Search Results

Got Bed Bugs? We’ve Got It Covered! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ The history of bed bugs dates back thousands of years! The Cimex lectularius is the most common type of bed bug found in the UK. After WWII, there was a reported increase in bed bugs. The increase in their population was attributed to the heating systems used in homes which created warm living conditions for them to thrive in. Bed Bugs are small, oval, brownish insects that feed on the blood of human hosts. Adult bed bugs have flat bodies about the size of an apple seed. After feeding, however, their bodies swell and are a reddish colour. Bed bugs do not fly, but they can move quickly over floors, walls, and ceilings. Bed Bugs | National Geographic Video ‘’Smelling a musty odour in your bedroom could mean you have a bed bug infestation’’ Signs that you may have bed bugs include: Blood stains on your sheets or pillowcases. Dark or rusty spots of bed bug excrement on sheets and mattresses, bed clothes, and walls. Bed bug faecal spots, egg shells, or shed skins in areas where bedbugs hide. An offensive, musty odour from the bugs' scent glands. Bites on your body - When bed bugs bite, you often see clusters of bites. Each cluster usually contains 3 to 5 bites that appear in a zigzag pattern. Places in your home where bed bugs live are: Your mattress The box spring of your bed Walls near your bed or other furniture Bedside tables Headboards and bed frames Wardrobes Sheets Curtains and carpets Luggage and clothing Sofas, armchairs or other furniture where you spend time How did I get bed bugs in the first place? Bed bugs come in as stowaways in luggage, furniture, clothing, pillows, boxes, and more when these are moved between properties. Moving won’t solve the problem, since bed bugs can travel and they lie dormant in properties to wait for a human host. So, although it sounds strange, when treating bed bugs, it’s best not to sleep away from home. Used furniture, particularly bed frames and mattresses, are prone to harbour bed bugs. Watch out for items sold on second-hand sites or at car boot sales! Because they survive for many months without food, bed bugs could already be present in clean, vacated properties meaning that there could be a problem when you move into a new home. What should everyone know about bed bugs? YOU CAN STOP THEIR SPREAD Adults are ¼”, reddish-brown and flat. You can see them without magnification but early stages of bed bugs (nymphs) are tiny and very hard to detect with the human eye. They like to hide in cracks and crevices. Inspect sleeping areas—if you find a bed bug, STOP looking and contact a professional. Do-it-yourself pest control is often not successful. However, you can take steps to minimize your risk of having bed bugs such as washing and tumble-drying items on a hot setting, dry cleaning and deep freezing items. Live bugs or eggs may drop off while moving things from one place to another—items with bed bugs should be sealed in a bag before moving them. Check second-hand purchases carefully for bed bugs. Tell your friends! Not warning others robs them of the chance to avoid bringing bed bugs into their homes and businesses. Having bed bugs don’t mean you have a dirty property or unhygienic practices – it’s just bad luck! How to get rid of bedbugs? Bed bugs can be very difficult to treat. Bed bugs can die at very high or very low temperatures, or they can be treated by an insecticide with industrial strength. DIY bed bug treatments often don’t have the desired effects. If you suspect an active infestation book a professional bed bug treatment to confirm you have a problem and to carry out effective treatment for you. Interesting Bed bug Facts! According to the National Pest Management Association, almost all (97 percent) pest professionals have treated bed bugs in the past year. A majority of them say that overall bed bug service work and the prevalence of these pests are increasing. Bed bugs may be easily confused with other pests; many pest control professionals were initially contacted about a different type of pest before identifying them as bed bugs. For example, pest controllers were often contacted about fleas and cockroaches only to discover the issue was bed bugs. More than half of pest control professionals noted that they receive the most bed bug complaints during the summer, as increased travel during this time of the year may help spread bed bugs from holiday destinations to homes and also to residential properties as students return from universities and colleges. However, with global travel now more wide-spread, bed bugs are often encountered year-round. Bites are the most commonly reported sign of an infestation and more than half of people reach out for treatment after discovering bites and welts on their bodies. Although some people immediately develop a skin reaction to bites, others may take two to three days before showing obvious symptoms or any symptoms at all, meaning that people could be unaware of a bed bug problem until a full-blown infestation has taken root. Typically found in sofas and bed frames, bed bugs can also be found in some of the most unexpected places, including stuffed toys, wheelchairs, aeroplanes, school buses, handbags and even inside bedside lamps. Many pest professionals agree that this bloodsucking pest is the most difficult pest to control. If an infestation is suspected, the British Pest Control Association and National Pest Technicians’ Association A recommend contacting a fully qualified, professional pest professional preferably a member of either trade body (NPTA or BPCA). When working with a qualified professional, follow their advice to ensure that your bedbug treatment is more effective. For more information on bed bugs, visit www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk/bed-bug-control Need bed bugs treated in Hereford? Call PGM & Son Pest Control on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480. Or, email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

What am I? I am a blood sucker My neighbours have included T-Rex I am nocturnal I can survive in most temperatures but I ideally thrive at around 21-32 degrees Celsius The Answer is... I am a bedbug! More Information on Bedbugs Bites may cause an allergic reaction but they are not a disease carrier. Bedbugs are commonly confused with a flea infestation. Correct identification is critical as treatment will vary from treatment for fleas. Depending on the level of infestation, 1-2 treatments may be required. Control Measures for Bedbugs Treatment of all harbourages must take place; bedding, wall joints, skirting boards, furniture, structure of building and possibly roof voids Removing clutter which makes it easier to spot bedbugs Washing and drying bed clothes and bed linen on the highest temperatures permitted Making sure you closely inspect any second hand furniture brought into the premises Inspecting premises after relevant events such as overnight guests in hotels Catching bedbugs early will reduce the possibility of a costly treatment. However, once bedbugs are in your home or premises they can be very difficult to control. To get rid of bedbugs you should seek professional pest control help in Hereford. GOT BEDBUGS? WE'VE GOT IT COVERED! We manage bed bug control for many leading hotel chains as well as individual premises throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Our qualified team of professionals bring their experience and know-how with them on every job. But what really sets our services apart from the rest of the industry is our attention to detail and receptiveness to the unique needs of each client. PGM & SON Pest Control are specialists in hotel bed bug removal and control in Hereford & Worcester. For all your bedbug control needs contact PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk/contact or call us on 01981 540088 or drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk YOUR LOCAL AWARD WINNING PEST CONTROL SERVICES IN HEREFORD & WORCESTER INSPECT. DETECT. PROTECT.

With 24 Hour Response! Who are we? PGM & SON provide pest control solutions to individuals and businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We offer a variety of techniques, including pesticide free and organic solutions, preventative and proofing works and more traditional methods. We can eradicate your pest problems - rats, mice, flies, fleas, squirrels, moles, rabbits, cockroaches, clothes & carpet moth, carpet beetles, bedbugs, wasps, bees, hornets, and birds. Call us now for a personal, polite, smart and professional service. What do we do? PGM & SON provide pest control solutions to residential and commercial businesses across Herefordshire. Our company is a respected and experienced pest control service. Any of your bug and pest problems will be quickly eliminated with quality & guaranteed work by our professionally trained technicians who can control pests safely, legally and effectively. Need Urgent Pest Control in Herefordshire? Call PGM & SON Hereford For Rapid Response Pest Solutions Residential and Commercial Pest Control Services throughout Herefordshire Ant Control Some ant species can pose risks to the structure of a building whilst others can give a very nasty bite! By taking practical steps to eliminate ants and then ensuring you prevent a re-infestation, you can soon take control of the problem. Call us today for advice. Bed Bug Control We offer bed bug control for Herefordshire commercial properties such as B&Bs and hotel chains as well as Hereford residential premises. We bring our experience and know-how on every job. But what really sets our services apart from others is our attention to the unique needs of each client. We are your local pest controller in Hereford. Bird Mite Control Bird Mites are very small and are closely related to ticks. Like ticks, certain types of mites are parasitic on humans and will occasionally infest Hereford homes, commercial property and Herefordshire office buildings. Carpet Beetle Control Finding holes in your carpet, clothes and general upholstery in and around your home is the number one sign of carpet beetles. Although the name suggests they live within your carpet, they will also feast upon all sorts of fabric, clothing, furs, and stuffed specimens. Give us a call today to help inspect your Herefordshire home for pests. Carpet Moth Control If you notice small balding patches in the corners and at the edges of your carpets, the chances are that you have an infestation of carpet moths. This is a problem that needs immediate attention because it will continue to get worse. Carpet moths are stubborn when it comes to leaving your Hereford home! Cluster Fly Control Services As flies can enter your home or business every time someone opens a door, controlling them can be challenging. We can help with cluster fly control. Cockroach Control Cockroaches reproduce at record speed and they are disease carries so it’s important to treat a cockroach infestation as soon as one presents. Call PGM Pest Control Hereford at the first signs of activity to avoid serious related health risks. Flea Control Ridding a home of fleas can be a frustrating and costly endeavour. Unlike some pests encountered around the home, fleas cause discomfort and irritation to both pets and people. Green Pest Control | Environmentally Friendly Pest Control in Herefordshire Our green pest control solutions emphasise quality service, food safety, public safety, collaboration and communication, respect for the environment and the protection of your facility and reputation. Hornet Nest Control Hornets are an asset to the environment as they are important pollinators and natural predators. Often known as nature’s pest controllers, they control other small pests, such as aphids, making them a gardener’s best friend. However, we know they can be a nuisance and potentially dangerous to some people and pets. Loft Clearance, Removal & Disposal of Contaminated Material Servicing Herefordshire & Worcestershire - PGM & SON are specialists in the removal of contaminated loft insulation, pipe lagging, pest corpses and pest faeces such as rat and mouse droppings and bird guano, including disinfection, cleaning and the laying of new insulation and pipe lagging throughout Herefordshire. Mouse Control Mice are a public health pest and can cause serious harm. They are carriers of nasty diseases such as salmonella and listeria which they can spread to humans. Mice can also multiple quickly which can increase the problem exponentially. Taking control of a mice infestation quickly is important, so call us today for help and solutions in Hereford. Moth Control Pretty much all moth types love to live in dirty, dark and humid places where nobody disturbs them for long periods. This gives them the time and freedom to destroy clothes and food. Call us today for advice on how to get rid of, and prevent, moths in the Herefordshire home and business. Rat & Rodent Control Unfortunately rats and mice live wherever humans live. These rodents have a remarkable ability to adapt and survive. As they forage for food, they will inadvertently contaminate food storage areas, and damage buildings, and other property by their constant gnawing and burrowing. They also can spread diseases to people and pets. Silverfish Inspection and Extermination Have you seen silverfish in your Hereford business or property? Silverfish may be an indicator of a damp problem so it’s always best to get it checked out. Silverfish are small wingless insects around 12mm long and silver in colour with a distinctive cigar-shaped body. Check your Hereford property or contact us today. Wasp Nest Control Hereford Wasps are an asset to the environment as they control other small pests. However, we know they can be a nuisance and potentially dangerous to some people and pets. Call our Herefordshire wasp control hotline if you have a wasp nest you need to get rid of. Woodworm Infestation Control Woodworm can cause very expensive damage to properties and woodworm itself can be difficult and costly to treat. DIY treatments are rarely effective so call in the professionals to treat your woodworm. We are redefining the industry #makepestcontrolgreenagain Commercial Pest Control Services in Hereford PGM & SON offers Herefordshire commercial businesses, offices, warehouses, restaurants, hotels, clubs, pubs, council properties, schools and hospitals a full range of pest management options tailored to suit the needs of any business. Our aim is to resolve your pest control problem as quickly as possible whilst minimising disruption to your business operations. Our integrated commercial pest treatment solutions will help you remove pests from your commercial space. To read more about our commercial pest control services and solutions go to https://www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk/commercial-pest-control What areas do we cover? We cover Herefordshire and Worcestershire, you can check our coverage by clicking here www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk/locations Why choose us? We offer pest control advice and assistance throughout Herefordshire with preventative measures. We won't charge a fee until we've agreed a price with you - there's no hidden charges with PGM & SON. Can you afford not to have PGM Pest Control on speed dial? Our award winning team offers pest control services and solutions for domestic and commercial premises. PGM & SON Hereford offers professional pest control in Hereford and Herefordshire. Our pest controller can remove pests such as bed bugs, rats, mice, cockroaches, carpet beetles, squirrels, fleas, ants and wasps. PGM & SON is an established Pest Control Company serving Herefordshire and all local Herefordshire villages. Our Upper Tier Carrier Dealer registration permits us to carry, handle and dispose of customers controlled waste. Controlled wastes include commercial, industrial, household and hazardous waste. PGM Pest Control Hereford are experts in pest control and property care solutions for homes and businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Get in touch today to solve your property's pest problems on 01981 241334. Ten reasons why are we different to other pest control companies in Hereford? We Are Local and Family Run And Owned Fast Response Local BPCA Certified Pest Control Experts Honest And Reliable, We Put Our Customers First Fully Insured And Qualified Award Winning We Care About The Environment! Your Satisfaction Is Our Priority We Provide An Education And Prevention Strategy Eco Friendly, Children And Pet Safe Pest Control Solutions Inspect. Detect. Protect. The Right People | The Right Solutions. Our family and pet friendly technologies have made PGM & SON a leader in environmentally friendly pest control. We are your recommended local Pest and Vermin Control Management Services in Herefordshire. Don’t let a pest problem get worse – often pests breed rapidly so what may start as a small problem can quickly escalate – Call in the professionals today to sort out a pest infestation. Contact PGM & SON Pest Control on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480 Or, email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk #pestcontrolnearme #pestcontrolhereford #pestcontrolherefordshire #pestcontrol24hours PGM PEST CONTROL HEREFORD - YOUR LOCAL PEST CONTROLLER

Introducing The Ant! This week we are excited to carry on with our series of "Pest Trumps" at PGM & SON Pest Control Services with The Ant. 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. Fact File These highly organised and social insects are noticeable by their head, thorax and abdomen. With narrow waists and a sharp elbow joint in their antennae, the foraging worker ants march into buildings to search for food to take back to the nest to feed their larvae and queen. DID YOU KNOW? Flying ants are reproductive males and females who have a nuptial swarming flight for a few days usually in July and August. STRENGTH ~ 8 What can we say?! If anyone has ever seen a tiny army of ants on the march, they can’t fail to be impressed. These minute insects have strength in numbers and are fascinating to watch. BREEDING ~ 8 Flying ants' mate in flight after which the female will find a nest for the winter. She then lays her eggs the following spring to start a new colony. The ability to survive through the winter to start a new colony in the spring seems like a massive feat to us for such a tiny insect! The average lifespan of an ant can be anything from several weeks to several years. NUISANCE FACTOR ~ 10 Although impressive in their skills and teamwork, ants are a major nuisance factor. They love sweet foods and will forage in kitchens and just about anywhere to find food which they can take back to their nest. The problem with an ant is that they march across most surfaces to find and transport their food including other animal faeces, dirt, grime and bacteria. The ant is a major disease transmitter for this reason. Ants are also very hard to control due to their size, ability to access buildings through miniscule holes and cracks, build inaccessible nests and their sheer numbers. AGILIGTY ~ 8 Ants make complex and vast nests with multiple inaccessible entry points. In the garden, ant nests occupy a much larger volume of soil than the surface excavations might suggest. ENVIRONMENTAL ~ 7 The common ant is an important insect and can be found in pretty much every garden across the UK. They are an important part of biodiversity. Ants feed on other invertebrates including other ants. They also collect sweet liquid known as honeydew from aphids and sap-feeding insects. They do little damage to plants although they can disturb the soil around the roots to use for nests. Superpower Teamwork! Overall PGM Rating 7/10 For an ant, it’s all about great teamwork. They may be tiny insects, but they are mighty team players! Ants can be a major nuisance in a home or business, and they are disease carriers, so they score low on both points. However, in the garden, ants are an important part of biodiversity and win extra points for this. They are also fascinating insects with impressive ability given their small size.

To finish off the month we thought we’d share a passage from Bernadine Evaristo’s Booker Prize winning book ‘Girl, Woman, Other’ that we thought really summed up pest control. “Daddy worked in Pest Control for the council, which gave him great job satisfaction, no two days are ever the same, he’d say, as they sat around the kitchen table eating their tea of fish fingers and salad, it’s my role to kill the devilish vermin who plague people’s properties and give them nightmares, and then to heal their trauma with reassuring words it’s a vocation, a calling, my contribution to the world, y’unnderstan? Apart from the “kill the devilish vermin” (as responsible pest controllers, this should always be a last resort), the words “great job satisfaction”; “no two days are the same”; “heal their trauma with reassuring words” and “it’s a vocation, a calling” really resonated with us. The Definition of a Pest Controller Pest Control is all about helping people, finding solutions to problems and commitment. We thought Bernadine Evaristo summed this up brilliantly in her magnificent literary piece. For all your vermin control needs contact PGM & SON Rodent Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire on 01981 540088 or drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk About us PGM & SON is an Award-Winning service that provide pest control solutions to individuals and businesses across Hereford and Worcester. We also offer a variety of techniques, including pesticide free and organic solutions, preventative and proofing works and more traditional methods. We are available 7 days a week to eradicate your pest problems - rats, mice, flies, fleas, squirrels, moles, rabbits, cockroaches, clothes & carpet moth, carpet beetles, bedbugs, wasps, bees, hornets, and birds. Call us now for a personal, polite, smart and professional service.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we mark Armistice day with a two minute silence marking the agreement to end fighting of the First World War. And on Remembrance Sunday, we give thanks to, and remember all those who, gave their lives in service and who continue to serve our country since 1914. And in 2022 more than any other time since the Second World War, this year’s Remembrance Day will be more poignant with the ongoing war in the Ukraine. Support our Armed Services by wearing your poppy. THE RED POPPY IS A SYMBOL OF REMEMBRANCE AND OF HOPE, INCLUDING HOPE FOR A POSITIVE FUTURE AND FOR PEACE IN OUR EVER-FRAGILE WORLD. So pay your respects to our Armed Forces by pausing for two minutes to reflect, give thanks and pay your respects to our Armed Forces community in Herefordshire, past and present. Armed Forces Discount - Herefordshire and Worcestershire Current and former serving members of the Armed Forces receive a 10% discount on our pest control services. For all your pest control needs contact PGM & Son Rodent Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or call us on 01981 540088 or drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk OUR FAMILY AND PET FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES HAVE MADE PGM & SON A LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PEST CONTROL. WE ARE REDEFINING THE INDUSTRY. PGM & SON is an Award-Winning pest control company who provide pest control solutions to residential and commercial businesses across Herefordshire. Our company is a well respected and experienced pest control service. Any of your bug and pest problems will be quickly eliminated with quality & guaranteed work by our professionally trained technicians who can control pests safely, legally and effectively. Our family and pet friendly technologies have made PGM & SON a leader in environmentally friendly pest control. We are redefining the industry. Our green pest control solutions emphasise quality service, food safety, public safety, collaboration and communication, respect for the environment and the protection of your facility and reputation.

From Monday 7th November 2022, it became a legal requirement for all bird keepers in England to keep their birds inside unless for very specific reasons. This law has come into force to mitigate the risk of transmission of Avian Influenza. PROTECT YOUR POULTRY, PIGEONS AND WILD BIRDS Avian Influenza is a notifiable disease. It is a virus which affects birds such as pigeons, ducks, swans, poultry and other wild birds. TAKE ACTION NOW TO STOP THE SPREAD OF BIRD FLU! Bird flu is spread by vermin; through lakes, rivers and streams; bird to bird contact; bird to person contact and clothing and shoes. How to take action to protect your birds from avian flu by:  Isolating your birds from other birds, wild birds and visitors  Keep your bird premises rodent free  Keep premises clean to prevent the virus spreading Make sure you know what other bird facilities are in your location and keep informed about any incidents nearby  Know the warning signs of sickness and keep a report of all sick birds CRUCIALLY, HAVE IN PLACE A PLAN TO DEAL WITH BIRD FLU HOW PGM & SON PEST CONTROL HEREFORDSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE HELP? We can offer services including:  Bird proofing – fencing, netting, spikes and dishes  Rodent control  Disinfection and cleaning services  Carcass collection and disposal For all your bird and rodent control needs contact PGM & SON Rodent Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or call us on 01981 540088 or drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk See more information and the warning for falconers as housing order introduced >> PGM & Son are an award-winning pest control company that provides pest control solutions to individuals and businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We also offer a variety of techniques, including pesticide free and organic solutions, preventative and proofing works and more traditional methods. We are available 24 hours a day 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

Please vote for PGM & SON Pest Control in the Herefordshire Business Awards. Are you one of our happy customers? Have we solved your pest problem? If so, please take the time out to vote for us in this year's Herefordshire Business Awards below. FIVE great reasons why you should vote for PGM & Son Pest Control in the Herefordshire Business Awards Customer Service Provider of the Year 2022. 1. WE PUT OUR CUSTOMERS FIRST At PGM & Son Pest Control we know people want quality services at a reasonable cost and we deliver on this every time. Don’t just take our word for it, check out our reviews: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk 2. All our pest control technicians are qualified to the Royal Society for Public Health Level 2 pest management standard, and they all undertake continuous professional development every year. We’re members of both the pest industry’s recognised trade bodies so you can be confident that we’re qualified to deal with any pest problem you have. 3. The environment is important to us; preventative pest control is our ethos. Managing the risk to non-target species is a top priority. We educate through working with individuals and businesses and through our regular weekly blogs. To prove it, we were named finalists in the Sustainability Initiative category at the prestigious Pest Management Awards 2022! 4. We’re a local family run business; we understand the local community and we give back to the community through fundraising and charitable giving. 5. We solve your pest problems! Check out our reviews on Google, Trustpilot and on our website. Most of our business comes through word-of-mouth referral – you can’t get a better recommendation than that! IMPORTANTLY, WE GIVE CUSTOMERS OUR TIME – A VALUABLE COMMODITY THESE DAYS. THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE TAKEN TIME OUT TO VOTE FOR US ALREADY, WE ARE TRULY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR VOTE, YOUR BUSINESS AND YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT.

ARE BATS SCARING YOU THIS HALLOWEEN? Why are some animals associated with Halloween and pest control? Bats are a popular one associated with Halloween; bats are mostly nocturnal and hunt for prey at night. Apparently, they developed a spooky reputation after bats were first seen drinking the blood of cattle in Central and South America. Combined with their clawed wings that cover their bodies like a cape when they hang upside down, bats are often connected to vampires. Bats are also historically associated with witches and some people believed that witches used bat blood in their potions and spells. They also resemble rats which many people dislike. However, unlike rats, bats are a protected species and pest controllers won’t touch them for this reason. They are also an important part of the ecosystem as they keep bug populations under control. If you want more information about living in harmony with your bats get in touch with the Bat Conservation Trust which has lots of useful information and advice to set your mind at rest if you find you are sharing your home with bats this Halloween. Also check out these fun facts about bats! Experiencing a Rat problem in Hereford? Need Rat control in Worcester? Get in touch with PGM & Son Rodent Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire on 01981 540088 or drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for all your rat control needs.

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

Pest Control is not all about rats and wasps you know. Check out what our pest controllers discovered in a loft this week. This amazing dragonfly was posing for a photo, so our pest technician snapped away and took this great photo. We think it’s a Golden-ringed Dragonfly but perhaps the British Dragonfly Society @BDSdragonflies can help us out? The British Dragonfly Society (BDS) was founded in 1983 by a small group of dragonfly enthusiasts and scientists. The Society has grown substantially since that time and the current BDS membership of about 1,800 is spread the length and breadth of the country, as well as into Europe and beyond. They have three main aims: Carry out and support research on dragonflies Conserve dragonflies Engage the public with dragonflies and their wetland habitats Willow Emerald Watch Join in tracking the remarkable spread of this enigmatic species… Just a decade ago, the Willow Emerald Damselfly had only been reliably recorded in the UK on 2 occasions, in 1979 and 1992. Join the watch click here IN NEED OF PEST PROOFING? CALL PGM & SON PEST CONTROL HEREFORD & WORCESTER TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW FOR ALL YOUR PEST PREVENTION AND PROOFING NEEDS. WE WELCOME COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMERS ACROSS HEREFORDSHIRE AND WORCESTERSHIRE. CALL 01981 540088 OR EMAIL US AT contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

The British Beekeeper’s Association is holding its 4th Asian Hornet Week this week to raise awareness as Autumn is typically when Asian hornet's nests are revealed as the leaves start to fall from the trees and bushes. Asian Hornets are non-native and pose a risk to our honeybee population. They hand around their hives and pick them off as they emerge which is known as “hawking”. Follow these 3 simple steps to tell if you’ve got an Asian Hornet: Step 1: Check its very black Step 2: Check for an orange stripe on the 4th segment of the abdomen Step 3: Check its legs – does it look like they’ve been dipped in yellow paint? If you can answer yes to these questions, then you’ve likely got yourself an Asian Hornet! You can also watch the Animal & Plant Health Agency’s short film on how to identify Asian Hornets: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4DRki97wzg&t=5s So, what should you do if you spot an Asian Hornet? The British Beekeeper’s Association urges all sightings to be reported so that experts can take action to eradicate them. It is crucial you report any possible sightings You can also download the new free ‘Asian Hornet Watch’ app from the Google Play Store or App Store for iPhone. IN NEED OF HORNET CONTROL? CALL PGM & SON PEST CONTROL HEREFORD & WORCESTER TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT NOW FOR ALL YOUR PEST CONTROL NEEDS. CALL 01981 540088 OR EMAIL US AT contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk