to escape Seal up entry points into your property from the outside effectively “wasp proofing” your property Once the wasp season is well underway, wasps’ nests tend to increase in size, and this is when wasps may become an issue. Apart from being a nuisance they often present a serious risk to public health. However, there’s some simple things you can do though to prevent wasps invading your home or business, such as: Securing your home – keeping windows and doors shut or installing fly screens Keeping your bins away from the house or your business and making sure they are regularly emptied, cleaned and have tight fitting lids Check your property or business for wasps’ nests – if you arm yourself with the knowledge of where your problem is and how big a problem you have, you’ll find it easier to live with or to deal with. Checking for nests early can often stop a problem getting worse – once you think you have a wasp nest, call PGM & SON Hereford for advice or help. If you do have a wasps’ nest, it’s best not to treat it yourself. Treating wasps’ nests can be very dangerous as wasps can become extremely aggressive if threatened. Unlike bees, wasps don’t die after one sting and multiple stings from multiple wasps can be extremely painful and, in severe cases, fatal. To keep yourself and your family and customers from harm, always call in the professionals. We have access to a range of solutions not available to the general public. We also wear protective clothing to avoid being stung ourselves and we’re trained to deal with wasps’ nests. So let your wasps, especially the Queens, do their early pollination work and keep an eye out for nests in your home or business.If you do have a problem, give PGM & Son Hereford a call – we offer a fast, reliable, local wasp nest removal service across Herefordshire and Worcestershire .

Page Navigation Common Carpet-Damaging Pests in the UK Signs of a Carpet or Rug Infestation Cleaning & Maintenance for Prevention Non-Chemical Control (IPM Methods) When to Call a Professional Pest Controller Ongoing Monitoring & Long-Term Care Health, Legal & Insurance Considerations Preventing Spread Between Rooms Future Trends & Emerging Solutions Carpets and rugs bring warmth and style to a home, but they also attract unwanted attention from certain household pests. If you’ve noticed mysterious holes, fraying patches, or crawling larvae in your living spaces, you may be dealing with an infestation. This guide explains which pests eat carpets and rugs in Herefordshire and Worcestershire homes, how to spot the signs early, and what you can do to protect your investment. Carpet Beetle larvae beats the clothes moth as the main British textile pest. Common Carpet-Damaging Pests in the UK Several pests target natural fibres such as wool, silk, and cotton. The most frequent culprits are: Carpet Moths The webbing clothes moth ( Tineola bisselliella ) and case-bearing moth ( Tinea pellionella ) are notorious for eating natural fibres. Their larvae are the main problem. Carpet Beetles  Varied carpet beetle ( Anthrenus verbasci ) larvae feed on keratin and can hollow out fibres. Silverfish  Thrive in damp conditions and occasionally graze on starchy backings or blends. Rodents  Mice and rats may gnaw carpets and use fibres for nesting. Other Textile Pests  Weevils and even termites (rare in the UK) can damage imported rugs. Understanding Pest Biology & Life Cycle Most carpet pests cause damage during their larval stage . Eggs are laid in hidden or undisturbed places (beneath furniture, along skirting boards, inside folds of rugs). Egg stage : Laid directly onto fibres or dust. Larvae : The feeding stage that eats natural fibres. Pupa : Cocooned stage before adulthood. Adult : Often does not feed on fibres but reproduces. Across the UK, infestations peak in spring and summer , when warmth accelerates life cycles. Signs of a Carpet or Rug Infestation Look out for these early warning indicators: Patchy threadbare sections or irregular holes  in carpets. Larvae  (small, hairy or worm-like grubs) moving across the fibres. Cocoons or webbing  attached to the underside of rugs. Fine powdery frass  (droppings) or cast skins. Adult moths or beetles crawling near skirting boards. Dusty residues under rugs when lifted. Professional pest controllers may also use sticky monitoring traps  or UV torches to confirm the problem. Conditions That Attract Carpet Pests Certain environments are more prone to infestation: Natural fibres  such as wool and silk. Low traffic areas : spare bedrooms, under heavy furniture. Humidity & poor ventilation : especially in basements or older homes. Pet hair & food crumbs  trapped in fibres. Stored rugs  rolled up for long periods. Nearby animal nests  (birds, rodents) providing protein debris. Prevention Through Design & Materials One of the best defences is to choose carpets and rugs wisely: Synthetic or blended fibres  (nylon, polyester) resist pest damage. Insect-resistant finishes  are available on some modern carpets. Proper installation and sealing  prevents pests from hiding in edges. Allow airflow around rugs and avoid long-term storage in damp areas. Cleaning & Maintenance for Prevention A consistent cleaning routine discourages pests: Vacuum frequently , including edges, skirting boards, and under furniture. Steam clean  carpets annually to kill eggs and larvae. Shake or air rugs  outside in bright sunlight. Use specialist cleaning services  for delicate or antique rugs. Control pet hair  with grooming and frequent hoovering. Non-Chemical Control (IPM Methods) Many infestations can be managed with integrated pest management (IPM )  approaches: Heat treatments : steam or hot air can destroy eggs and larvae. Freezing : small rugs can be sealed in bags and frozen for several days. Physical removal : brushing or laundering. Desiccants : natural dusts like diatomaceous earth can dry out larvae. Pheromone traps : monitor moth populations. Chemical Control Options If the infestation is advanced, insecticides  may be necessary. Residual sprays or powders  can be applied to carpets, skirting, and underlay. Contact aerosols  kill visible adults but do not resolve larvae. Always choose UK-approved products  and follow safety guidelines. Ventilate rooms after treatment and restrict access for children and pets. Professional pest controllers can apply stronger insect growth regulators  or fumigation  if required. When to Call a Professional Pest Controller DIY methods can help in mild cases, but call in an expert if: Damage is widespread  or recurring. The carpet or rug is antique or high value . Infestation spreads to multiple rooms . You are a landlord or tenant  with repair responsibilities. A professional will conduct a full inspection , apply targeted treatments, and provide follow-up visits  if needed. Many firms also offer guarantees . Ongoing Monitoring & Long-Term Care To protect your carpets in the future: Inspect rugs every 3–6 months , especially before and after summer. Use monitoring traps  in vulnerable rooms. Maintain a seasonal cleaning checklist  (spring/autumn). Store rugs in sealed, pest-proof bags  if not in use. Health, Legal & Insurance Considerations Health risks : frass and hair fragments may trigger allergies or asthma. Legal duties : landlords must provide habitable accommodation, which may include treating infestations. Insurance : most home insurers exclude pest damage, making prevention critical. Environmental care : dispose of chemicals responsibly to avoid harm to wildlife. Preventing Spread Between Rooms Infestations can spread quickly: Check curtains, upholstery, and wardrobes  – pests move between fabrics. Avoid bringing in second-hand rugs or furniture  without inspection. If moving house, quarantine stored items before unpacking. Future Trends & Emerging Solutions Pest control is evolving: Smart traps  with sensors are becoming more affordable. Microencapsulated insecticides  offer longer-lasting results. Climate change  may extend the breeding season of moths and beetles in the UK. Resistance management  is key as pests adapt to chemicals. Carpet pests can cause significant damage, but with the right knowledge and quick action, infestations are manageable. Inspect carpets regularly. Keep them clean and well-ventilated. Act early if you see signs of larvae or damage. Call a professional if the problem persists. Protect your carpets today — prevention is always easier (and cheaper) than repair. If you’ve spotted the signs of a carpet beetle infestation, get in touch .   We provide professional carpet beetle treatments  across all areas of Herefordshire  and Worcestershire . Whether you're in a town, village, or rural location, our expert pest control team is ready to help protect your home or business from damaging infestations. Call us on 01981 540088  or our emergency call-out service 07964 370480. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Food Waste Action Week Food Waste Action Week is an annual campaign that aims to raise awareness about the impact of food waste on the environment, economy, and society. The campaign is led by the environmental charity, WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) , and typically takes place in March . During Food Waste Action Week, individuals, businesses, and organisations are encouraged to take action to reduce food waste , such as by planning meals , using up leftovers , composting food scraps, and supporting local food banks . The campaign also highlights the economic and environmental benefits of reducing food waste, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, saving money, and conserving natural resources . The campaign includes a range of activities and events, including social media campaigns, educational resources, and community events, to engage individuals and businesses in food waste reduction efforts. The goal of Food Waste Action Week is to encourage people to make small changes in their daily lives that can have a big impact on reducing food waste, creating a more sustainable food system and working together to halve food waste by 2030. How food waste action can help with pest control Reducing food waste is great for pest control Pests need the right conditions to survive, and this includes food, water, and a place to live So, tackling a food source is one of the key things you can do to control pests in a way that is less harmful to the environment Top tips for managing food sources for rats and mice: CLEAN IT. When you’ve finished making meals clean up properly – wipe down sides and clean crumbs from the floors. Less mess means less to attract pests. STORE IT. Invest in containers to store your food and rubbish that are secure. Keep lids on bins and cover leftovers. DISPOSE OF IT. Regularly empty your bins, recycle your empties and dispose of rubbish correctly. USE LESS. Reduce your food waste by using less. Plan your meals in advance so you only buy what you need. Use up what you have before buying more. REMEMBER: CLEAN IT, STORE IT, DISPOSE OF IT AND USE LESS! WRAP is a climate action NGO working around the globe to tackle the causes of the climate crisis and give the planet a sustainable future. It was established in the UK in 2000 and now works in 40+ countries. Check out their website for some great tips on how to reduce your food waste: https://wrap.org.uk/taking-action/food-drink/actions To reduce pests in the home or business while considering the above tips on food waste action, you can take the following steps: Dispose of food waste properly : Make sure to dispose of food waste in sealed containers or in compost bins away from the building. Avoid leaving food waste out overnight, and make sure garbage cans are properly secured. Keep storage areas clean : Regularly clean and sanitise storage areas like pantries, store cupboards, and refrigerators to prevent pests from finding food sources. Wipe down counters and sweep floors to eliminate crumbs and spills. Don't overstock : Avoid overstocking food items and keep inventory levels to a minimum. This will reduce the chances of attracting pests. Store food in airtight containers : Use airtight containers to store food and keep them sealed when not in use. This will make it more difficult for pests to detect and access the food source. Regularly clean : Regularly clean the kitchen and dining areas, including dishes, counters, floors, and rubbish bins, to eliminate food debris and discourage pests from visiting. Seal up entry points : Inspect the building for entry points like cracks, holes, or gaps in windows and doors, and seal them up to prevent pests from entering. Hire a professional pest control service : If you have a persistent pest problem, consider hiring a pest control professional to help identify the source of the problem and provide effective solutions. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of pests entering and thriving in your home or business while also preventing food waste from becoming a pest attraction. Taking action to reduce food waste can help prevent pests from finding and accessing food sources, making pest control efforts more effective. If you’ve done all you can to reduce your risk of pests and you still find you have a rat , mice , cockroach or fly problem give PGM & Son Pest Control a call. For all your pest concerns, call us on 01981 540088 or or drop us an email to contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk