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This week we’re taking a look at the commonly called “ Thunder Fly ” . These tiny insects are actually called Thrips and are black in colour and narrow with hairy wings measuring around 1.5mm. Thunder Flies Thrips are largely an agricultural pest which is why Herefordshire and Worcestershire residents often report problems with Thunder Flies as our rural county has vast amounts of fields and agricultural properties. So how do these insects cause problems in residential properties and business premises? Well, they have been known to collect in significant numbers inside smoke detectors and this can trigger fire alarms to go off. Thrips feed on plant sap and on hot and humid days they congregate on window sills in large numbers. With climatic changes, these insects become more of a problem and can get into clothing and hair. This is largely a nuisance pest however and a small thrip infestation can normally be dealt with easily by the householder simply removing them from the property. However, a significant infestation of thunder flies would better be solved by a professional pest controller who has access to professional treatments to solve pest problems. Thrips Biology & Lifecycle Understanding how thrips develop is key to stopping infestations before they bloom. Egg-Laying Habits & Host Preference - Thrips lay eggs inside leaf tissue or within flower buds, making detection tricky. - Preferred hosts include tomatoes, cucumbers, chrysanthemums, and fuchsias, especially in warm, protected environments. - Eggs hatch in 2–7 days, depending on temperature. Nymph Stages & Development Timeline - Nymphs go through 2 instars (growth stages) before dropping into soil or leaf litter to pupate. - They resemble adults but lack wings—often pale yellow or green. - Total lifecycle from egg to adult takes 7–14 days in summer, faster in warm, dry conditions. Seasonal Activity in the UK - Peak thrips activity typically spans May to September, with spikes during prolonged dry spells. - Warm greenhouses, conservatories, and polytunnels can sustain populations year-round. - Early symptoms (leaf silvering, flower damage) often appear mid-May. Thrips thrive when summer skies stay dry! Overwintering Behaviour & Survival - Thrips overwinter in soil, mulch, leaf litter, or tucked within greenhouse structures. - Some species can survive in unheated indoor environments, re-emerging with spring warmth. - Cleaning up plant debris and controlling indoor conditions helps interrupt their cycle. Monitoring & Identification of Thrips Early detection is the key to managing thrips before damage spreads. Here's how to keep an eye on these elusive pests: Colour Traps & Visual Tools - Sticky Traps : Hang yellow or blue traps near susceptible plants. Yellow is great for general attraction; blue is especially effective for Western Flower Thrips. - Magnification Aids : Use a pocket magnifier or loupe (x10–x15) to inspect undersides of leaves, buds, and flower crevices where thrips often hide. Behavioural Cues - Erratic Movement : Unlike aphids or mites, thrips twitch and scuttle rapidly when disturbed. - Hiding in Blooms : Pay close attention to tightly packed petals—thrips love to burrow inside flowering heads. - Silvering & Flecking : These visual symptoms often precede visible insect presence—consider them an early red flag. DIY Thrips Monitoring Checklist For weekly use during the growing season (May–Sept): ✅ Check underside of leaves using magnifier. ✅ Inspect flower buds and blooms for hidden thrips. ✅ Note silvering, flecking, distorted growth. ✅ Replace sticky traps every 1–2 weeks. ✅ Record sightings and symptom locations. ✅ Isolate any suspicious plants for further monitoring. Pest Pro Tip: Turn this checklist into a laminated card or downloadable PDF for greenhouse or allotment use. Climate Change & Environmental Considerations Thrips may be tiny, but their behaviour is shaped by global shifts. Climate Impact on Thrips Populations - Hotter summers and prolonged dry spells accelerate thrips breeding cycles and spread. - Warmer winters mean fewer die-offs, allowing populations to rebound more aggressively in spring. - Greenhouses and indoor plant areas are particularly vulnerable during extreme heat events. If you’ve noticed more thrips year-on-year…you’re not imagining it. Eco-Friendly Alternatives to Chemical Control - Use biological predators like Orius insidiosus (minute pirate bug) or Amblyseius cucumeris (predatory mite). - Spray neem oil, insecticidal soap, or homemade garlic-chilli sprays to deter feeding. - Companion planting (e.g. basil near tomato) can confuse or repel thrips naturally. - Growers are shifting toward IPM strategies that blend natural controls with observation. Neonicotinoid Risks to Pollinators - Common thrips-targeting insecticides like acetamiprid and imidacloprid (neonics) pose risks to bees, hoverflies, and butterflies. - Residues can accumulate in nectar and pollen, affecting non-target insects. - The UK restricts some neonics under pollinator protection schemes—but vigilance is key. Be kind to pollinators—choose selective, low-toxicity treatments. There are several reasons why people should hire a pest control company to get rid of thrips: Expertise : Pest control companies, like us, have trained professionals who have the knowledge and experience to effectively identify and control thrips infestations. A qualified pest controller will be able to determine the severity of the infestation, the type of thrips present and develop a plan to address the infestation. Safety : Pest control companies use professional-grade pesticides and equipment that are not available to the general public. These products are specially formulated to target specific pests and are applied by trained professionals who know how to handle them safely. Efficiency : Registered pest control companies have access to a wide range of tools and techniques to quickly and effectively eliminate thrips infestations. They may use different type of pesticides, integrate pest management techniques, and use equipment that is specifically designed for thrips control. Cost-effective : Hiring a pest control company can save you money in the long run. They will be able to quickly and effectively eliminate the infestation, reducing the need for repeated treatments and minimising crop damage. Monitoring : A pest control company will also monitor the infestation and will advise further on how to prevent future infestations. They may also provide an ongoing preventative service to ensure that thrips populations do not reach damaging levels again. Frequently Asked Questions about Thrips What do thrips look like? Thrips are tiny, slender insects that can range in color from yellow to black. They have fringed wings and are usually less than 2 mm in length. What do thrips eat? Thrips feed on plant tissues, including leaves, flowers, and fruits. They use their sharp, needle-like mouthparts to pierce the surface of the plant and suck out the sap. How do thrips damage plants? Thrips can cause a variety of problems for plants, including discoloration, distorted growth, and reduced yields. They can also act as vectors for plant diseases. How do thrips reproduce? Thrips reproduce sexually, with females laying eggs on or in the plant tissue. The eggs hatch into tiny, wingless nymphs that resemble adults. Are thrips dangerous to humans or pets? Thrips are not dangerous to humans or pets, but they can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Conclusion Hiring a professional qualified pest control company  to get rid of thrips can provide peace of mind and save time and money in the long run. They can help to protect your plants and crops, prevent damage, and ensure that your farm or garden remains productive. A trained commercial pest control  professional will have the technical knowledge and access to a range of professional use products and equipment which are not available to the public. Looking for a Greener Solution? Combat thrips with confidence—and conscience. At PGM Pest Control, we champion Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies that blend science, sustainability, and peace of mind. Our eco-friendly pest control services target thrips without harming pollinators or delicate garden ecosystems. What We Offer: - Use of natural predators like Orius insidiosus and Amblyseius cucumeris. - Low-toxicity treatments and selective biopesticides. - Tailored monitoring pest plans. - Ongoing support to manage pests throughout the growing season. Whether you're a hobbyist or commercial grower, our green approach helps your plants thrive—while keeping ecosystems safe. 👉 Explore our Green IPM Services Call PGM & Son on 01981 540088 or use our emergency number 07964 370 480. You can also email us, contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use the live chat facility on our website and if we’re not available on the live chat for any reason then there’s a handy message service for you to leave your details so we can call you back. PGM and Son Your Local Award Winning Pest Controller We are Herefordshire & Worcestershire Pest Control Services, Driving Excellence in Pest Management. Our BPCA membership proves we’re committed to excellence in every part of our business. Get in touch today for help, support and guidance. 01981 540088

Due to the recent humid conditions, pest controllers are experiencing high volumes of call outs for flea problems. Fleas thrive in humid conditions , which are the perfect environment for the common flea. Dogs tend to be the main source of fleas and that’s unsurprising given that we British love our dogs. Around a quarter of all British householders own a dog and that number has been rising during the pandemic with Brits taking in or purchasing more puppies and dogs. Top 3 Reasons Why we Control Fleas Bites – fleas bite which can cause irritation and itching. Allergies – a significant proportion of the public have allergies and flea bites can cause reactive rashes. Nuisance – no-one likes having fleas, in fact, it makes most people feel a bit squeamish. But if you are a business, fleas can cause major disruption and reputational damage to your business. The DIY Flea Treament We find a lot of people try to tackle a flea problem themselves and can’t understand why they haven’t managed to solve the problem. Eradicating fleas can be a very difficult task and professional, qualified pest controllers often have a much higher chance of success for the following top 3 reasons. Top 3 Reasons Why Pest Controllers have Better Outcomes than DIY Flea Treatments Qualified pest controllers have access to treatments not readily available to the public. Professional pest controllers have been trained to treat flea problems with the maximum chance of success. Experienced pest controllers will understand what actions need to take place, in conjunction with chemical treatments, to resolve the problem and mitigate the risks of having a flea infestation in future. If your DIY treatment hasn’t worked maybe it’s time to call in the professionals Top 3 Signs of a Flea Infestation Bites – if you or your family members are suffering from bites around the ankles and lower legs then you may have a flea problem. Look out for small red spots around 5mm in diameter. Pets scratching – if your pets are scratching more than usual they may have company from fleas. Look for red / brown fleas about 2mm long. Common places to spot fleas are necks of cats and hind quarters of dogs. Jumping – you have an active infestation if you can see fleas jumping around in your carpets or on your furniture. Top Flea Tip: Check your pets for signs of fleas. Look for fleas or flea droppings in the coat of your cat or dog (black faeces which look a little like ground black pepper). Another tip is to back brush your pets or brush them over a piece of white paper to more easily spot the signs of flea droppings. Fleas are a nuisance but it’s quite common to suffer from a flea problem so don’t feel embarrassed about reporting it to your local pest controller. We’ve seen, and heard, it all so what might feel embarrassing to you is something we see quite commonly. Did you know this about fleas? You can easily inherit a flea problem from someone else or from conditions outside of your house. Consider the situation when you move into a rental property and the previous tenant had a flea problem. Or, your dog attracts fleas when out on a walk. It’s nothing to be worried or embarrassed about. Top 3 Tips for Preventing a Flea Infestation Hoover regularly. Pay attention to carpets, rugs, and flooring. Check pets regularly – see our tips above. Regularly wash pet and human bedding at high temperature (check the wash label first). Flea Top Tip for 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.

Introducing The Flea! This week we are excited to carry on with our series of "Pest Trumps" at PGM and Son Pest Control Services with The Flea . Each file is available for free download , and you may use them at work to help identify pests for the protection of your workers and customers. The PGM "Pest Control Trump" set of information cards is created to assist with pest-related issues in the UK. The Flea Fact File The most common type of flea found in the UK is the cat flea (“Ctenocephalides felis”). This flea type is very common and whilst their primary host is cats, the flea will also bite humans and dogs. The dog flea (“Ctenocephalides canis”) also uses a variety of hosts but most commonly targets cats and dogs. Two other types of fleas are bird fleas and human fleas. The bird flea has a very short life span but an impressive breeding stamp and multiplies is significant numbers. Human fleas are thankfully rare in the UK but are known to carry the plague bacteria Yersinia pestis (Y.pestis) also known as the Black Death. Fun Fact about Fleas In the second World War the Japanese tried to use fleas to carry Y.pestis as a biological weapon by dropping them in China. Flea Strength Fleas are tiny and don’t possess great strength, they can cause serious problems in animals and humans as we’ll find out later. Score: 1 Breeding Fleas’ lifecycle is a four-stage process from egg through to adult. This can take between two weeks and eight months depending on environmental factors. A female flea can live up to two years and in that time they can lay around 1500 eggs! Score: 10 Flea Nuisance Factor Fleas carry disease for example myxomatosis which is a serious disease in rabbits and can be spread by fleas. They also bite animals and humans and bites can cause allergic reactions. Young or frail animals can become weak and die of blood loss and lengthy periods of infestation can also cause anaemia in pets. Flea larvae can become infected with tapeworm eggs so pets can become a host to this parasite as well. So all round the tiny flea can cause some serious health issues in both animals and humans. Score: 10 Flea Agility Fleas are the Olympic high jumpers of the pest world. A flea can jump at least 100 times their own body length and have been known to reach up to 200 times. Score: 8 Environmental All organisms, including fleas, are part of the food chain. Whether they are consumed by animals, microorganisms or fungi, they help keep nutrients flowing through the system of life. Fleas score pretty low in this category though. Score: 1 Flea Superpower: Enhanced Leap We have to put the flea down for the enhanced leap. To put their jumping skills into context, if humans were to jump as well as fleas they would be able to leap over the Shard in London so that’s pretty amazing!! Overall PGM Pest Trumps Flea Rating 4/10 The flea scores well on its ability to jump to great heights but these disease spreaders score low for their nuisance factor and danger to public health. << Free Dowlnoad for Schools >> To aid with pest-related issues in the UK, PGM & SON are creating a complete variety of "Pest Trump" documents that are available for the pest management industry and the general public to download for free. Subscribe to our blog if you want to stay up to date with all of our current developments on the Pest Trump line. If you have a flea problem, it’s usually best to call in the professionals. For flea fumigation and control services give PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire a call on 01981 540088 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use the live chat facility on ou website and if we’re not available on the live chat for any reason then there’s a handy message service for you to leave your details so we can call you back.

If you’re suffering from itchy lumps or experiencing bites on your skin, then you’re right to be concerned as you may have a bed bug or flea problem. Bites and itching are often the first sign of a problem and usually when someone gets in touch with pest control. As the weather starts to warm up and with more and more of us spending long periods of time indoors, fleas thrive in these conditions. Bed bugs look for human hosts to feed on and with the property market currently booming and sale and rental properties going on and off the market regularly this creates a problem as bedbugs lie dormant waiting for their next human host to take up residence. This week we’ll take a look at common signs for both bedbugs and fleas as people often mix up the two when the first sign is bites. Where are bedbugs and fleas commonly found? Bed Bugs tend to lay their eggs in cracks and crevices near human hosts so often will be found in bedrooms. Common areas we find evidence of bedbug activity are bed frames; skirting boards; behind loose wallpaper and plug sockets. These are all ideal places for bedbugs to hide out and lay their eggs. Fleas love a pet so often people first spot signs on fleas on their dogs or cats but fleas can also be found in pets’ bedding; furniture; carpets and rugs. TOP BED BUG TIP: Back brush your pets or brush over a piece of paper to spot fleas or their droppings more easily Bites – bed bugs or fleas? Bed bugs mostly feed at night on their human host so you may find itchy red spots or lumps on your body. Flea bites, on the other hand, tend to be around the ankles and legs and typically are a small red spot around 5mm in diameter. Am I spotting a bed bug or flea? Take a closer look at your bedding, bed frame and mattress for signs of bed bugs such as dark ink line spots or blood smears. Also, you may find your laundry and bedding smells unpleasant. Check pets for fleas – are your pets scratching? Look closely at carpets and rugs – fleas jump! Treating your bed bugs or fleas A common complaint we hear from people is that they have tried to treat bedbugs and fleas themselves but they keep coming back. Whilst it is possible to treat bedbugs and fleas yourself DIY treatments don’t usually work in our experience. That’s because DIY treatments aren’t as effective as those used by qualified pest controllers who have access to solutions that aren’t available to the general public. Fleas and bedbugs can be extremely unpleasant and people sometimes leave it until the problem gets really bad before they report it because they feel embarrassed. This often leads to people trying to treat the problem themselves unsuccessfully. NEVER BE EMBARRASSED TO REPORT A BEDBUG OR FLEA PROBLEM Pest controllers have seen and heard it all so there’s no need to feel embarrassed about a bed bug or flea problem. It’s important to remember that a flea or bedbug problem isn’t something you have caused. Calling in pest control as soon as you think you may have a bed bug or flea problem will not only stop the problem getting worse but it can often put your mind at rest. PGM & Son Pest Control Services cover all local areas throughout the counties of Herefordshire  and Worcestershire Get in touch today for pest help, support and guidance. 01981 540088 or email us contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

As the weather takes a turn for the colder and the wind and rain set in, with winter looming sooner than we’d all like, we are already starting to see a rise in calls for rats and mice across the county of Herefordshire and Worcestershire . As rats and mice begin looking for places to shelter in the warm, we’re advising Herefordshire residents and Herefordshire business owners to keep an eye out for the signs of rats and mice and to take early action to prevent an infestation . As always, at PGM & Son Pest Control Herefordshire, we encourage people to take proactive steps to reduce access to their properties to rodents by carrying out simple, and often at little cost, preventative measures. Most of us are never far away from a rat as there are around 10 million rats in the UK! Top Ten signs you have a rat or mouse problem What to look out for: Coming in at number one is NOISES . Rats and mice can, and do, make a lot of noise. If you hear scratching, crawling or scrabbling in areas such as your loft, in the kitchen behind appliances in your utility or laundry room, attics and cellars then you may have a rat or mouse problem. Often people report very noisy unwanted guests to us – if your unwanted pest guest is very noisy it is more likely to be a squirrel than a rodent. At number two, we focus on DROPPINGS . Rat droppings tend to be spindle shaped, blunt droppings around 1½-2cm long for the brown rat and pointed and around 1½ cm long for the black rat. Mouse droppings are similar in shape but much smaller at around ¼ inch. At number three, its RAT URINE – rat urine has a very strong and distinctive smell. Next up is GREASY MARKS . Look out for greasy marks on your walls and skirting boards to identify evidence of rats. Another tell tale sign is GNAW MARKS . Both rats and mice chew. They can cause damage to electrical cables and other materials. Rats can chew through even strong materials such a metal pipes. If you spot signs of gnawing or chewing don’t ignore it as it could cause a major problem such as electrical fires. Just over the halfway point now and spotting signs of POSSIBLE ENTRY POINTS is another sign you may have a rat or mice problem. Look for gaps in your brick work or gaps around pipes and cables which extend to outside your property. Popular entry points are drains so make sure yours are in good order and preferably with drain covers to prevent access. Following on from gnaw marks, EVIDENCE OF CHEWING . Pieces of cardboard and soft materials which have been chewed may be signs rodents are using these to build nests. Another popular sign, coming in at number eight is RAT HOLES AND BURROWS AND RAT AND MICE NESTS . A sure fire sign you have a rodent issue. At number nine we have FOOTPRINTS AND TRACKS another clear sign you have a rat or mice problem. And finally, at number ten….. RATS AND MICE . If you see them, you’ve got them and you should call in a professional pest controller such as PGM & Son Pest Control to help you eradicate your rodent problem. Rodent Health Risks Rodents can pose a serious health risk to humans. Rats carry diseases such as Leptospirosis or Weil's disease, Salmonella, Listeria, Toxoplasma gondii and Hantavirus which can be passed onto humans. Business owners, especially those operating in the food and hospitality sector are strongly advised to consider a regular pest management program to ensure that they mitigate the risk of rodents spreading infection to customers / the general public. Those operating in the food supply business have a legal duty to manage pests and employers have a legal obligation to keep their employees safe. The HSS report around 40 cases of Weil’s disease every year. Two types of rat tapeworm spread to humans though eggs found in rat faeces. So it’s something to take seriously. Don’t panic if you have a rat or mice problem, call PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford on 01981 540088 or 07964 370480 today for advice and solutions. Or visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or drop us an email to: contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk Don’t let a rodent problem get worse – rats and mice breed rapidly. Rats become sexually mature in around 3 months. Females may produce 3 to 12 litters of between 6 and 8 young in a year so what may start as a small problem can quickly escalate. – Call in the professional pest controllers today to sort out your rodent problem -

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

This week our new Pest Control Technician Joe Martin takes a look at Anticoagulants versus Cholecalciferol. Key Takeaway The use of Cholecalciferol over anti-coagulants is greatly preferred due to its ability to control rodents with greatly reduced risk of impact both the to environment and non-target species. Cholecalciferol is a rodenticide that can be used on both rats and mice. Using Cholecalciferol for rodent control has numerous benefits; this bait can control the rodent population within as little as seven days meaning that the rodenticide doesn’t have to be in the environment for extended periods of time. This means there is less chance of a non-target species accessing the poison coupled with the fact that Cholecalciferol does not have any secondary poisoning affects. The benefit of this is that damage to the environment is heavily reduced in comparison to anticoagulant poisons, which take an extended period of time to eradicate the rodent. Anti-coagulant use prolongs the extermination period resulting in rodents being more likely to die outside (7 days for the rodenticide to work) meaning the likelihood of the rodent being eaten by non-target species is increased in anticoagulant rodenticides. With anticoagulant poisons, if a non-target species eats a dead rodent that has been poisoned, they can be poisoned through secondary poisoning. However, with Cholecalciferol, there is no secondary poisoning so even if a non-target species eats the rodent the poison will not be transferred to the non-target species . Due to the significant increase in non-target species found to be poisoned by rodenticides, the likelihood is anticoagulants will be banned in the future. Environmental contamination is a high risk in anticoagulant rodenticides as they are not biodegradable but with Cholecalciferol it does not persist in the earth or in the water meaning the long term affects to non-target species like amphibians is greatly reduced. Study Conclusion The use of Cholecalciferol over anti-coagulants is greatly preferred due to its ability to control rodents with greatly reduced risk of impact both the to environment and non-target species. OUR FAMILY AND PET FRIENDLY TECHNOLOGIES HAVE MADE PGM & SON A LEADER IN ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PEST CONTROL - WE ARE REDEFINING THE INDUSTRY. Because we’re a local, family run business we genuinely care about our community. Residents and commercial businesses of Herefordshire and Worcestershire who deal with PGM & SON recognise this in their support of our business by coming back to us in future and referring us to others. All our technicians are highly trained and certified pest controllers. For rodent control services contact PGM & Son Pest Control on 01981 540088 or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Fleas on the Rise in Herefordshire and Worcestershire We’ve seen record numbers of fleas across the counties of Herefordshire and Worcestershire 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 the live chat facility on our website, you'll find it on the right hand side of the 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. 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.

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.

As the Winter cold sets in and the heating cranks up, another Winter pest starts causing a problem. TOP 5 REASONS TO GET RID OF COCKROACHES Disease. Cockroaches carry diseases which can cause serious illnesses to humans such as food poisoning, salmonella and streptococcus. These diseases are harmful to humans. Hygiene. Cockroaches move to human habitats through sewers and drains, contaminating everything they come into contact with which includes food, food preparation surfaces and crockery and utensils. They also emit partially digested food stuffs and faeces whilst on the move. Not a pleasant thought! Reputation . Cockroaches pose a reputational risk for Hereford businesses and particularly those which operate in the food and drink sector. In the age of social media, images of businesses’ premises circulate rapidly and widely across the internet which can cause irreparable damage to a Hereford company’s reputation. No-one wants to share their dinner with a cockroach! Financial. Following on from reason number 3, loss of customers results in a financial impact to a business. It is essential customers have confidence in the hygiene measures in place particularly in food and drink establishments. Enforcement. Linked to reasons 3 & 4, Environmental Health Officers can, and do, issue enforcement notices to Hereford owners of businesses who do not have adequate pest management processes in place and if you’re found to have a pest problem you can usually expect to receive a fine. If you’re found to have repeated issues you may also face legal action. The range of legal powers affecting health and safety enforcement is very wide. Bans, fines and prosecutions are serious matters. Professional pest controllers have the experience and the know-how to treat a cockroach problem. Let’s take a look at where cockroaches like to hide: Inside buildings . Cockroaches don’t, as a rule, like the British climate. Some species can be found outdoors but most are usually found inside. By warm motors such as the back of ovens and fridges . The German cockroach tends to prefer hotter, humid conditions and so these are prime spots. Cool, damp areas like cellars, drains, basements. The Oriental cockroach is a lover of cool and damp places so check out these areas for signs of them. Food and water sources and dark spaces . Other areas to be vigilant around are bathrooms ( behind sinks, showers and baths ); around pipes and laundry appliances especially tumble driers. Heating ducts and boiler rooms are great places for cockroaches to harbour. Pay attention in accommodation where heating is shared such as multiple occupancy buildings. Squeamish Cockroach fact Cockroaches are omnivorous and they have been known to eat human flesh! However, fear not as it is extremely rare for cockroaches to bite humans. Whew! Need to get rid of Cockroaches in Hereford? Whilst there are DIY products that can be used to treat cockroaches, we find that they are rarely successful. This is normally because cockroaches are sturdy little characters. Professional pest controllers have access to treatments not open to the public so they can usually more effectively treat your cockroach problem. If you have a cockroach problem in Hereford give PGM Pest Control Hereford a call on 01981 540088 or 07964 370480 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or 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.

Think you Have a Wood Wasp Problem? Learn all about the Giant Wood Wasp 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. 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 call in a professional Pest controller. It may also be advisable to call a qualified surveyor to inspect property for structural damage. Need some help & advice with a pest problem? We have it covered, contact us today for a free non obligation quote. Need a pest controller for wood wasp nest removal in Hereford and the surrounding areas? PGM Pest Control Herefordshire and Worcestershire  deals with all aspects of wasp nest removal for both domestic and commercial properties. Our prices are reasonable, 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 across Herefordshire and Worcestershire and a member of NPTA. PGM & Son Pest Control carries comprehensive public liability insurance. If you think you have a wasp problem don’t delay – call us today. For a quick response and low costs, call us today. Call us on 01981 540088  or call our wasp pest technician Phil on directly 07964 370480 . Or, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or you can use the contact us page. Need Pest Advice, Support or Guidance? Use the Live Chat Facility on our Website.