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As the UK slowly starts to emerge from lockdown, this week we look at the potential pest problems faced by businesses as they start to think about re-opening to the public. Pests generally prefer to keep away from humans but with restaurants, pubs, cafes, schools, hotels and other public attractions closed or being used significantly less frequently, pests are finding easy places to set up home. When owners, employees and the public are on site infestations can be spotted more easily and dealt with quickly. With many small businesses shut for weeks on end pest infestations can easily take hold and go unnoticed. With access to water and food sources, populations can quickly and significantly increase. Where businesses had pest management in place previously, their pest control may have been put on hold or their pest controller may not have been able to gain access to the premises to carry out routine visits. Animals, like humans, are quick to adapt and pests are thriving during the Covid-19 pandemic. What pest issues are emerging as businesses look forward to re-opening? Rodents - the industry has seen a rise in rat and mice activity both on domestic and residential premises in recent weeks. Birds – many businesses and property owners have experienced birds nesting in empty properties and causing damage and significant amounts of mess. Pigeon guano, in particular, is causing a problem. Crawling insects – we’ve seen a rise in crawling particularly in food businesses, for example ants and cockroaches. Bed bugs and carpet moth – as people are being more vigilant moving furniture and cleaning more often, they are finding these pests. Bed bugs become active as human hosts take up residence – this is an issue as rental properties, hotels and B&Bs start to open up again. As lockdown measures ease and businesses start to re-open, they should consider calling in pest control in advance to carry out an inspection of their site and to give them a clean bill of pest health. Consider the situation where you’re ready to open your business again only to find you have a significant pest infestation that keeps the business closed for another few weeks! At PGM & Son Pest Control we carry out health checks all the time so we’ll come into your business and check your premises for any signs of pests and, if we find any activity, we’ll deal with it for you so that you can re-open in the knowledge that your business, employees and customers are safely protected from pests. Unlike humans, the spread of pests cannot be controlled through social distancing measures and so pest controllers must balance public health against safeguarding of their employees, families and customers. At PGM & Son Pest Control we are employing additional measures to ensure the safety of our team and customers during the pandemic. Please check out our Covid-19 page on our website for more information: https://www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk/coronavirus-covid19 Call PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford for all your pest needs on 01981 241334 / 07964 370480. Or, email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk Check out our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for more information about our services. And, if you want to know what our customers think about us, Check out our reviews on https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Call PGM & Son, Hereford Pest Control – We’ve got it covered! Lockdown is proving difficult for everyone but one thing we can be happy about is the, mostly, good weather we’ve had over the last couple of months. Spring is mostly definitely in the air and it’s been lovely to see the gardens full of blooming flowers, green grass and lambs in the fields (on the daily exercise of course!). As always, when the good weather comes in along comes the flies. And, with famers starting to spread muck on the fields the fly population is on the increase. Why are flies a problem? Whilst most of us can put up with a fly or two having hoards of flies in your home or business can start to cause problems. Apart from being a real nuisance, the main problem is cross-contamination that can lead to some serious illnesses. Flies feed by vomiting onto the food surface and sucking up the resultant liquid. Meaning that the fly contaminates the food with bacteria from its gut and feet and this is how flies transmit food poisoning, typhoid or cholera. Also, eggs of parasitic worms may be carried by flies. Good housekeeping and regular hygiene is essential, particularly in homes and businesses serving food. We’re all having to employ additional hygiene measures with Covid-19 in the community so the good news is those measures may help to keep your fly problem down. As a reminder of some easy steps to keep the flies out: Try to dispose of the recycling and rubbish quickly Make sure rubbish bins are clean with tight fitting lids Fit windows and doors with fly screens Keep food covered and preferably in cupboards and fridges Sticky fly papers can be used, which may help. Change them regularly Businesses which serve food on the premises can install ultra-violet electric fly killing machines – ask our advice for the best placement of such machines Wipe down surfaces and keep dish cloths clean with disinfectant Pick up pet waste as soon as possible and dispose of safely Make sure pet food is not left down after meal times Cluster flies can cause a particular problem as the weather warms up. They’ve spent the Autumn and Winter hibernating and emerge in Spring seeking out egg laying sites outside. You may notice the characteristic smell of a mass of cluster flies. They are sluggish in flight and a nuisance in the house. There is one species of cluster fly which is far more prevalent in rural areas such as Herefordshire due to the fact they are parasitic on earthworms. If you had a cluster fly problem treated previously, unfortunately you are more likely to suffer from the problem again because cluster flies are known to return to the same location year after year. We’re a local run family pest control business serving Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Call us today for all your pest control needs. If you’re having a problem with house flies, cluster flies, blue bottles or any other pests call PGM & Son Hereford for advice and solutions. Call PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk To find out more about how we keep you and our team safe when delivering our pest control services, please visit: https://www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk/coronavirus-covid19

As a thank you to all NHS staff and all key workers PGM & Son Pest Control are offering a 25% discount on all pest treatments. STAY HOME - PROTECT THE NHS - SAVE LIVES As the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions continue we wanted to give our own thanks to those working on the front line alongside ourselves and our fellow pest controllers. We’re also seeing a rise in pest issues during this period, particularly rodents, so we want to ensure that those working on the frontline don’t have to worry about the additional costs involved in dealing with any pest issues at home. For the month of May we will apply a 25% discount to all pest treatments for any key worker experiencing pest issues at home. All you need to do to claim your 25% discount is to show your NHS Number (from an official Government document) or your key worker letter to our pest control technicians and a 25% discount will be applied. The NHS workers are our heroes – we are so lucky to have them in the UK and we think the British public will agree wholeheartedly. However, there are many other key workers who also deserve our gratitude. That’s why we are extending our discount scheme to all key workers, which includes refuse collectors, those in the food supply chain, teachers, health and social care workers, emergency service workers and others working on the frontline. We’re keeping a close eye on developments so that we can extend our offer if needed. So, if you have a pest problem please get in touch. Call PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk To find out more about how we keep you and our team safe when delivering our pest control services, please visit: https://www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk/coronavirus-covid19 #StayatHome #ProtecttheNHS #SaveLives

Pest management has been confirmed as an essential sector during the Covid-19 pandemic by George Eustice, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), George Eustice, has confirmed that pest management is an essential sector during the Covid-19 pandemic. Industry trade bodies have been lobbying the Government and DEFRA has now confirmed that pest management is covered in the key worker list under the ‘food and necessary goods’ section, specifically in relation to hygiene. The Government in Northern Ireland had previously confirmed pest management is an essential service and trade bodies were expecting the rest of the UK to follow. Key worker status confirmed by UK government This means that if the UK enters further lock down measures pest management companies will have the ability to continue to protect the public. What does this mean for customers of PGM & SON Pest Control? There is still a responsibility on us all to take steps to protect ourselves, our loved ones, the NHS and the rest of the general public and so this news won’t change the way we currently work. We will only carry out visits where there is a clear and immediate threat to public health. This may include where an individual is at risk or where the wider general public may be at risk (for example where a supplier in the essential food chain needs pest management and prevention services to ensure the ongoing provision of essential services). We continue to observe social distancing measures and we will not undertake any activity unless it presents a risk to public health. Every call to us is assessed to determine what risk it presents both from a pest perspective and from a Covid-19 perspective. That said, we’re happy to give advice over the telephone or via email – please get in touch. Our final message in these testing times is not to make assumptions about what other people are doing. Some people may be managing relatively easily during this time and some individuals with pest issues may well be able to cope and manage until the lock down is eased. However, there are many people out there who cannot cope or manage as easily as others; they may not have the space, the support, the money or the know how to deal with a pest problem and they may well have a significant pest issue outside of their control. So, we need to ensure that services continue to be available for those people. Please THINK BEFORE YOU POST your comments - it’s easy to make an assumption and judge others but not so easy to put yourself at risk to help others… If you need advice on a pest issue email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or call us on 01981 241334. We’re here to help, not judge. #Wereallinittogether #BeKind #MakePestControlGreenAgain #PestNews #KeepItLocal PGM Pest Control Herefordshire - Looking After Your World 🌍

We’re hearing about, and seeing, an increase in rodent infestations so this week we’re looking at the possible reasons for this. The continued restrictions imposed on the general public by the Government due to the Covid-19 pandemic are having a knock-on effect on many other areas of life and pest control is no different. We’ve looked at the reasons for the rise in rodent activity. With more people staying home to protect the NHS and save lives: Householders are carrying out long over-due spring cleaning and DIY jobs but unfortunately as there are restrictions on movement the unwanted items, rubbish and debris cannot easily be disposed of at the local tip, charity shops or car boot sales. Often people are piling the waste up in the back garden which provides perfect harbourage for rodents. More people at home all day creates more waste and particularly more food waste. We’ve all seen the tweets by frustrated parents of teenagers who seem to emerge only from their rooms to raid the fridge! Food waste can build up quickly and sit around for two weeks plus waiting for the local authority bin collections. This provides an ideal food source for rodents. The weather has been great hasn’t it and we’re all grateful for the lovely sunshine but it has come off the back of weeks of appalling weather. Across Herefordshire flood waters were just starting to reduce when the good weather came in and the rodents were already being flushed out of the flood waters. Now householders are spending more time outside in the garden there’s a risk of allowing easy access for rodents into properties. As the bins start to fill quickly, it doesn’t leave much space for garden waste and tips are closed so people are starting to compost more. And, compost provides an ideal environment for rodents. Densely populated areas can quickly spread a rodent infestation. If one household in a street has a rodent infestation it can very quickly become a major problem for the rest of the householders in the street. We reported recently that pest industry bodies are lobbying the Government to designate pest controllers are key workers. Until this happens, pest controllers are being very cautious about carrying out pest control and particularly pest management visits. Some pest control firms have temporarily shut up shop and this presents a significant problem in controlling rodent activity at key sites. Essential food suppliers and services run the risk of a rodent infestation that could present a public health issue without ongoing preventative pest control measures. PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford is aware of the importance of protecting public health. It is our job to protect homes and businesses from public health pests. Covid-19 presents a very real threat to public health and the most vulnerable in our community. Everyone has a responsibility to help protect the nation from the spread of the virus by following Government guidance; in particular, avoiding all unnecessary contact and practising social distancing. Pest control is a critical service supporting public health, however, the risks of spreading the virus need to be weighed against the risk of inadequate control and management of pest species. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns either by emailing us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or telephoning us on 01981 241334 / 07964 370480 so that we can help you to find a solution to your rodent problems. Please note we will not carry out any non-essential visits during this period, however, we will treat pest problems that present a risk to public health and we are always on the end of the ‘phone to discuss a pest problem, so please give us a call or email us! PGM Pest Control - Looking After Your World🌍 #MakePestControlGreenAgain #HerefordKeepSafe #HerefordshireCommunityFirst #Herefordshire #Worcestershire

Looking after your world - Hereford Pest Control #StopTheSpread 🌈 The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) are lobbying the Government to have professional pest controllers formally recognised as key workers during the Covid-19 pandemic. As it stands, pest controllers are permitted to continue working under the current Government guidelines. However, should the restrictions become more stringent it is absolutely imperative that pest controllers are designated key workers as the pest management sector in the UK has a critical role to play in: Protecting our nation’s food from farm to fork Protecting other essential workers in hospitals and supermarkets Protecting the vulnerable and sick from further exposure to diseases Protecting the distressed from the mental anguish of an infestation For these reasons, the BPCA and NPTA have written to the Government asking: For the Government to recognise that pest management work is critical The Government to acknowledge pest control and pest management cannot stop during the pandemic At PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford we have also written to our MP Jesse Norman to express our concerns, particularly as we have seen a RISE in calls about pest issues during this period. Mr Norman has kindly agreed to take up this issue with the Prime Minister. Why do we think pest issues are rising during this pandemic? We consider this is for two key reasons: Lots of businesses are shutting down and empty properties welcome pest guests; As people are staying at home more they are noticing pest issues much more quickly and worrying about them more. As people are at home more they are generating more waste and this, in turn, can encourage pests. Shouldn’t pest controllers also be staying at home? Yes, of course, pest controllers should observe the social distancing rules and also stay at home as much as possible as well as everyone else. And, at PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford we are also doing this. We will not carry out any non-essential visits during this period. What is PGM & Son Pest Control specifically doing to comply with the measures? As pest controllers, we are well versed in risk control. Some of the Government's measures are quite normal in our business. For example: We use personal protective equipment (PPE) normally. However, during this period we are increasing our use of PPE. You can expect us to arrive at a visit in PPE. We carry out risk assessments as part of our normal business activities. During this period, we are adopting additional measures and spending longer discussing issues with customers prior to any visit. Distancing measures are employed normally, for example, customers will normally be expected to vacate a property if we are using a certain type of chemical. Often we will be Able to carry out visits to our commercial customers without even seeing a member of staff as rodent stations are sited externally and away from the general public. We always travel to and from visits alone and in our own vehicle/s. We use industrial sanitizers and wipes and we change / replace PPE regularly. Additional measures are: Asking customers to move to separate rooms or to the garden or to take their daily exercise whilst treatments / monitoring is carried out. Asking customers to email us photographs of pest issues so that we can see whether a face to face visit is critical. Ceasing all non-essential visits. So, if you have a rat or mice issue at this time and are worried about the impact of Covid-19 please give us a call so that we can discuss how best to resolve your problem whilst keeping you, your family and our team safe. A reminder to customers what to look for if you think you have a pest problem: RATS What do they sound like? Scratching Crawling What do their droppings / mess look like? Spindle shaped & blunt for the Brown rat; 1½-2cm long Pointed for the black rat and Around 1.½ cm long MICE What do they sound like? Scratching Gnawing What do their droppings / mess look like? Thin, spindle shaped Around ½cm long BIRDS What do they sound like? Flapping Vocal – squawks & chirps What do their droppings / mess look like? Depends on the species of bird but common ones are dark brown or green sometimes with white Size of droppings depend on type of bird SQUIRRELS What do they sound like? Scratching Vocals Squirrels are very noisy! What do their droppings / mess look like? Similar to brown rat droppings but rounder 1½-2cm BATS What do they sound like? Sharp vocal at night What do their droppings / mess look like? Dark brown or black 4-8mm long, crumbling into a fine powder when crushed A note on bats: The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides protection for all species of bat found in the United Kingdom. It is illegal to kill, or even disturb, bats in their roosts. FLIES What do they sound like? Buzzing What do their droppings / mess look like? Depends on type but often there are visible sightings of insects or masses of insect bodies in windows / floors / door frames So, if you’ve been hearing scratching or gnawing or other noises that go bump in the night in your kitchen, loft or attic, cellar or anywhere else don’t panic. Call in the professionals! At PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford we can identify your unwanted pests and offer solution to your problem. Whether that’s rat removal; mouse control; squirrel removal; bird control; fly control or advice on bats give us a call on 01981 241 334 or 07964 370480. Or, drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk We’re a local Hereford based family run pest control firm. We’re friendly, trustworthy and reliable. We offer fair and transparent prices, fast call outs and advice and guidance. Call us today – you won’t be disappointed. #makepestcontrolgreenagain #keepitlocal #herefordpestcontrol #stopthespread

Pest control is an essential service and we must continue to protect our clients from pest issues. PGM Pest Control Hereford - We've Got You Covered! The professional pest management sector in the UK has a critical role to play in: Protecting the nation’s food supplies Protecting key workers in their work environments particularly hospitals, schools and supermarkets Protecting the vulnerable and sick from further exposure to disease Protecting the public from the mental distress a pest infestation may cause IF THERE IS A CRITICAL OR IMMINENT THREAT TO PUBLIC HEALTH PGM & SON PEST CONTROL WILL CARRY OUT EMERGENCY VISITS. If you have a pest problem, please call us to discuss it with us. Pest control and risk control are the key elements of our role so we can discuss options and solutions for you which may include things you yourself can do to keep an infestation at bay or we may be able to set your mind at rest about a pest problem you think you may have. HELP US TO HELP YOU BY SENDING US PHOTOS OF YOUR PEST PROBLEMS:- contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk Here are some of the pleas for help we’ve received this week: My elderly Mother has rats coming into her kitchen Help! I’m confined to my house with 3 children and fleas! We’re looking after key workers’ children and need to ensure our premises stay rodent free What does the Government say? The UK Government says that UK citizens can only leave home for one of the following reasons: Shopping for basic necessities, such as food and medicine, and as infrequently as possible One form of exercise outside a day, either alone or with members of your household A medical need or to help a vulnerable person Travelling to and from work but only where this absolutely cannot be done from home - If there is a public health risk from pests, pest controllers can therefore carry out visits - Pest control trade bodies have been lobbying the Government to specifically name pest control professionals as key workers. This week, pest management professionals have been formally recognised as key workers in Northern Ireland and trade bodies are looking forward to a similar response from the English and Scottish Governments and the Welsh Assembly. How will we keep people safe if we need to carry out a visit? Increased use of Personal Protective Equipment We use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including gloves, masks and suits. PPE is very important when using chemicals and when treating certain types of infestations such as fleas. It’s normal for pest controllers to arrive on site wearing PPE for certain pest jobs. However, we will be wearing our PPE more than usual at this time to protect all our customers, their families and our own team. You can expect us to be wearing mask and gloves on every visit. We may also be wearing PPE suits depending on the type of visit and the risks involved. Risk Assessment We always risk assess visits as part and parcel of our normal business. However, during this time we may spend additional time remotely discussing your pest issue with you prior to any visit. We will not be making any unnecessary visits for the reasons stated above. However, there are many ways in which we can reduce risks and continue to solve public health pest issues. It is very important that you be transparent with us at this time about your circumstances so that we can safely help you to deal with any pest problems without putting people at risk. PLEASE TELL US IF YOU HAVE SYMPTOMS, HOWEVER MILD, OR IF YOU ARE IN A HIGH-RISK GROUP. THIS IS FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY AS WELL AS OURS. As a reminder, the most common symptoms are a recent onset of: New continuous cough and/or High temperature Also a loss of taste and smell has recently bee attributed to the virus. Additional social distancing and hygiene measures Additional measures we are adopting include: Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds Washing hands before and after a visit and before leaving home and returning home Using hand sanitizer gel if soap and water is not available Covering mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing Putting used tissues in the bin immediately and washing hands afterwards To self-isolate if showing symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, for 14 days (reduced to 7 if you live alone). Employing Social Distancing Measures: Keeping a distance of at least 2 meters Traveling alone in our own transport Asking customers to remain in a different part of the property whilst the visit is being carried out Taking extra care in certain circumstances, for example, when handling cash. Please be aware that we can accept bank transfers and card payments. During this period please use these payment methods as a preference. If you cannot use these payment methods, cash and cheque will be accepted but additional hygiene methods will be adopted. Many of these measures are adopted in pest control as part of normal business as usual. For example, distancing measures when using certain pest treatments. Call PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford if you have a pest control problem, we will act quickly, sympathetically and in a risk controlled environment to help you. The Government guidance can be found here: GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON COVID-19 Contact PGM & SON Pest Control on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480 Or, email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk #pestcontrolnearme #pestcontrolhereford #pestcontrolherefordshire #pestcontrol24hours #HerefordKeepSafe #HerefordshireCommunityFirst #MakePestControlGreenAgain

Don’t worry if you have a pest problem at this uncertain time. Call us to speak to us about you concerns as we are well versed in risk control as well as Hereford pest control. We use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including gloves, masks and suits. PPE is very important when using chemicals and when treating certain types of infestations such as fleas. It’s normal for pest controllers to arrive on site wearing PPE for certain pest jobs. However, we may be wearing our PPE more than normal at this time and this is to protect: Those over the age of 70 Those with a long-term condition Pregnant customers Those with a weakened immune system Our team Please don’t be offended if we spend longer discussing your pest issue with you prior to any visit. We will not be making any unnecessary visits for the reasons stated above. However, there are many ways in which we can reduce risks and continue to solve public health pest issues. It is very important that you be transparent with us at this time about your circumstances so that we can safely help you to deal with any pest problems without putting people at risk. THE SAFETY OF OUR TEAM AND OUR CUSTOMERS IS PARAMOUNT SO PLEASE TELL US IF YOU ARE SELF-ISOLATING OR HAVE SYMPTOMS, HOWEVER MILD, OR IF YOU ARE IN ONE OF THE HIGH-RISK GROUPS LISTED ABOVE. The most common symptoms are a recent onset of: New continuous cough and/or High temperature We will discuss with you your pest problem and how best to deal with the problem in a way that is safe for you, your family and our team. We are following Government guidance which, as a reminder, is: To self-isolate if you have symptoms of coronavirus infection (COVID-19), however mild, for 14 days (reduced to 7 if you live alone). Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds Using hand sanitizer gel if soap and water is not available Covering mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing Putting used tissues in the bin immediately and washing hands afterwards Employing social distancing measures The Government guidance can be found here: GOVERNMENT GUIDANCE ON COVID-19 Lastly, there are already lots of local groups and organisations that are pulling together to help the elderly and vulnerable across Herefordshire in advance of the peak of this disease. If we encounter any customer who is in need of extra help we will be doing our utmost to assist by sign-posting to local services we are aware of and making sure there is someone who can keep in touch to ensure people remain safe in these uncertain times. Contact PGM & SON Pest Control on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480 Or, email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk #pestcontrolnearme #pestcontrolhereford #pestcontrolherefordshire #pestcontrol24hours #HerefordKeepSafe #HerefordshireCommunityFirst #MakePestControlGreenAgain

At PGM & SON Pest Control we also offer pest waste cleaning and removal services and we can also provide some practical help to deal with smells when rodent carcasses can’t be located or accessed. Do You Smell a Rat? Often one of the first signs of a rodent infestation is smell.Rodent urine smells very strong and rats have a musky odour which can be even stronger in poorly ventilated areas or confined spaces. Rodent carcasses also emit a strong smell and often people report strange odours in attics or loft areas as their first indication that they have a rodent problem. Is Rat Pee Unhealthy? YES! Rats can carry lots of very nasty diseases which are normally spread via their urine and can be transmitted to humans. As rats mark their territory by urinating everywhere they go this presents a significant health risk to humans. The current environmental factors mean that rodent numbers are on the rise – significant flood waters flush out higher numbers of rats as they seek food and shelter. Flood waters also increase the risk of contamination. The types of diseases rats can carry include: Leptospirosis (also known as Weil’s disease) Salmonella Hantavirus Toxoplasma gondii Listeria More Rat Urine Facts Brown rats are often found living in sewers so they don’t mind sharing their space with human urine and faeces!! Another Rodent Smell Story When rats consume poison they will often die in a roof space, attic, loft or wall cavity emit bad smells. It can be difficult to locate a rodent carcass so a rat body may take several weeks to decompose and for the smell to disperse. It’s always best to call in a professional pest controller if you spot the signs of rats. Pest controllers are able to treat rodent infestations quickly and effectively, they have access to rodenticides not available to the general public. They’re also trained in locating rodents and access points and, if they do have to use rodenticides as a last resort, they will do so in a safe controlled environment meaning that the risks to non-target species are significantly reduced. If you suspect you have a problem with rats, don’t panic. Call PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480 today for advice and solutions. Drop us an email to: contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk Don’t let a rodent problem get worse – rats breed rapidly, becoming sexually mature in around 3 months. Females may produce 3 to 12 liters of between 6 and 8 young in a year so what may start as a small problem can quickly escalate – call in the professionals today to sort out a rodent infestation. #makepestcontrolgreenagain

This week we’re taking a look at the repeat pest offender and asking the question: If a pest is eradicated will I be pest-free for life? Unfortunately, the answer is likely to be no or, if you’re lucky, a maybe. Pests move and like humans they look for food, water and somewhere to set up home. If you experience a pest problem, you may well remove it successfully but that won’t stop other pests (or indeed the same species) infesting your property again. This is why it is vital to take proactive, preventative measures.Let’s look at the two main pest issues people regularly experience: Insects Adult insects can typically walk and fly and so it is unrealistic to expect that you will be insect free for-ever! Flies are a particular problem; although pest controllers can use solutions to treat a large fly problem and put in place methods to minimise further issues, as this pest flies it is simply impractical to eradicate completely. Cluster flies are a particular nuisance and commonly return to the same location year on year so if you have experienced a cluster fly problem, unfortunately, it is quite likely that you will see them again the following year. You can take some simple steps to reduce the risks of inviting insects into your home or business, such as: Keeping surfaces clean and tidy Keeping food in sealed containers Ensuring bins have tight fitting lids and are regularly emptied Using fly screens Electric fly machines, particularly in food businesses Installing fly traps Rodents Again, eradication of an infestation can be carried out, but the reality is that where there is a food, water and harbourage source, rodents can and will take up residence again. Particular problem areas are allotments, schools, small holdings, restaurants and live-stock areas. All of these places provide food and water sources for rodents. Rodents can access properties through open doors and windows and mice can squeeze through holes the size of the end of a bic pen! Businesses are advised to implement regular routine rodent monitoring programs to assist with minimising risk and to ensure any problems are promptly identified and quickly dealt with. Some simple steps you can take to keep out rodents are: Keeping food in sealed containers Ensuring bins have tight fitting lids and are regularly emptied Removing food sources (for example, clearing up uneaten food stuffs in live-stock areas) as soon as possible after feeding times Removing harbourage (for example, cutting back bushes and vines, disposing of debris) Ensuring your customers or students put their rubbish in bins, especially when it contains food remnants Regularly maintaining your property (for example, sealing holes) 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. If you have a pest problem, don’t panic. Call PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford on 01981 241334 or 07964 370480 today for advice and solutions. Give us a call, visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or drop us an email to: contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

This week we’re getting prepared for the cluster fly season. As we move into February and the temperatures are starting to get milder, the cluster flies start to re-emerge from hibernation to seek out egg laying sites outside. Cluster flies often return to the same location year after year and so, unfortunately, if you’ve experienced a problem previously you may well suffer again. But once you realise this, you can take early steps to sort out the problem. A mass of cluster flies have a very strong characteristic smell and they can be a nuisance in properties. If you have a caravan or holiday home, you won’t want your first visit of the season to be marred by a mass of cluster flies. Whilst you can hoover up cluster flies, heavier infestations are better treated by a qualified pest controller who can use insecticides or smoke generators to remove the problem. It’s also possible to use electric fly killer machines. Whatever solution used you should check for bats first. Bats are a protected species and so you should seek advice if you do have, or suspect you have, bats. Proofing your home, caravan or business can also help to reduce numbers but ultimately it is very difficult to control any fly problem due to the nature of the pest. Instead, steps to minimise issues should be considered and put in place. - If you’re in need of cluster fly control call in the pest experts today – PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford. Call us on 01981 241 334 or 07964 370 480. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

If you’re having problems with Mice in Hereford call PGM & SON Pest Control – We’ve got it covered! THREE REASONS FOR MICE CONTROL They are a public health pest and may spread serious diseases to humans such as Salmonella and Listeria which cause food poisoning Mice are destructive – they can, and will, chew through pipes, electrical cables and wires, packaging, soft furnishings and woodwork. Their destructive behaviour can cause fires and floods Mice carry dirt and bacteria around as the move around distributing it to kitchen work surfaces, cabinets, larders and anywhere else they choose to go REASONS WHY YOUR BUSINESS SHOULD CARE ABOUT MICE As a business owner, you have a legal obligation to keep your premises rodent free under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 You must report any infestations to the local authority where rodents pose a threat to health or property If you don’t have adequate pest management policies and procedures in place the Environmental Health can issue you with an enforcement notice. If you do not comply with that notice you could face fines or even imprisonment Mice can cause irreparable damage to a business’ reputation. In particular, food businesses can really suffer if customers spot, or become aware of, a mice problem on the premises HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE A MICE PROBLEM? Droppings! Mice droppings are usually black, 3-6mm long and rod shaped. You may find these under kitchen units and in roof spaces. Mice can lay lots of droppings, around 80 per day, and when freshly laid they are soft and moist Nests – in lofts or under floorboards. Nests are made of wool, cloth and paper Gnaw marks on skirting boards, pipes, cables and furniture Dark grey smear marks left by their oily fur Strong ammonia smell left by their urine You may also notice damage to food you have stored in your home or business Mice access your home or business through neighbouring properties or through gaps or holes – they can squeeze through very small spaces around 5mm so it can be very difficult to keep them out. Mice are also rapid breeders so if you don’t deal with the problem a large infestation can take hold quite quickly. Mice don’t hibernate and so they are a year-round problem. If you’re having a problem with mice, give us a call at PGM & SON Mouse Control Hereford for all your pest control needs. Give us a call on 01981 241 334 or 07964 370480. Or, drop us an email at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk PGM & Son Pest Control is a local Hereford based family run pest control firm. We’re friendly, trustworthy and reliable. We offer fair and transparent prices, fast call outs and advice and guidance. Call us today – you won’t be disappointed.