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What effect does stockpiling have on pest activity? With the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) this week reporting a surge in pest activity in the Covid-19 lockdown, this week we’re looking at the effects of stockpiling. Over half of all pest controllers polled reported an increase in rat activity and 41% increase in mice activity. The BPCA reported that “We’ve had reports of rats and mice infesting empty buildings and it seems their lifestyle patterns are changing”. This surge in rodent activity is consistent with the calls and enquiries we’ve been receiving at PGM & Son Pest Control. So what’s causing this increase in rodent activity? There are a number of factors which can be attributed to this rise in pest activity but this week we’re looking at the issue of stockpiling. The continued restrictions imposed on the general public by the Government due to the Covid-19 pandemic are having a knock-on effect on many other areas of life and pest control is no different. One of the effects of the Covid-19 restrictions is the ability to continue normal household shopping routines. Although the Government and Supermarket chains have confirmed there is no issue with food supplies, the fact is there is a continued distribution issue which may explain why some people are stockpiling food stuffs. People self-isolating may not be able to easily access food supplies, and this could be one reason for purchasing more than is needed. For those who are well enough to venture to their local supermarket, they may feel anxious about the restrictive measures in place or find the additional time needed to carry out a weekly shop can be stressful and so they too may buy more than is required to avoid the need to go out as regularly as they would normally. Delivery and click and collect services continue to be in short supply. Although more slots are become available priority, rightly, is given to vulnerable individuals. Where people can get a slot, they may buy more than they usually would as there is no certainty about when they might next get a delivery or collection. For some people, it continues to be a concern about the ongoing availability of essential items such as flour, eggs, pasta and even toilet roll! This is why we have seen shelves in these aisles emptier than usual. It is clear that people’s shopping behaviours and patterns are adjusting to the changes in normal lifestyles and although there has been much talk about easing restrictions of late, the Government has indicated there will be no immediate lift to the lock down. If restrictions do ease at some point, the Government has also made clear that life will be unlikely to return to normal for many, many months to come. What does all this have to do with pests? As restrictions continue and people purchase more than is necessary for one or more of the reasons explained above, this “stockpiling” can lead to issues with pests. We’ve had some lovely weather recently which has been great for sitting in the garden or enjoying a daily exercise activity but the hot weather can create additional problems for those stockpiling foods, particularly perishable goods. The National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) has warned households about the public health and pest control dangers posed by stockpiling and hoarding during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Good housekeeping is more vital than ever They key issues to bear in mind are: Stockpiling means that there is more food to attracts rats and mice Hot weather can make food go off more quickly, particularly perishable goods, meaning more waste. Rodents aren’t fussy about the freshness of their food! More food waste means more refuse to store at home. Bins are often overflowing before the refuse collectors are able to take it away Overflowing bins provide a great opportunity for rodents to access food sources. Other animals such as cats and foxes can also scavenge for food and they often leave food stuffs and wrappers strewn across floor surfaces which will attract rodents When the bins are full, people pile bags next to them. This provides great cover to attract rodents which often won’t be spotted at the bottom of the pile Householders are storing foods in different areas because of restricted space in normal storage spaces. For example, they may use conservatories, outbuildings and garages to store food items which increase their attractiveness to rodents Rodents are becoming bolder and braver and more innovative in finding food and shelter during lockdown. Rodents usually try to avoid humans but with less of us out on the streets, they are becoming braver in roaming freely where they wouldn’t normally be seen. What can you do to reduce your risk of a rodent infestation? There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of inviting rodents into your property, such as: Try not to stockpile if you can. There are enough supplies for everyone so think about how you can best ensure you can access shopping services so that you can avoid having to buy more than you need Put rubbish in an outside bin as soon as possible Make sure bins have tight sealing lids Be vigilant – check that your food items for signs of pest or pest activity such as droppings or gnaw marks Consider carefully where to store your food items – remember that outbuildings and garages are at increased risk from pests as they tend to be less secure than our homes Regularly check your property for possible entry points – seal holes and cracks and pay particularly attention to pipes and drains Keep bushes and shrubs away from your buildings if you can – this can screen rodent activity otherwise Clean your work surfaces, tables and floors regularly to avoid a build up of food which may also attract pests Pest control is a critical service supporting public health, however, the risks of spreading the virus need to be weighed against the risk of inadequate control and management of pest species. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns either by emailing us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or telephoning us on 01981 241334 / 07964 370480 so that we can help you to find a solution to your rodent problems. Please note we will not carry out any non-essential visits during this period, however, we will treat pest problems that present a risk to public health and we are always on the end of the ‘phone to discuss a pest problem so please give us a call or email us! If you are worried about your safety during the Covid-19 pandemic ask us about our control measures so that we can set your mind at rest. We carry a letter from the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth which sets out the circumstances in which pest control can continue to be carried out safely for the public. Ask us if you would like to see a copy as we are happy to share this with you. PGM PEST CONTROL - PROTECTING YOUR WORLD 🌍

At PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford we don’t just offer pest control and pest eradication services, we also offer pest waste cleaning and removal services. See how effective our pigeon guano cleaning service is from the photos below of the recent pigeon guano cleaning job we carried out at a public house in Herefordshire. We’ve worked with expert buildings restoration partners to ensure historic buildings are clear of pest waste prior to restoration works being carried out so we’ve got the experience and contacts to help you to restore your historic building to its former glory. And, we don’t just handle pigeon guano. We carry out cleaning and waste removal for all sorts of pest waste problems including bird mess and rodent droppings and urine. We’re experts in cleaning pest waste from buildings. PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford also works with landlords to ensure that property letting are free from pest activity and pest waste prior to and after tenancy. We provide a clean bill of health service for landlords which can help with release of deposits from Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes. Some of the issues PGM & SON Pest Control can help with include: Removal and cleaning of bird droppings from brickwork Cleaning pigeon guano from historic buildings Pest disinfection services End of tenancy pest cleaning services and pest clean bill of health Loft / attic pest waste clearance, removal of contaminated loft insulation and re-insulation services Bird proofing Crime scene cleaning and trauma scene cleaning WHY CLEAN PIGEON GUANO? Pigeon guano is acidic and can corrode stonework, metal and brickwork so it’s important to ensure early intervention to ensure that problem does not become worse. If you’re a business, having a building covered in foul smelling bird droppings isn’t a great image! Customers may not want to do business with you or visit your premises if you have a serious pigeon guano problem. Pigeons also carry a variety of diseases and pigeon guano can become airborne in small particles which can lead to respiratory complaints. In fact, there have been some recent serious issues reported in hospitals alleged to be linked to pigeon droppings. So if you have a building that is covered in pigeon guano, call PGM & Son Hereford carry out professional and safe cleaning and removal for you. Need pigeon guano removal in Hereford & Worcester? Call PGM & SON Pigeon Guano Cleaning and Removal Services today for fast and effective solutions. Schedule a free no-obligation quote today Click Here Call on 01981 241334 / 07964 370480 for advice and guidance. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use our live chat facility at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

As the weather heats up, the pests are starting to wake up too! With reports of increased honey swarm bees across the UK due to the warmer weather off the back of a rainy April and May, we’re looking at what other pests are causing us an issue in May and June. Britain's wasp population set to soar this summer Wasps and hornets can be a major source of concern for many householders and business owners. Wasps and hornets are nuisance pests and, for some, a considerable public health issue. Allergies to wasp and hornet stings can cause significant adverse allergic reactions and in rare cases, fatalities. Call us today to help with your Wasp infestation. We are your local wasp extermination specialists, with emergency response. Family Run Business. Open 7 days a week. Award winning pest control services. Call today on 01981 540088. Bee and wasp stings in dogs; an allergic reaction For dog guardians wasps, hornets and bees can also cause concern as our furry friends can also suffer from insect sting allergies. Puppies in particular can be difficult to manage as they chase these buzzing insects, trying to catch and play with them. A puppy suffering from a wasp, hornet or bee sting can very quickly develop an allergic reaction such as being covered in itchy raised hives which may cause discomfort and distress. In very serious cases, dogs can suffer anaphylaxis just like humans. Learn about wasps Learn about hornets Learn about rats Learn about bed bugs Learn about Pest Prevention Our insect identification service Does warmth attract Insects? Virtually all types of insects thrive and develop faster in warmer weather. Wasps, bees and hornets are all pollinators and therefore critical to our fragile ecosystem. Particularly with bees, it is important to leave them to get on with that important eco work. However, for some people (or their animals!) wasps and hornets can pose a real risk to public health and will need to be treated. So make sure you, your family, customers and furry friends are safe and wasp free this June by calling PGM & SON Wasp Control Hereford for all your wasp and hornet control needs. How The Weather Can Impact Ant Infestations Another pest we tend to see an increase in, as the weather starts to heat up is the ANT! Ants are attracted to sweet foodstuffs and liquids and one reason why we start to see an increase in ants is when people start to eat and drink outside in the nice weather leaving food and drink residues for ants to feed to their larvae and queen. Ants are highly organized and social insects and fascinating to watch. However, they are also a nuisance pest and potential public health issue as they move across worksurfaces, containers and crockery in their search for food. Don’t suffer from ants this June, give PGM & SON Ant Control Hereford and Worcester a call for all your ant control needs. What kind of pests do we treat? From rats, to wasps, silverfish, pigeons, bed bugs, and cockroaches, PGM & SON Pest Control are experts in treating every pest in your household or business premises. We are the local specialist for wasp nest removal and hornet & wasp extermination in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Call us today or use the online booking system and let our pest exterminators get rid of your pest problems without delay. Inspect. Detect. Protect. The Right People, The Right Solutions. ​ A family run business, proud to say that we put our customers first. Award Winning Pest Control Services, serving Hereford & Worcester T: 01981 540088 | M: 07964 370480 contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Today PGM & SON is celebrating World Pest Day! We celebrate pest control professionals and the vital role of the pest control industry in protecting public health, homes, property, hospitals, businesses and the nation’s food supply from threats posed by pests. Pest controllers around the world today will be celebrating World Pest Day. World Pest Day is observed every June 6 to raise awareness about effective pest management practices and how they benefit the quality of human and plant life. #WorldPestDay #WorldPestDay2023 World Pest Day aims to: Increase awareness of the importance of pest management and how it plays an important role in protecting public health. Promote the professionalism of pest controllers Show how pest management can be implemented in a scientific and socially responsible way Shine a light on how small pests can cause big threats. World Pest Day Recognises How the Pest Control Industry Preserves Public Health and Property PGM & SON Pest Control in Herefordshire and Worcestershire enlightens homeowners about summertime pest health and property threats. World Pest Day, which occurs on June 6, is an annual observance dedicated to recognising and raising awareness about the role of the pest control industry in protecting public health, food and property from the threats posed by pests. Pest control plays such a vital role in our everyday life, in fact, public health officials attribute it as one of three reasons for the heightened quality of life we have today. This World Pest Day, PGM & SON Pest Control is joining the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) to highlight the pests that pose serious threats to family and property this summer. Consider some of these staggering facts from NPMA (National Pest Management Association): Ticks thrive in warm, humid climates and are responsible for transmitting diseases such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to humans. To keep your property tick-free, be sure to keep the grass cut low, clear any overgrown vegetation, and remove weeds, woodpiles and debris. Also, it is important to inspect yourself and your pets for ticks following any time spent outdoors. Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animal and can spread diseases such as Malaria, West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Dengue Fever to humans and animals. While Malaria is not present in the U.S., it is important to reduce the threat of other mosquito-borne diseases like WNV by eliminating sources of standing water around the home, including birdbaths, flowerpots and clogged gutters. Stinging insects such as hornets, wasps and yellowjackets send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year. These insects can build their nests in a variety of places, including but not limited to attics, crawlspaces, gutters and under patios or decks. If you find a nest on your property, do not attempt to eliminate or remove it on your own, as stinging insects will attack if they feel threatened or are disturbed. According to NPMA, termites cause an estimated $6.8 billion in property damage every year and for most, this costly damage is not covered by homeowners insurance. Termites thrive in warm, moist conditions and are found in almost every region of the U.S. Termites are not controlled by do-it-yourself measures and homeowners should schedule annual inspections with their pest control partner to protect against these wood destroying pests. Rodents, like mice and rats, are known to contaminate or consume about 20% of the world’s food supply. These pests are also capable of spreading 35 different diseases including hantavirus, Salmonella, tularemia, rat bite fever and plague. Once inside your home or business, these pests multiply rapidly and can cause serious damage so be sure to call a pro at the first sign of a rodent infestation. “Summer is peak season for bug and rodent activity, which is why now is a crucial time to prioritise pest control to better protect your family and property,” said Philip Martin, Director at PGM & SON. “World Pest Day is an important reminder that pest issues can have significant negative impacts on both our health, homes, businesses and even our food supply. If you have pest issues, contact a qualified pest control professional to evaluate the problem and implement an appropriate course of treatment.” Please visit www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for additional pest-proofing tips and information on pest control and join PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford and Worcester in celebrating and promoting pest control around the world. #MakePestControlGreenAgain 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. 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. We are BPCA | How to choose a trustworthy pest management company 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.

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!

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.