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

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

The hornet tends to be a cause for concern for most people and around this time of year we get a lot of frantic calls about them. But what is the truth about hornets? Are people right to be afraid them? In this blog we try and dispel some of your fears about the awesome hornet. Hornet Statistics Weight Category: Heavyweights Well, for starters they are big; larger than the common wasp coming in at around 19-35mm in length making them contenders in the heavy weight category of the wasp family. Reach & Knock Outs (Kos): Super Stingers Hornet stings can be much more painful than a typical wasp sting due to the levels of venom they carry and, like wasps, they are capable of stinging multiple times. Reputation: Fearsome Due to their size and features they are formidable looking opponents. They’re also quite loud – a nest of hornets can sound quite frightening. Hornet Record It may surprise you to know that, despite appearances, the hornet is not an aggressive pest. In fact, hornets are considered to be quite shy insects. And, away from the nest, it is very rare to encounter a run-in with a hornet. Not only are hornets passive pests they are relatively uncommon. Plus, hornets are great for the environment – they are important pollinators and nature’s pest controllers as they feast on aphids, making them a gardener’s best pal. So our advice is to leave your hornet alone to do its job. If you’ve found a hornet’s nest you should call a professional pest controller to give you advice and NEVER APPROACH OR TOUCH OR ATTEMPT TO MOVE A HORNETS NEST YOURSELF. If you’ve got a hornet nest, don’t panic – call PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire today on 07964 370480 or email us at . We’ll get rid of hornets for you, treat hornets’ nests and destroy and remove hornets’ nests for you. And we don’t just stop at tackling hornets’ nests – give us a call if you’ve got a wasp problem or any other pest problem for that matter!

The last 10 days has seen a mini heat wave across Herefordshire with the Met Office issuing a heat warning to Herefordshire residents and business owners. As the heat has intensified so has the wasp and hornet season. The two main hornets we might find in Herefordshire are the Asian hornet and the European hornet. Asian hornet alert! Asian hornets don’t pose any greater risk to humans than the European hornet but they do pose a serious threat to honey bee populations. Asian hornets can, cause major damage to honeybee colonies and that’s not on! As Herefordshire knows, at PGM & Son Pest Control we LOVE OUR BEES #LETTHEMBEE A HORNET PROBLEM Hornets are big, much bigger than the common wasp and due to their size and features their appearance can be alarming. Hornets also make a very loud buzzing noise which can be quite frightening, particularly near a hornet nest. Hornets can sting multiple times and, due to the level of venom they carry a single hornet sting can be extremely painful. Some members of the public may have allergies, and these can sometimes cause anaphylaxis which is very serious and requires immediate medical attention. ARE HORNETS GOOD FOR ANYTHING? Yes! Hornets are Mother Nature’s pest controller. Hornets feed on aphids, so they are great for gardeners. Hornets are also important pollinators. REASONS NOT TO FEAR HORNETS Despite their fearsome appearance hornets aren’t an aggressive pest. Hornets are quite shy insects and, away from their nest, it’s very rare to encounter a run-in with a hornet. Hornets are also relatively uncommon HOW TO GET RID OF HORNETS If you do have a hornets’ nest it is best to call in the professional pest controllers. In Herefordshire call your award-winning pest controllers at PGM & Son Pest Control Hornet Nest Removal. You should never approach or touch a hornets’ nest or attempt to move it. Hornets will attack under threat and professional pest controllers have the training and equipment to deal with hornets. If you have a hornets’ nest don’t panic, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call on 01981 251116 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. | If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now!

What am I? I am mostly active during the Spring and Autumn I am considered a nuisance pest I am mostly a problem in rural areas, like Herefordshire You might find me with hundreds and thousands of my fellow pests congregating in the upper rooms of your house or around your window frames I love worms! The answer is... I am….a cluster fly! If you’re having a problem with cluster flies in Hereford or Worcester call PGM & SON Pest Control to deal with your cluster fly problem for you. Call us on 01981 540088 or visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or drop us an email to contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk More information on Cluster Flies Cluster fly problems are seasonal and occur in the Spring and Autumn. In the Spring, cluster flies emerge from their Winter hibernation and start the task of seeking suitable outdoor sites to lay their eggs and carrying on the cluster fly cycle. We are often asked about the issue of cluster flies re-occurring. Unfortunately, the fact is that cluster tend to return to the same locations each year it is an unfortunate fact, that if you have experienced a cluster fly issue previously you will likely suffer the same fate in the future. For this reason, we always try to educate our customers that cluster fly prevention is unrealistic but please don’t worry because there are steps you can take to sort out your cluster fly problems! Give us a call to discuss how we can help! What can you do about cluster flies? If you’re having an issue with cluster flies this April, you can try to reduce the numbers of cluster flies in your property by carrying out some basic property maintenance. Top Cluster Fly Tips:  Seal gaps around your windows  Re-point your brickwork, especially around windows  Make use of fly papers  Hoover them up! Unfortunately, though there is little you can do to stop flies getting in and if one fly can get in then so can many others. Read more about what can I do about Cluster Flies here. Everything you need to know about cluster flies We have written another blog post on everything you need to know about cluster flies, we discuss everything you need to know about cluster flies, including their behaviour, life cycle, and how to prevent and control infestations in your home and business. Cluster flies can be a major nuisance for homeowners across Herefordshire in particular, as this is a rural county and cluster flies are more prevalent in rural locations, but with the right knowledge and preventative measures they can be effectively controlled. Remember to seal cracks and openings around windows and doors and ensuring that screens are well maintained. With the right approach, you can keep your home free from cluster flies. Got Cluster Flies? We've Got it Covered! Why choose us? PGM & SON are a member of the BPCA (British Pest Control Association) and have been assessed to ensure that we meet their strict criteria to obtain our membership to which we are very proud. This also provides assurance to our customers that we are insured, trusted pest control company with a team of Level II and Level III professionally trained and qualified technicians who follow the BPCA Codes of Best Practice. We are BPCA | How to choose a trustworthy pest management company We are also members of the PROMPT Register, which ensures that pest control is carried out responsibly by people who are properly trained and competent in the field. 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. Some of our Awards!

The Christian holiday is celebrated every year and commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter is also a sign of better weather to come. The clocks have gone forward meaning lighter nights and with the recent sunshine and weather warming up, unfortunately pests are also starting to come out of hiding. So, what pests might you encounter this Easter? Wasps, Bees, Hornets are all out and about looking for a place to build their nests. Early wasp signs are the Queen wasps emerging from hibernation ready to start their nest building. Bees buzzing around starting to pollinate. Speaking of Bees remember the PGM & Son Pest Control mantra #LeaveThemBee Bees are a vital part of our ever fragile eco system and it’s critical that we ensure their survival so leave them bee unless there is a clear and present danger to public health. Ants – as the earth starts to warm up so do the ants! It’s also the time of year to start seeing flying ants. Ants are attracted to sugary foods and with all the Easter Egg hunts planned across the country there’s plenty of the sweet stuff hiding outside for them. Learn more about our Ant Control Service. Bed bugs - with schools out for Easter, many families will be starting out on a long Easter break away. The pest you are most likely to experience on your travels is the hardy bedbug. Bedbugs are notorious hitch hikers and will travel from room to room and country to country so keep your eyes peeled. Learn more about our bed bug control service. Having a problem with pests at Easter? Looking forward to a long weekend break with the family? Signs of insect eggs around your Herefordshire home or business could mean that you have a serious pest infestation on your hands. Being able to correctly identify a pests egg can help you manage your pest infestation properly, but if you are unsure you should always call in a pest professional, such as ourselves, to help you. Signs of pest eggs around your home or business usually means you have an infestation to deal with. To save you time and money, it’s best to have a pest management plan in place, and to also try to prevent pests entering your home in the first place. Don’t let pests spoil your Easter break - Keep the Sweets from Attracting Insects Easter involves a lot of eating, from sweets to family barbecues. All this al fresco food makes your garden a bug magnet. A few simple precautionary steps will go a long way to keep the pests at bay. Whether it be rats, mice, cockroaches, fleas, bedbugs, cluster flies or some other pest don’t worry about a pest problem this Easter. Call in the professionals at PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford and Worcester for all your pest problems. If pests are spoiling your Easter break, call PGM & Son Pest Control to deal with the pest problem for you. Call us on 01981 540088 or visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or drop us an email to contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk PGM & SON - Easter Bank Holiday Opening Hours Good Friday 8am - 8pm Saturday 8th April 8am - 8pm Easter Sunday 8am - 8pm Bank Holiday Monday 8am - 8pm From all the team at PGM & Son Pest Control - Have a Happy Pest Free Easter!

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

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

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

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