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Dog is man’s best friend. However, its regular companion, the Flea, is most certainly not man’s best friend. And, dogs aren’t the only ones fleas love to inhabit; they do love a good cat too! They’ll also find a good hosting companion in other hairy animals such as rabbits, badgers and foxes. And if your pets have got fleas, chances are you’re going to suffer as well. Fleas account for more than half of all dermatological conditions requiring veterinary attention and a flea bite can cause intense itching and irritation. Fleas love hot and humid conditions and with the changes in climate, we’re starting to see their numbers rise particularly around this time of the year. Spotting The Signs of a Flea Infestation Look out for flea droppings on pets – you can see black droppings if you brush back the hair. Brushing over a white sheet will help. Check your carpets and furniture for any jumping fleas. Watch out for pets scratching and any humans with bites to their ankles. Treating a Flea Infestation Getting rid of fleas can be a frustrating and costly process. This is where a professional pest control company will rid you of your fleas; they carry out flea control and other pest control in residential, agricultural and commercial businesses and we also carry out end of tenancy fumigations too. Of course you can always try and treat the problem yourself but we find that customers who’ve tried this approach haven’t been successful. Treating a pet alone is not sufficient as the fleas will normally be living in household furniture, bedding and carpets. So, although you’ve treated your pet, the problem will return. And fleas, like a lot of other pests, are showing signs of becoming immune to shop bought treatments and powders. Call the pest control professionals to rid you of your flea problem once and for all. You can email PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or call us on 01981 540088 our for emergency 24-hour callout 07964 370480 or use our contact us page on the website for a free no-obligation quote for flea control services in your local area of Herefordshire and Worcestershire .

With a reported increase in rats across the UK, the Express recently reported that the Government is suffering from its share of rodents. The lower house of Parliament has been deemed an unsuitable environment for a feline rodent wrangler. The House of Commons is an 'unsuitable environment' for cats because of its out-of-control rat population. According to the Express , the House of Commons’ request for a feline pest controller was turned down as the House of Commons is considered an unsafe environment for cats due to the amount of poisons on the premises being used to control a significant rodent problem. In May Andrea Leadsom, former Leader of the House, told the Sunday Times that the place was “awash” with rats and mice and “if you left a half-eaten bowl of crisps out, they’d be munched by the next morning” . Recent warmer temperatures in winter are thought to have contributed to the rise in the rodent population across the UK. The British Pest Control Association estimates that there could be as many as 120 million rats in the UK – that’s double the human population. And according to the Express , the cost of controlling pests in the House of Commons has risen from £58,000 in 2020/21 to a staggering £112,000 last year! However, the spokesman said that at the Commons, 'the site was deemed to be an unsuitable environment for a cat due to the use of poisonous rodent traps. The traps are toxic to cats as well as vermin and it would have been a clear health and safety risk for any cat residing in the area'. Rodents scurrying around are a regular sight each evening in parts of the rambling 19th Century Palace of Westminster on the banks of the Thames. Just as well, perhaps, that one regular feline visitor to the Parliamentary estate – the Commons Speaker's cat 'Attlee' – sticks mainly to Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle's official quarters. Read more Rats, Rats, Rats! For professional rat control in Herefordshire and Worcestershire call PGM & Son Pest Control. www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk Our award winning pest control team work seven days a week to ensure Herefordshire is a rat free environment. To discuss how we can help you rid your home or business from rats call us to discuss our rodent removal service . Inspect. Detect. Protect. The Right People, The Right Solutions. A family run business, proud to say that we put our customers first. © PGM & SON LTD. 2025 | All rights reserved Kingsthorne, Herefordshire, HR2 8AL T: 01981 540088 | M: 07964 370480 contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Fleas on the Rise in Herefordshire and Worcestershire We’ve seen record numbers of fleas call-outs over the last few years. Examining Rentokil's Alarming Statistics Seemingly a national problem, this month Rentokil reported seeing a rise in flea infestations by nearly half (47%) in just one year. Rentokil believe the unusual weather is the cause of this sharp increase with June 2023 being the warmest since 1884 followed by a wet July which saw above average rainfall of 170%. Insights from Phil Martin of PGM & Son Pest Control Phil Martin owner of PGM & Son Pest Control thinks there’s more to it than just the weather! “A lot of customers who regularly de-flea their pets have been experiencing flea infestations, and this didn’t make sense to begin with. But, our theory is that fleas are possibly becoming resistant to DIY and vet flea treatments, and this is causing fleas to move easily from pet to pet, even where owners routinely administer flea treatments." Although weather conditions provide an ideal condition for fleas to thrive, we’re not convinced that this is the reason for the sharp increase in fleas across the county As pest controllers, we rotate treatment solutions to ensure that resistance doesn’t build up but vets don’t seem to do this so this could be one reason why pets which have been treated for fleas are still succumbing to them.” Summing Up the Factors Contributing to Flea Outbreaks Fleas can be difficult to treat and very distressing for customers; flea bites can cause painful itching and rashes and seeing fleas jumping around can be alarming. Ridding a home of fleas can be a frustrating and costly endeavor. Unlike some pests encountered around the home, fleas cause discomfort and irritation to both pets and people. They account for more than half of all dermatological conditions requiring veterinary assistance, and even a single flea bite to a hypersensitive animal or person may cause intense itching and irritation. It would be a grave mistake to think of the flea as simply a nuisance For professional flea control across Herefordshire and Worcestershire call PGM & Son Pest Control on 01981 540088 or use our AI Pest Assist facility at the bottom of your screen. Check out some of our other blog post on Fleas! Need help getting rid of Fleas? Having a problem with Fleas? Flea Prevention Getting rid of Fleas Read our Pest Trumps all about The Flea, click on the image.

A 2017 survey reported that a massive 60% of travellers said that they would be very unlikely to choose a hotel which has a single online report of bed bugs. And, with online reviews playing an increasingly major role in travellers’ decisions to book hotel accommodation, the hospitality industry needs to look to pest control professionals for advice, support and comprehensive pest preventative and pest monitoring solutions. TripAdvisor reports that 80% of travellers read 6-12 reviews before selecting a hotel on their site. And when comparing other hotel problems such as dirty sheets or towels, smoking and other odours, evidence of bed bugs is much more likely to cause customers to move hotels and demand a refund. Did you know that bed bugs aren’t a quality or cleanliness issue? Even 5 star hotels can be affected. With the UK offering around 730,000 hotel rooms and occupancy rates at around 75%+ there are well over half a million hotel rooms in use every night generating a revenue of around £14.5b per annum. Bed Bug Prevention is Better than Cure If you are a Herefordshire accommodation provider take the 5 step challenge below: If you had a bed bug infestation would your staff know how to respond; would they know how to prevent the spread of bed bugs throughout your hotel? Would you want your rooms out of action (potentially multiple rooms at a time) for up to 10 days whilst bed bugs are being treated? Do you want bad reviews of your hotel? Do your cleaning and maintenance staff know how to spot bed bugs? Can you afford to lose up to 60%, or more, of your business due to bed bugs? If you’ve answered no to at least 4 of these questions then we suggest you pick up the phone and call a professional pest controller. Hotels are big business but bed bugs are not good for business! PGM Pest Control tailor our pest control services to your establishment but typically, for hotels, we offer a comprehensive bed bug control program, which includes: Training your staff to identify bed bugs Giving advice and guidance on the prevention of bed bug infestations spreading throughout your hotel Regular monitoring to identify any potential infestation And, if you are unlucky enough to have a bed bug infestation we’ll treat it discreetly for you enabling your business to continue with minimal disruption. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for help support or guidance, so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call today on 01981 540088 or email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the PGM AI Pest Assist facility on the right hand side of your screen.

Fleas make a lot of us squeamish! However, fleas are a very common problem in the UK. We brits lots our pets and particularly our dogs so it’s unsurprising that fleas are a common issue in homes. And, you may not have a pet yourself but still find you have a flea problem. If previous owners of your property or former residents had pets you may find you inherit a flea infestation. Fleas can also be found on other animals which are common to rural areas, such as foxes, squirrels, rats and even some livestock. Fun Flea Fact! Did you know that around a quarter of UK households own at least one dog and almost a fifth have cats so it’s unsurprising to hear that fleas are a common occurrence in the UK. As the weather starts to warm up, we can expect to see an increase in flea infestations across Herefordshire. Fleas love humid conditions , and this creates the perfect environment for the flea. What's in a Flea Problem? The main issue with fleas is the flea bite. Flea bites can cause itching and reactive rashes. Pets can be allergic to flea bites and fleas in a business premises don’t create a great impression! 5 Signs you May Have a Flea Infestation Your pets are scratching. You can see fleas or flea droppings in the coat of your cat or dog (black faeces which looks a little like ground black pepper). Try back brushing your pets or brush them over a piece of white paper to more easily spot the signs of flea droppings. Fleas on pet fur – look for red / brown fleas about 2mm long. Common places to spot fleas are necks of cats and hind quarters of dogs. Family members being bitten – usually around the ankles or legs. Typically, flea bites are a small red spot about 5mm in diameter. Fleas may be spotted jumping in your carpets or on your furniture if you have an active infestation. 5 Top Tips to Prevent Fleas Hoover rugs, carpets and flooring regularly. Check your pets regularly by using a flea comb. It’s very easy for your pet to pick up fleas particularly in rural areas where they may come into contact with other flea carrying animals. Regularly wash pet bedding at high temperature. If you move into a new property check for signs of fleas. Tenants – ask landlords whether the previous tenants had pets and whether a flea fumigation was undertaken prior to your occupation. Practice good hygiene, larvae feed on organic matter in bedding, furnishing and carpets and rugs so clean them regularly and vacuum thoroughly. If you think you have a problem with fleas or that you have an active flea infestation call in the professional pest controllers for advice and solutions. Call the pest control professionals to rid you of your flea problem once and for all. You can email PGM & Son Pest Control Services at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk  or call us on 01981 540088 our for emergency 24-hour callout 07964 370480 or use our contact us page on the website for a free no-obligation quote for flea control services  in your local area of Herefordshire  and Worcestershire . About PGM Pest Control PGM Pest Control  is an award-winning pest control company based in the UK, offering trusted, effective, and environmentally responsible services for homes and businesses. Known for our expert knowledge, educational resources, and excellent customer service, we go beyond treatments — we help our clients understand pests and prevent future problems. 👉 Visit us at   www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk  for professional pest control, insect identification, and free downloads.

The Horntail, aka “giant wood wasp” or “greater horntail” is often mistaken for a wasp with its yellow and black bands. However, the horntail is harmless to humans as it does not sting. We recently came across a horntail and thought we’d share the photo we took to let people know what to look out for. We recently came across a horntail and thought we’d share the photo we took to let people know what to look out for. What does the horntail look like? Well, it’s often mistaken for a wasp and it’s easy to see why. But, on closer inspection you can see that the horntail has a large barrel-shaped body with no waist, unlike the wasp which has a distinctive waist. Its colour may also change from black to metallic blue and sometimes black, red and yellow. The females have a long ‘sting’ called an ovipositor; she uses this to penetrate timber (usually pine) and then buries her eggs deep into the wood. Female wood wasps tend to look for dead /depleted trees to lay eggs. A female wood wasp can lay up to 200 eggs. Larvae emerge into adults by chewing wood Eggs develop into insects with six legs and strong jaws – strong enough to gnaw through solid wood! It can take around five years to reach maturity and tunnel through the timber. Close up image of a wood wasp Is the horntail dangerous? Horntails can, and do, make large holes on interior surfaces looking. The damage can be horrendous and found anywhere such as room tiles, hardwood floors, carpets and wallboard. They can also make their way through soft metal such as lead. Although they do not sting, they can still be quite scary as they are very noisy buzzers! Most worryingly is the fact they can cause damage to buildings. If you think you have a wood wasp nest, you should find a professional Pest controller. It may also be advisable to call a qualified surveyor to inspect property for structural damage. Need a pest controller for wood wasp nest removal in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and the surrounding areas? PGM Pest Control deals with all aspects of wasp nest removal for both domestic and commercial properties. Our prices are affordable, fair and transparent. We are a genuine local family run business offering fast response and emergency call outs 7 days per week. We can also offer same day service for wasp nest removal, subject to availability. PGM and Son Pest Control is fully qualified in wasp control and a member of BPCA and NPTA. PGM & Son Pest Control carries comprehensive public liability insurance. If you think you have a wasp problem don’t delay – call us today. Call us on 01981 540088 or call our wasp pest technician Phil on directly 07964 370480. Or, email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use the contact us page.

The Largest Species of Wasp: Asian Giant Hornet Following on from the largest wasp nest ever recorded, the Guinness Book of World Records also lists the largest species of wasp: the Asian Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia), native to Japan. This formidable insect can grow up to 2.2 inches (about 5.5 cm) long with a wingspan of around 3 inches (7.5 cm), making it truly enormous compared to typical wasps. Its venom is so powerful it can dissolve human tissue – ouch!! Its venom is extremely potent and can dissolve human tissue, posing a serious threat to people and animals alike. Due to its size and venom, the Asian Giant Hornet is often feared and requires professional removal if found near homes or gardens. If you have spotted hornets in your garden and need to get rid of hornets or remove a hornet’s nest , call in the professional pest control specialists now. Recent Record-Breaking Wasp Nests In New Zealand, German wasp (Vespula germanica) nests have been found growing to astonishing sizes. For example, a nest discovered in Martinborough measured approximately 1.8 meters long, 1.3 meters wide, and nearly 1 meter tall, housing an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 worker wasps. Such nests are described as "frighteningly large" and "almost certainly perennial," meaning they survive multiple years, likely aided by climate change with milder winters and warmer summers. The Guinness World Record for the largest wasp nest was recorded in New Zealand in 1963, measuring 3.7 meters (12 ft 2 in) long and 1.75 meters (5.25 ft) in diameter. Another large nest found in Auckland in 2020 measured 3.75 meters tall and 1.7 meters wide. Recently, a "monster" nest in South Auckland containing over 200,000 wasps was destroyed, highlighting the scale and challenge of managing these invasive pests. Impact and Control of Large Wasp Nests Large wasp nests like these have significant ecological and economic impacts, preying heavily on native insects and honeybee populations, and posing risks to human health. The nests are aggressively defended by wasps, making removal dangerous without proper protective equipment and expertise. Recommended control methods include professional pest control services using toxic baits such as Vespex, which wasps carry back to the nest, effectively destroying the colony safely. Need Help With Wasp or Hornet Control in Herefordshire or Worcestershire? If you spot hornets or wasps in your garden or discover a nest, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Contact professional pest control specialists like PGM Pest Control for Wasp Nest Removal and Control as well as Hornet Nest Removal for safe and effective removal. Call us at 01981 540088 or email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for expert advice and 24-hour service in Herefordshire , Worcestershire , and surrounding local areas. We are PGM 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. About the Author PGM & SON Pest Control is your trusted expert in pest management. Our award winning pest control team combines professional expertise with a passion for protecting public health and homes. When we’re not tackling pests, we’re sharing valuable insights to help you understand and prevent pest infestations.

Want to know what the world’s largest recorded wasp nest was? It was located on a farm in New Zealand in 1963. Made from a papier mache like material from wood shavings and saliva, the nest was so large and heavy that it had fallen from a tree onto the ground where it split into two. It measured a mighty 12 foot and 2 inches in length and 5.25 feet in diameter and a whopping 18 foot in circumference! It was likely constructed by the Vespula germanica , more commonly known as the German wasp. WOW! What a mighty wasp nest that was! If you have a wasp nest in Herefordshire or Worcestershire that might match up, let us know! We encourage our local residents and business owners to reach out to us if you have a wasp nest of any shape or size! We are particularly interested in gathering information about the size, location, and appearance of the wasp nest, as these details can significantly aid in our research and understanding of wasp behaviour in our local regions. Please provide us with any observations you have made regarding the activity level of the wasps, the time of year you noticed the nest, and any other relevant information that could help us identify the species. Your contributions could be invaluable in helping us monitor and manage wasp populations effectively. Don’t hesitate to contact us with your findings, as your input could play a crucial role in our efforts to study these fascinating insects. Go to our insect identification page and upload your photos for our wasp nest study. Fascinating Wasp Facts Wasps build their nests from chewed wood mixed with saliva, creating a lightweight, waterproof, and durable structure. Only female wasps have stingers, which they use for laying eggs and defense. Unlike bees, wasps can sting multiple times. When threatened, wasps release a pheromone that signals others in the colony to defend the nest aggressively. Wasp Activity and Nest Removal Wasps are most active in the UK from April to September, with peak activity in the summer months. Wasp nests typically last 3 to 4 months and will die off naturally if left alone, but removal is recommended for safety and comfort. Professional wasp nest removal usually takes 30 to 45 minutes and involves spraying insecticide into the nest entrance. It is important to stay clear of the area during and after treatment for safety reasons. Never attempt to remove a wasp nest yourself; always call a professional pest control service. Need Wasp Control in Herefordshire or Worcestershire? If you have a wasp nest or require wasp control services across all local areas of Herefordshire or Worcestershire, PGM & Son Wasp Control offers 24-hour call-outs and expert removal services. Contact us at 01981 540088 or email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for professional help, support and guidance. About the Author PGM & SON Pest Control is your trusted expert in pest management. Our award winning pest control team combines professional expertise with a passion for protecting public health and homes. When we’re not tackling pests, we’re sharing valuable insights to help you understand and prevent pest infestations.

No Fleas Please! Fleas can be a real problem. And, many people are embarrassed to report a flea problem, but our advice is – don’t be embarrassed if you have a flea problem. It’s very common and at PGM & SON Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire we’ve seen it all before so there’s no need to worry. If you’ve got a cat or you’ve come into contact with a cat you can quite easily end up with a flea problem. In this week’s blog, we’ll look at what we know about fleas and what we can do to help if you find you have a flea problem. What do we know about fleas? Fleas are parasitic; living on warm blooded animals. After feeding on an infested animal, the female flea lays her eggs. Female fleas can live up to two years and lay up to 1000 eggs. After several days the eggs turn into larvae which then spin silk cocoons. When the developed adult detects vibrations on the host animal it will emerge from the cocoon. The complete life cycle takes around one month. Fleas are most active in communal rooms where pets sleep and where there is most activity. Fleas can be found living on domestic animals, in carpets, pet bedding and upholstery. The adult fleas feed on blood of humans and animals. Larvae live in the nest of the host and feed on skin, feathers and the blood-rich faeces of the adult flea. Although fleas don’t usually transmit diseases, they do bite and their bites can cause irritation which may be worse for people with allergies. How to Tell if You Have a Flea Infestation Your pets are scratching. You can see fleas or flea droppings in the coat of your cat or dog (dry back brushing your pets or brush them over a piece of paper to more easily spot the signs of fleas. You or your family experience bites – usually around the ankles or legs. Typically, flea bites are a small red spot about 5mm in diameter. You can see fleas jumping in your carpets or on your furniture if you have an active infestation. How Can I Prevent Fleas? Well, it’s pretty hard to prevent your pet from getting fleas but nevertheless you can take some steps to reduce the chances of you getting a flea infestation in the future: Apply veterinarian approved flea treatments to your pets on a regular basis. Hoover carpets, rugs and furniture that your pet frequents. Regularly wash pets’ beds in the hottest cycle on your machine, including blankets and toys. Keep your garden neat and tidy; regularly mow, rake up leaves and dispose of grass and bush cuttings. DIY treatments for fleas are rarely successful. Pest Controllers have access to treatments that are not available to the general public. What Can You Expect From a PGM & SON Pest Control Flea Treatment? Call us and we’ll give you advice. Book a treatment and we’ll send you some pre-treatment advice. You’ll need to follow this to ensure that the treatment is as thorough as possible. We’ll carry out a comprehensive treatment in your property. Advice on what to do after we’ve carried out the treatment to ensure that you remain flea-fee! PGM Pest Control’s service is second to none; we like to see happy customers! Flea Top Tip for Herefordshire and Worcestershire Tenents When you move into a new property check for signs of fleas . And, ask your landlord whether the previous tenants had pets and whether a flea fumigation was undertaken prior to your occupation. If you have a flea problem in Herefordshire  or Worcestershire  call PGM and Son Flea Control Services , for all your flea control needs and flea advice. About PGM Pest Control PGM Pest Control  is an award-winning pest control company based in the UK, offering trusted, effective, and environmentally responsible services for homes and businesses. Known for our expert knowledge, educational resources, and excellent customer service, we go beyond treatments — we help our clients understand pests and prevent future problems. 👉 Visit us at   www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk  for professional pest control, insect identification, and free downloads.

If you’ve ever searched “how to get rid of wasps UK” or “are wasps dangerous?”, this is the video you need. In our brand new video, UK pest control expert Phil answers the most common questions Brits ask about wasps. Whether you’re worried about a wasps’ nest in the garden or just want to know if wasps actually do anything useful — Phil’s got you covered. Phil Knows Pests!  🔎 What UK Viewers Will Learn in This Video How to identify wasps vs bees (key differences explained). Do wasps sting unprovoked? Here’s what actually triggers them. Are wasp nests dangerous in lofts or sheds? Phil breaks it down. When to call a pest control professional (and what not to do yourself). Natural wasp deterrents that actually work. This quick-fire Q&A is perfect for UK homeowners, renters, gardeners, and anyone prepping for summer outdoors. Tailored for UK Homes and Gardens Phil brings over a decade of experience working with pests across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. From terraced homes in town to countryside cottages, he’s seen it all. His advice is practical, local, and backed by real-world experience. "In the UK, wasp season starts peaking from late June through August — and that’s when the panic sets in,” says Phil. “The key is knowing when to leave them alone and when to act.” Behind the Buzz: Why We Made This Video This is part of our # PhilKnowsPests YouTube series , designed to give viewers reliable, down-to-earth advice on common UK pests. We created this episode in response to the top wasp-related Google searches from across the UK. So if you’ve searched “how to remove a wasps nest in the UK” – you’re in the right place! Why You Should Watch our Q&A Wasp Video Quick, clear answers (under 4 minutes). UK-based advice you can trust. Free to watch and easy to share. Helps you decide when you need help — and when to leave wasps alone. 🎬 Watch the full video now : If you find it helpful, please like, subscribe, and share with a friend or neighbour. Got a pest problem Phil should tackle next? Drop it in the comments — we’re listening. 👉   Your Top Wasp Questions Answered by a UK Pest Expert 👉 Watch now and don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe! 👀 Also Worth Watching If ants are your current summer worry, don’t miss our Ant Q&A video: 👉   Your Top Ant Questions Answered by a UK Pest Expert What’s Next in the Q and A Series? We’ve already tackled ants in the home in our previous Q&A video — so if those tiny invaders are bugging you, check it out here (you can link this to the ant video post or YouTube). Coming up next on Youtube: 👉 A full breakdown on fleas — where they come from, how to get rid of them in carpets, and why even homes without pets aren’t safe. Phil will answer the top flea-related questions straight from UK homeowners, including: “Can fleas survive in winter?” “How do I know if it’s fleas or dust mites?” “What’s the best flea treatment for homes?” Subscribe to our YouTube channel or join our mailing list so you don’t miss it! 📍 Need Local Pest Control Help in Herefordshire or Worcestershire? If you’re in or around Herefordshire or Worcestershire, our expert pest control team is ready to help. Visit our site or get in touch for affordable, fast, professional pest control support. 💬 Final Word Don’t let wasps ruin your summer. Start by watching Phil’s video, and you’ll know exactly what to do — and what not to do — when you spot those yellow-and-black intruders. We take great pride in our commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and techniques for our wasp nest removal service . Our award winning pest control team regularly attends industry conferences to learn about the latest developments in the field, and we invest in state-of-the-art equipment to ensure that we provide the most effective and efficient services possible. By combining our dedication to ongoing professional development, investment in cutting-edge technology, and commitment to environmentally responsible practices , we have established ourselves as a leader in the field of wasp nest removal. Read more about our Herefordshire pest control services and Worcestershire pest control services . Our clients can trust that when they choose us, they are selecting a team that not only understands the intricacies of pest control but also prioritises their safety and satisfaction above all else.