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Hereford, are you having a problem with Fruit Flies? We’ve Got it Covered! It’s that time of year when the weather starts to warm up, we can all start to go outdoors and enjoy a glass of wine or to with a meal with friends and family. It is also that time of year when we start to experience more problems with flies. This week we’re looking at fruit flies which are a common nuisance to households and businesses across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Fruit flies are mostly attracted to over-ripe fruit and rotten vegetables and fermenting liquids such as beer and wine. You might also find them inhabiting bins and waste disposal areas where there are sufficient food sources. HOW TO SPOT A FRUIT FLY Fruit flies are quite small, around 3mm in size. Their main characteristic is their slow hovering flying with abdomen hanging down. Some fruit flies have distinctive protruding red eyes. FRUIT FLY FACT There is one species of fruit fly which breeds in sour milk. Something to think about when you are disposing of your milk bottles – make sure you rinse out the last remnants to avoid fruit flies breeding in the residue left in the bottle. This is particularly a problem where more and more of us are recycling and retaining empty containers for up to two weeks before the refuse collectors take the recycling away. REDUCING YOUR RISK OF SUFFERING A FRUIT FLY INFESTATION There are some simple steps you can take to reduce a fruit fly outbreak. OUR TOP 5 TIPS ARE: Promptly remove and dispose of left-over food and liquids Rinse out food and drink containers before disposing of / recycling Maintain good hygiene, wipe up spilled liquids and food matter Make sure bins are emptied regularly, washed down and in good order with tight fitting lids Keep windows and doors shut or install fly screens As businesses across Herefordshire start to re-open it’s important for business owners to take steps to reduce their risk of attracting fruit flies. Hospitality businesses across Herefordshire should pay particular attention whilst outdoor socialising grows during the warmer weather. Fruit flies feed on over-ripe fruit and alcoholic drinks especially attract fruit flies. Pubs, bars and restaurants may see an increase in fruit flies resulting from spilt drinks, residues in drains and pipes and dregs left in the bottom of glasses. THE PROBLEM WITH FRUIT FLIES Like most other flies, fruit flies can be a nuisance. However, they also have the ability to contaminate food and drink with bacteria. Fruit flies can pick up bacteria and other more serious disease and cross-contaminate food, drink, and surfaces by transferring them as they fly around and land on different sources. Fruit flies also breed very quickly Fruit flies can lay up to 500 eggs a time and can fully develop in around 7 days in the right conditions. It’s possible to experience a significant infestation in a very short time. If you have a fruit fly problem in your home or business call PGM & Son Pest Control for help. 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. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now!

As Hereford businesses start to get ready to re-open to the public again on 12th April now is the time to check your business premises for any potential pest issues. What can PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford offer Herefordshire businesses in the run up to re-opening? PEST HEALTH CHECK: Pre-opening survey of your business premises to check for pests / pest problems ERADICATION: If you have a pest problem, we can exterminate for you PEST WASTE CLEANING: Pests been living in your business premises whilst closed? We can come in and clean up the mess for you PROOFING: Pest proofing works to minimise the risk of your business being hit by a pest problem again PEST MANAGEMENT: Ongoing pest management services; essential for businesses operating in the food sector We’ve seen a significant increase in rats over the Winter as rodents have taken advantage of our changing behaviour and adapted readily to the situation. Our Top Ten tips for getting ready to Re-Open Pest-Free in April: 1. Visit your premises now to check inside and outside for evidence and signs of pests. Keep an eye out for droppings; strong urine smells; gnaw marks; damage to property and materials; eggs; shed skin or pest themselves! 2. Check your neighbouring properties for any signs of pests which might spill out into your business. 3. Carry out essential maintenance work – clear and fix drain covers and air brick covers; make sure gaps around external pipes are sealed and clear rubbish and debris. 4. Check the condition of your pest management equipment. Check any existing bait boxes and traps are in good working order. Make sure fly screens are in good repair and electric fly machines are working properly and clean. 5. Remove all waste and make sure it is collected or taken to a refuse site. 6. Replace any damaged containers and bins. Make sure your containers and bins have secured lids. 7. Dispose of any contaminated foodstuffs or foodstuffs. 8. Check essential equipment such as electrical cables for signs of damage. Rodents can cause significant damage to cables and pipes. 9. Thoroughly clean your premises to the required standards. 10. If you find you have a pest issue – call in the pest professionals! Does your business have Pest Control? If your business kept its pest management programme going during the lockdown period, then your business should already be well prepared to re-open in April. If you were unable to retain your pest control or did not previously have pest control then give us a call now as we can help. 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. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now!

Flies can be a real pain, especially in great numbers. But are they a public health issue? Flies can pose a health risk as they can spread disease and contaminate food. Flies multiply rapidly and can mature to adults from eggs in around seven days as they have a short life cycle. This is why a fly problem can become a significant issue. Food businesses need to take fly infestations seriously as they can cause disruption to business and damage to reputation. With current lockdown restrictions impose on the country, restaurants, pubs and hotels are not having customers eat on their premises but this doesn’t mean they can ignore a fly problem, particularly if they are continuing to provide click and collect and delivery services. Businesses still have staff working on site and flies can cause a risk to employee health. Vacant businesses may return to re-open to find they need to eradicate a pest infestation and undertake a major clear up job as well. The types of disease flies can carry include: E.Coli Shigellosis Salmonella Myiasis Cryptosporididium Fun Fly Fact: did you know that there are around 120,000 fly species worldwide? It’s not just restaurants, pubs and hotels that need to consider the risk of a fly infestation in their business. Any food environment needs to take note and this includes residential properties, poultry farms, food processing plants, retail food outlets such as supermarkets and small food retailers, pet food stores and anywhere that food is held. Food safety is paramount; public health is a top priority and needs to be taken seriously. PRACTICAL STEPS TO KEEP FLIES AT BAY: Keeping food preparation areas clean and tidy Remove and dispose of rubbish regularly particularly in warmer conditions Ensure bins have tight fitting lids Keep food items in sealed storage containers Use screens to cover windows and air vents Keep doors and windows shut when not in use unless covered by suitable fly screening Carry out regular building maintenance, for example to seal gaps and to clear drains - If you experience a fly problem give PGM Fly Control Hereford a call - 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. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now on 07964 370480.

CALL PGM & SON PEST CONTROL – WE’VE GOT IT COVERED! If you’re experiencing problems with rats, mice, bedbugs, fleas, cockroaches, carpet moth, squirrels, woodworm, flies or any other pest problem give us a call at PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford for help and advice. PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford is a local, family run business offering pest control solutions to residents and business across Herefordshire. We deal with all sorts of pest issues so if you have a pest problem contact PGM & Son Pest Control today! PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford also offers commercial pest management contracts, pest waste cleaning and removal services, including loft clearance, insect identification and much more! Why choose PGM & Son Pest Control for your pest control needs> 10 reasons to choose PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford: WE’RE LOCAL WE OFFER FAST RESPONSE, EMERGENCY CALL OUTS AND SAME DAY SERVICE OUR SERVICES PROVIDE VALUE FOR MONEY FULLY QUALIFIED WITH THE ROYAL SOCIETY FOR PUBLIC HEALTH WE’RE AWARD WINNING: SOLE TRADER OF THE YEAR 2019 BRITISH PEST MANAGEMENTN AWARDS; FINALISTS HEREFORDSHIRE BUSINESS AWARDS 2019 COMPREHENSIVE PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE FOR YOUR PEACE OF MIND WE CHAMPION GREEN – #makepestcontrolgreenagain WE PROVIDE TAILORED SERVICES PUTTING OUR CUSTOMERS AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO WE COME RECOMMENDED – CHECK OUT OUR REVIEWS! WE HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE – WE’RE MEMBERS OF A RECOGNISED CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INDUSTRY SCHEME Ask us for more information and ALWAYS check out your pest controller before handing over any more – sadly we see some poor practices out there. If you need pest control in Herefordshire or Worcestershire, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call today to book your appointment. Call us on 01981 251 116 or 07964 370480. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk FORGET THE REST AND CALL IN THE BEST! - PGM & SON HEREFORD PEST CONTROL SERVICES -

This week brings fresh reports of a significant increase in the rat population across the UK. Rats are becoming immune to rodenticides More worryingly, the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use (CRRU), recent survey results highlighted that 74% of the rats they analysed carried a resistance gene. In 2017, one rat was found to have two different resistance genes; referred to as ‘hybrid resistance’. The CRRU reported concerns that the recent survey identified 1 in 5 rats with the hybrid resistance in widespread locations across the country. The CRRU found that ⅓ of Farmers don’t know which rodenticides they are using The CRRU also found that only 28% of farmers claimed to know the active ingredient in the rodenticides they were using. Why is this a problem? Rodenticides are hazardous to non-target species. They can cause illness or death to wildlife which are exposed to their active ingredients. The public doesn’t generally hold a fondness for rats but indigenous wildlife is another matter. Rodenticides, when not used responsibly and under strict controls, can cause the death of much loved British wildlife such as barn owls, otters, field mice, voles and kestrels. There is also a risk of accidental exposure to humans. Rodenticides are also harmful to the environment. The solution? Solutions include: Increased preventative pest control measures Employing risk management hierarchies tailored to the sites where rat infestations are prevalent Reducing wildlife exposure Improved user practices Periodic assessments of users’ knowledge, attitudes and practices Regular surveys of exposures to wildlife and resistance in rodents Why do we need to continue to use rodenticides? There is an important balance to be struck. These products play an important role in food hygiene, public health and animal husbandry. Their use is essential for the protection of human and animal health and yet when used incorrectly or irresponsibly they cause widespread contamination of wildlife in the UK. It is unacceptable to: × Ignore obvious, non-toxic, measures that would make sites less attractive to rat infestations × Repeatedly use rodenticides rather than addressing the root causes of rat infestations A final message from the CRRU: “The onus is squarely on rodenticide users to maximise their knowledge and make responsible fact-based decisions about control measures.” ASK YOUR PEST CONTROLLER ABOUT RESPONSIBLE RODENTICIDE USE. ALWAYS MAKE SURE YOUR PEST CONTROLLER TELLS YOU WHAT PRODUCTS THEY ARE USING TO TREAT YOUR PEST PROBLEM. CHECK YOUR PEST CONTROLLER IS FULLY QUALIFIED, INSURED AND A MEMBER OF A RECOGNISED TRADE BODY. If you’re having a problem with rats in Herefordshire or Worcestershire, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call on 01981 251116 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now.

As a local family run business, we help and support our residential and commercial customers with all their pest control needs. Some of the types of pests PGM & SON are experts at dealing with include; Rats, Mice, Cockroaches, Bed bugs, Wasps, Woodworm, Carpet beetles, Carpet moths, Flies and Fleas. Pests can damage property and their mess can quickly build up. Our Hygiene, Cleaning and Specialist Waste Clearance service is designed to tackle these problem areas within your business or home. Call us today for advice on 07964 370480. Your Local Pest Controller Herefordshire & Worcestershire -------------------- PGM & SON PGM Pest Control T: 07964 370480 E: contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk PGM - Your Local Pest Control Company In Herefordshire 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. Residential and Commercial Pest Control Services in Hereford 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 Hereford - 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. CALL US TODAY FOR PEST HELP AND ADVICE GOT PESTS? WE'VE GOT IT COVERED!

From all the team at PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford we wish you all a happy, rodent-free and pest-free New Year! A reminder of the services PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford carry out across Herefordshire and Worcestershire:- Pests we can help you with: Rats and mice Cockroaches Bedbugs Fleas Insects Cluster flies Wasps Carpet moth Carpet beetle Clothes moth Ants House flies Moles Squirrels Flying insects Crawling insects Silverfish Pest Control Services we carry out: Residential pest control Insect identification Commercial pest management and control Pest waste cleaning Pest waste removal Loft waste clearance Loft re-insulation Pest proofing works - A few reasons why you should choose PGM Pest Control from all the rest - We’re award winning: Awarded Sole trader of the year 2019 in the British Pest Management Awards (BPMA) and finalists in Family Business of the Year category 2019 Herefordshire Business Awards We’re local We’re family run Our staff are professionally trained & qualified under the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) We are a member of National Pest Technician’s Association (NPTA) We’re also members of industry recognised continuing professional development scheme BASIS Prompt We come Fully Insured - £5m public liability insurance for your peace of mind We hold a Tier 1 Waste Carrier’s License We offer Fast Response times and out of hours availability We provide confidential, Discreet Services We promote Environmentally Friendly & non-toxic solutions We offer clear, fair and transparent pricing – Value for Money Services If you need Pest Control in 2021 in Hereford give PGM & Son Pest Control a call. IF YOU'VE GOT PESTS, WE'VE GOT IT COVERED! | Call us today on 01981 225116 / 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation quote. Or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

As 2020 draws to an end we will all be breathing a huge sigh of relief. It has been a very difficult year, mainly due to the Covid-19 pandemic and with Brexit finally on the horizon, the continued uncertainty it brings. Through it all we’ve seen some terrific displays of community spirit and public generosity shining through. 2020 has been a difficult and, for many, traumatic year. As we head towards a very different Christmas, with families and friends experiencing a fragmented and fragile celebration, we all hope and pray for better times to come. Our message this year is to encourage individuals, and businesses especially, to help others less fortunate than themselves through these tough times. Throughout these difficult times, we know that vast amounts of people and businesses across Herefordshire have suffered enormously during 2020. Many of those businesses and families will never fully recover, if at all. However, there will be businesses and individuals who have managed to get through without too much hardship and some will even have prospered during these times. To those who are in a position to, or who can, help others we encourage them to do so. Herefordshire is an amazing county with great community spirit. We can all pull together to make everyone’s life better. "Happy Christmas from all at PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire" 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. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now!

PGM & SON Pest Control is open 24/7 – We’ve Got You Covered! With Christmas looming and local restrictions in place Herefordshire residents are experiencing pest issues. Rats are particularly causing a problem this year. This week we’re putting Herefordshire residents’ minds at rest about their rodent problems during Winter 2020. PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford are operating throughout the festive period. IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING A PEST PROBLEM, GIVE US A CALL ON: 01981 251116 or 07964 370480 Or email us at: contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or reach contact us via social media: or use the live chat facility on our website: www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk With Herefordshire Council pest control still suspended and national pest control company charges out of the reach of the general public, look to local for help. At PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford we offer: Emergency call outs over Christmas and New Year, 24/7 Superfast response times Expert help and advice Professional, fully qualified services 100% peace of mind comprehensive public liability insurance and upper tier waste carrier license Transparent, competitive, value for money, services Discreet service Family run and local service, we live and love Herefordshire! AWARD WINNING PEST CONTROL SERVICES! If you have a problem with rats or mice in Herefordshire during Christmas 2020 give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call. Domestic, Agricultural & Commercial Pest Control for Hereford & Worcester A Family Run Business Providing Fast Same Day Local Pest Control Services PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford don’t just sort out your rat and mice problems, we can help with all sorts of pest problems such as: Woodworm Bedbugs Cockroaches Flies Fleas Rats Mice Silverfish Carpet moth Spiders Weevils Beetles It is alarming and disruptive to find pests in your home or business. PGM Pest Control has the experience and expertise to help all clients. To help you, we offer solutions for the control of infestations in your home or premises throughout Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We pride ourselves at providing a fast, discrete professional service at affordable prices leaving you pest free and with this commitment has enabled our rapid growth of pest control services throughout Hereford and Worcester. If you’re experiencing a pest problem this Christmas, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now on 07964 370480. 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. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. GET A FREE QUOTATION HERE

Today we’re taking a look at The Top Five Pests you’re most likely to encounter this Winter. 1. Rodents Although rats and mice are around all year they tend to become more of a problem in the winter months as they start to move indoors looking for food and water and safe, warm harbourage. If you’ve seen a rat or mouse in your home, business or garden you may well have a rodent infestation. Rat Fact For the first time ever, one of Britain’s highest animal honours, the PDSA Gold Medal, has been awarded to a rat for sniffing out landmines in Cambodia. HeroRAT magawa is a giant pouched rat trained to detect landmines by charity APOPO. He has discovered 39 landmines and 28 items of unexploded ordnance to date making him the charity’s most successful HeroRAT. Wow - Rats Amazing! That’s one heroic rodent Ratfans. 2. Squirrels Squirrels may well look cute and fluffy but they can cause significant damage to both property and the environment. The non-native grey squirrel causes irreversible damage to trees and properties and is the culprit in the demise of the UK’s native red squirrel population. Squirrel Fact Squirrels’ teeth never stop growing! Makes you think about how they keep them in check doesn’t it? Well a squirrel can quite easily gnaw through wood, aluminium, lead, copper, plastic, vinyl siding, sheet rock, asphalt, and mortar, virtually anything that is softer than the hard enamel on their teeth. That’s just nuts! 3. Flies Cluster flies may continue to cause a problem until temperatures drop further and they finally remain inside until spring arrives and they return to the Herefordshire fields to continue their life cycle. Cluster flies aren’t a disease carrying pest, however, they do have a habit of forming clusters when hibernating often in significant numbers in the upper spaces of properties such as roof spaces, eaves and upper rooms which can be a nuisance. Did you know? Cluster flies feed on earthworms! 4. Cockroaches Cockroaches don’t generally thrive outside so you’ll find them inside and German cockroaches love hot, humid conditions so as the winter draws in and the heating goes on you may discover a cockroach problem. Cockroach fact Cockroaches date back over 300 million years so even our pre-historic ancestors had to endure the cockroach! Yabba dabba doo! 5. Wasps When we think of wasps it often conjures up an image of hot, sunny summer months batting away the buzzing pests. However wasps can continue to cause a problem right into winter. High temperatures coupled with artificial lights and central heating can confuse hibernating Queen wasps in Winter to come out of hibernation. This can lead to problems in a house with wasps and even people getting stung! Wasp Fact The largest wasp nest ever recorded was found on a New Zealand farm in April 1963, having fallen from the tree in which it had been hanging as it was so heavy. When whole, the nest measured 12ft 2 inches in length and 18ft in circumference. We wouldn’t want that in the back garden! Rats, mice, cockroaches, cluster flies, wasps and squirrels are all commonly found pests in Herefordshire. If you are having a problem with rats, mice, cockroaches, cluster flies, wasps or squirrels in your home or business give PGM & Son Pest Control a call today For all your pest control needs, give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk , or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now. Got Winter Pests? We’ve got it covered!

Have you seen a rat in broad daylight recently? Rodent control and rodent proofing have never been more important as reported rodent problems have shown a sharp increase over 2020. With some pest professionals partly attributing the increase to 2019’s mild winter conditions, the widely held belief across the industry is the increased rodent population has been exacerbated by the continued lockdown measures across the country. The milder winter in 2019 may have increased the rodent breeding season meaning a larger population of rodents in winter 2020. Rodents look for food and water sources as the weather gets colder, seeking indoor harbourage for the winter months. A larger breeding population in 2019 means increased numbers of rodents seeking out safe harbourage, food and water sources indoors this winter. TO PROOF OR NOT TO PROOF? Effective pest proofing is essential to maintaining sustainable, environmentally friendly pest management. Top reasons to pest proof your home or business: Reduce the impact on the environment – eradication is less necessary meaning non target species are less likely to be impacted and a reduction in use of chemicals is always a good thing! Restoring natural order, as far as is possible or practicable, allows natural predators to carry out pest control. Sustainable measures – it’s not sensible, sustainable or responsible to regularly eradicate. Regular use of rodenticides is not recommended for the reasons mentioned in point 1 and there is the additional issue of rodents becoming rodenticide resistant. Cost effective – it’s a cost-effective way to carry out pest prevention and has the added bonus of ensuring that your property is regularly maintained which saves money in the long term on repairs and restoration. But individuals and businesses fail to take adequate pest proofing measures. A recent survey by one of the UK’s biggest pest control companies reported that 90% of its technicians said that customers who had experienced rodent infestations had not fully rodent-proofed their premises. THE PUBLIC REPORTS REGULAR SIGHTINGS OF RODENTS IN BROAD DAYLIGHT There has also been a significant increase in the number of sightings of rats in broad daylight. Many pest controllers put this down to the lockdowns with less waste generated as businesses have been forced to close and larger rat nest sizes so rats have had no option but to search for food during daylight hours. Rats are nocturnal creatures so sightings in daylight cause concern as there are likely to be large numbers of rats in the near vicinity. One of the UK’s largest pest control companies carried out a survey on rodent behaviour recently which found that: There was a 22% increase in rodent enquiries compared to the summer average over the past 6 years Pest technicians were mostly called out to restaurants (43%) then pubs (42%) with residential properties following closely behind (41%) and offices (36%) More than half of their pest technicians (59%) attributed the increased confidence of rodent behaviour to lockdown period at the beginning of the year reporting rats entering homes through toilets and, in one case through a letterbox!! If you’re having a problem with rats in Hereford give PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford a call on 01981 241334 or 07964 37048 0 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your rodent problems, give us a call now!

Having a problem with Woodlice? We’ve got it covered! If you’ve got woodlice in your garden that’s usually great news. Woodlice are largely beneficial pests and cause little or no damage to healthy plants. If you’ve got masses of woodlice in your compost bin that’s common and actually a good thing as woodlice are a key part of the process of composting as they break down plant material. It’s worth watching young seedlings and soft fruit plants as woodlice can cause damage to those by eating small holes in young leaves and soft fruits such as strawberries and raspberries. Otherwise though woodlice are useful contributors in the garden and as they are plentiful in most gardens and allotments, they aren’t cause for concern. However, woodlice inside properties can be a different matter. Whilst small numbers and the occasional woodlouse isn’t much to worry about and treatment isn’t necessary, heavy infestations can be more of a concern. We’re always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now. Why you should be worried about woodlice Woodlice feed on rotten wood and other vegetable matter and they like damp areas so if you’ve got lots of woodlice in your property this could signal other problems such as signs of damp, rotten wood, blocked gutters, vegetation build up. Sometimes these can pose more serious problems in your property. However, there’s some simple steps you can take to prevent woodlice becoming a problem in your property for example: Deal with any damp spots in your property as early as possible Remove any vegetation such as moss and leaves from your gutters and drains Regularly check timbers for early signs of rot and put it right as soon as possible Make sure you regularly preserve wood and timbers Don’t forget about door mats when cleaning your property – check and clean underneath as under a mat is a great spot for woodlice to live! If you need help and advice with woodlice give PGM & SON Pest Control a call on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the live chat facility on our website