Search Results

It is important for us all to remember those who gave their lives for our freedom, and to those who continue to serve our country today and everday. As Remembrance Sunday approaches, we look at the horrors of WWI through a pest lens. Rats were often referred to as corpse rats. In their millions they swarmed through No-Mans Land and gnawed on the corpses of the fallen soldiers. Rat’s Presence in the Trenches As so many of the soldiers who were killed in the trenches were buried where they fell - as new trenches were needed to be dug or existing ones subsided significant numbers of decomposing bodies were exposed just below the surface - this would attract rats in their millions. Food disposal methods were absent and this gave the rats an attractive food source with discarded cans thrown just outside of the trenches. How Rats Impacted Soldiers’ Lives Rats would creep over the soldiers in the night and rat hunting became a sport when boredom set in. The soldiers weren’t allowed to shoot rats as ammunition was precious and had to be preserved but instead, they used their bayonets to pierce them. How the Rats Contributed to the Spread of Diseases Rats loved the trenches as conditions were ideal for them. There was shelter, food and water source for them, and this enabled them to breed rapidly and in their millions. As the rats become bigger and bolder over time, they would even eat food from soldiers’ hands and some soldiers captured and kept them as pets to give them a brief respite from the horrors all around. Disease was rife in the trenches and soldiers could as easily be defeated by disease as by bullets. Diseases such as Weil’s Disease and Trench Foot The Historical Significance of Rats During World War I Some extracts from those in the trenches give us an insight into the appalling conditions these men suffered and how this enabled rats to thrive: Robert Graves remarked in his book, Goodbye to All That: "Rats came up from the canal, fed on the plentiful corpses, and multiplied exceedingly. While I stayed here with the Welch a new officer joined the company and, in token of welcome, was given a dug-out containing a spring-bed. When he turned in that night he heard a scuffling, shone his torch on the bed, and found two rats on his blanket tussling for the possession of a severed hand." George Coppard gave another reason why the rats were so large: "There was no proper system of waste disposal in trench life. Empty tins of all kinds were flung away over the top on both sides of the trench. Millions of tins were thus available for all the rats in France and Belgium in hundreds of miles of trenches. During brief moments of quiet at night, one could hear a continuous rattle of tins moving against each other. The rats were turning them over." The Psychological Effects of Seeing and Living with Rats Some of these rats grew extremely large. Harry Patch claimed that "there were rats as big as cats". Another soldier wrote: "The rats were huge. They were so big they would eat a wounded man if he couldn't defend himself." These rats became very bold and would attempt to take food from the pockets of sleeping men. Two or three rats would always be found on a dead body. They usually went for the eyes first and then they burrowed their way right into the corpse. One soldier described finding a group of dead bodies while on patrol: "I saw some rats running from under the dead men's greatcoats, enormous rats, fat with human flesh. My heart pounded as we edged towards one of the bodies. His helmet had rolled off. The man displayed a grimacing face, stripped of flesh; the skull bare, the eyes devoured and from the yawning mouth leapt a rat." These are unimaginable horrors to us today.

How to choose a trustworthy pest management company | We are BPCA DIY Pest Control Many believe handling a pest problem is as easy as picking up a box of poison. All you need is a can of bug spray, pellets, and a few traps, right? Wrong. We're members of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) the UK's trade body for pest management. Find out what that means here. Do you have a pest problem? BPCA members cover the whole of the UK and can advise and deal with any pest problem you might have. By choosing a BPCA assessed member, you can be assured that the services you receive are from a trained, insured and trusted company that meets our strict membership criteria. BPCA is the professional association for the UK public health pest management industry. The BPCA member logo is earned by our members, so ensure your contractor has it. Pest management is more than pesticides. You need to combine biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools to deal with an infestation for good. Too often, we see botched DIY pest control attempts that result in even larger infestations. We’ve seen amateurs cause serious harm through the incorrect use of chemicals - not only to British wildlife and domestic pets but to themselves and their families. Green pest control - Integrated Pest Management (IPM) For many premises managers, a proactive pest management strategy is low down the list of business priorities. But when selecting a pest control contract, care should be given to specify a contractor that can prevent pests rather than cure their effects and can do this using the minimum of chemicals. When a site embraces the need for proactive pest control and is working towards pesticide-free pest control at that, many pest problems can be stopped in their tracks. Some may not even see the light of day. Green pest control might range from a firm claiming to spray fewer pesticides to one that will use every possible alternative to chemicals including heating, freezing, and deep cleaning. The difference between these approaches is the point at which chemicals are used. At one end of the spectrum chemicals are used at an early stage, at the other they are the very last port of call. Integrated Pest Management As a member of BPCA we practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM). This is a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimises economic, health, and environmental risks. IPM has been around for thousands of years and started when man first became an agrarian society. It protects people and food as well as the environment. Professional pest controllers use the minimum amount of pesticides wherever possible, using other means to limit the pest population through their understanding of the biology and habits of pest species, emphasizing control, not eradication. The alternative treatments administered include targeted measures such as heat treatments, new generation insecticide gels, pheromone lures and pesticide free materials in preference to the more traditional insecticidal spray treatments that are often dispersed over a wide area. Routinely placed rodent bait boxes full of toxic bait must be replaced by non-toxic monitoring stations which pick up the earliest signs of an infestation. This is a legal requirement via the product registration process for rodenticides (Biocidal Product Regulations). Why should your Pest Control Contractor be Green? But what is the business case for 'green' pest control? Apart from saving your business money by preventing infestation, contractors who practice IPM will also work with you to change the culture of your organisation, helping all your employees to change behaviours and thus make your premises less attractive to pests. Site managers should not overlook the importance of implementing simple but effective pest prevention measures including finding and proofing possible pest entry points into the property such as holes around pipes, weep joints and air vents, installing fly screens, and having electronic fly killers in catering areas and front-of-house. An infestation could have its origins in a delivery or even brought in by unsuspecting staff or visitors – pests can be adept at hitch-hiking. Therefore staff should be vigilant, especially when checking incoming deliveries and look for evidence of pests. One area of concern is the rise in the number of sites reporting bed bugs, which might surprise many people who associate this pest with houses and cheap hotels. Visitors and staff are unwittingly bringing them into the building, attached to their clothes or other personal belongings. However, if members of staff know how to spot the earliest signs of a bed bug infestation and crucially where to look for bed bugs, the problem can be contained with professionally delivered chemical-free heat treatment. "When I think of Pest Control I always think of BPCA. Contractors who have their logo show that they follow the high standards set by the Association" - Hygiene & Facilities Manager, Devro. Working together to be Pest Free One significant issue to note: IPM will not work without the active involvement of both the pest control contractor and the client. If the client carries out the relevant cleaning, proofing and other measures, control of infestation is established faster, more efficiently and with less risk. Whether it’s Rats, Mice, Bed Bugs, Wasps, Cockroaches or even Birds Pests must be dealt with by people with the appropriate skills to get the job done quickly, humanely and safely. DRIVING EXCELLENCE IN PEST MANAGEMENT PGM & SON is an Award Winning, family run, Pest Control Services & Solutions. PGM & Son provide pest control advice, support & guidance to individuals and businesses across Herefordshire & Worcestershire. We also offer a variety of techniques, including pesticide free and organic solutions, preventative and proofing works and more traditional methods. We are available 24 hours a day to eradicate your pest problems - rats, mice, flies, fleas, squirrels, moles, rabbits, cockroaches, clothes & carpet moth, carpet beetles, bedbugs, wasps, bees, hornets, and birds. Call us now for a personal, polite, smart and professional service on 01981251116.

1st August 2021 We are proud to announce that PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford has been accepted as a member of a national trade body representing excellence, professionalism and best practice in the pest control industry. PGM & SON, based in Herefordshire, has become a member of the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), the UK’s biggest trade body for the sector. The company had to fulfil strict membership criteria to gain BPCA membership and Pest Controller and Owner, Phil Martin said the move demonstrated a commitment to providing an excellent service to customers in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire area. Phil Martin said: “BPCA promotes the highest standards of professionalism within the industry and every business must prove its competence before membership is accepted. “Joining the association gives assurance to our customers that we’re meeting high standards in everything we do and provides us with opportunities to access on-going training and expert advice. “BPCA membership also gives us technical and business support as well as a great communications network keeping us abreast of the latest industry developments alongside providing opportunities to grow our business. “Anyone can find themselves with an unexpected pest situation and clients need to have confidence that the people they ask for help know how to tackle the issue in the most effective way. “Our BPCA membership immediately demonstrates we take what we do seriously and that we work to best practices within the industry.” The BPCA works with pest control companies of all shapes and sizes, offering a range of technical advice, business support and access to the latest expert guidance. The trade body also provides training courses and seminars as well as assistance with legislation, marketing and Continuous Professional Development schemes. Ian Andrew, chief executive of BPCA, said: “Membership of the BPCA requires businesses to be insured, with qualified staff who adhere to our Codes of Conduct and Best Practice. “Pest control can be a complex industry, with an extensive knowledge of products, procedures and legislation required to find the most appropriate solution to a pest problem. “Our members benefit from access to a host of support services and from the diverse membership options we offer, bringing together grass roots pest controllers working on the ground, manufacturers and distributors, specialists, experts and members of the international pest control community.” For more information about the BPCA, visit: https://bpca.org.uk/ The British Pest Control Association is the UK trade association representing organisations with a professional interest in the eradication of public health pests. It is a not-for-profit organisation which acts in the interests of members and on behalf of the pest management industry in the UK. The Association places great importance on promoting the highest standards of professionalism within the industry and all organisations must prove their competence before membership is accepted. It highlights risks of inadequate control, offers guidance in searching for a pest control contractor, provides general pest advice and guidance documentation.

The two main hornets we might find in the UK are the Asian hornet and the European hornet. Asian hornet alert! Asian hornets don’t pose any greater risk to humans than the European hornet but they do pose a serious threat to honey bee populations. Asian hornets can, cause major damage to honeybee colonies and that’s not on! As Herefordshire knows, at PGM & Son Pest Control we LOVE OUR BEES #LETTHEMBEE It is crucial that any potential sightings are reported so experts can take quick and effective action to eradicate Yellow-Legged Asian Hornets. The best way is to use the 'Asian Hornet Watch' app to record and report any sightings. The app is available for both Apple and Android devices. Photos and videos can also be sent by email to: alertnonnative@ceh.ac.uk Yellow-Legged Asian Hornet Sightings and Incursion Map > A HORNET PROBLEM Hornets are big, much bigger than the common wasp and due to their size and features their appearance can be alarming. Hornets also make a very loud buzzing noise which can be quite frightening, particularly near a hornet nest. Hornets can sting multiple times and, due to the level of venom they carry a single hornet sting can be extremely painful. Some members of the public may have allergies, and these can sometimes cause anaphylaxis which is very serious and requires immediate medical attention. ARE HORNETS GOOD FOR ANYTHING? Yes! Hornets are Mother Nature’s pest controller. Hornets feed on aphids, so they are great for gardeners. Hornets are also important pollinators. REASONS NOT TO FEAR HORNETS Despite their fearsome appearance hornets aren’t an aggressive pest. Hornets are quite shy insects and, away from their nest, it’s very rare to encounter a run-in with a hornet. HOW TO GET RID OF HORNETS If you do have a hornets’ nest it is best to call in the professional pest controllers. In Herefordshire call award-winning pest controllers at PGM & Son Pest Control for Hornet Nest Removal. You should never approach or touch a hornets’ nest or attempt to move it Hornets will attack under threat and professional pest controllers have the training and equipment to deal with hornets. If you have a hornets’ nest don’t panic, give PGM & Son Pest Control a call on 01981 540088 for a free no-obligation chat. If you prefer, you can email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use the AI Pest Assist 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!

No-one will dispute that the last year has been difficult. This week we’re taking a look at what the pest industry has been reporting over the last 12 months. In March 2020, the British Pest Control Association reported that pest control was critical to sustaining public health during the Covid-19 crisis. The BPCA reported that although pest control workers had gained key worker status in the USA, France, Germany, Italy and other countries, this was not the case in the UK. The BPCA started to lobby Government on behalf of pest controllers. In the same month, the BPCA urged householders to remain vigilant to pest infestations, following concerns about bin collections during the first lockdown. In April 2020 the BPCA published survey results showing a significant increase in rat and mice activity during the pandemic. April also saw pest controllers confirmed as having key worker status by George Eustice, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). And, in May, the BPCA urged businesses to think about maintaining pest control during lockdown and why and how fast pests can thrive in closed premises. Businesses were given advice by the BPCA in June 2020 to be pest ready to re-open after lockdown. September 2020 saw the BPCA publishing two articles on controlling grey squirrels and preventative advice for squirrel management. October and November 2020 were all about cockroaches as the heating started to be turned up as we entered Autumn. And as we entered the Winter months from November through to February 2021, the BPCA reported on rodents, rodent control and avian flu. It also reported on the impact of lockdown on pest control. Overall, we’ve seen the pest cycle remain broadly similar to normal years. The pest control industry has reported a rise in pest activity which has been exacerbated by factors arising from the pandemic and the lockdown restrictions. As we head to more normal life again, once thing is for sure – pests management and control will continue to be needed. Wasp season is almost upon us and as we start to see the numbers of wasp related call outs across Herefordshire, it’s a good time to remind Hereford residents and businesses to call your local, reliable wasp control. PGM & Son Wasp Control Hereford – we’re the wasp guys you need this Summer! For all your wasp problems call wasp control Hereford. 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 help, advice and guidance so don’t worry about your pest problems, give us a call now!

As we’ve started to receive some early call outs to deal with wasps’ nests, this week we’re focusing on the wasp. As the wasp season looms large PGM & Son Wasp Control Hereford is giving Herefordshire residents a heads up on the wasp. Despite having a fierce reputation, the wasp isn’t all bad. WASP FACT No1: Wasps are early pollinators and that means they are good for the environment! WASP ALERT – leave the wasps to do their good pollination work wherever possible. Where are wasps most beneficial in Hereford? Wasps are particularly beneficial in gardens as natural predators, controlling insect pests such as greenfly. Wasps also feed their grubs on caterpillars and other insects and this reduces other pest populations. This is how wasps play an important ecological role across Herefordshire. Living with a wasps’ nest isn’t always practical or feasible though. Sometimes a wasp nest may be in an inconvenient place or a wasp nest may be a public health issue where someone in your home suffers from allergic reactions. If you’re being plagued by wasps then call PGM & Son Wasp Control Hereford for help. We can treat wasps’ nests for you. Why am I seeing wasps now? Queen wasps emerge from hibernation from March through to May normally so you may start seeing them around this time of year. WASP FACT No2: Queen wasps get their sweet sugary liquids as nectar from flowers making them valuable pollinators. Lots of people mistakenly assume that they must have a nest when Queens emerge in spring and sadly many of the queens are killed off. Important! Leave the Queen Be! Long live the Queen! Don’t be afraid if you see a Queen wasp. Two tips to dealing with a Queen wasp sighting: Open up your windows to let the Queen wasp escape Block entry points into your property from the outside to “wasp proof” your property As the wasp season gets underway, wasps’ nests often increase in size, and this is when wasps may cause an issue. Apart from being a nuisance, wasps can often present a serious risk to public health. If you have a wasps’ nest, it’s best not to treat it yourself. Treating wasps’ nests can be extremely dangerous as wasps can become extremely aggressive if threatened. Unlike bees, wasps don’t die after one sting and multiple stings from multiple wasps can be extremely painful and, in severe cases, fatal. To keep yourself and your family and customers from harm, always call in the wasp professionals. Wasp controllers have access to a range of solutions to treat wasps which are not available to the public. Wasp guys also wear protective clothing to avoid being stung and wasp controllers are trained to deal with wasps’ nests. If you can, let your wasps, especially the Queens, do their early pollination work and keep an eye out for nests in your home or business in Herefordshire. If you do have a wasp problem, give PGM & Son Wasp Control Hereford a call – we offer a fast, reliable, local wasp next removal service across Herefordshire. For all your pest control needs, give PGM & Son Wasp 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’rhaving-a-problem-with-wasps-we-ve-got-it-coverede always on the end of the ‘phone for advice so don’t worry about your wasp or other pest problems, give us a call now.

Announcement: PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford are Named as Finalists in the National Pest Awards 2021 For the second time in a row, PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford has been selected as finalists in the prestigious pest industry event in the category of Sole Trader of the Year 2021. Having won the category in the British Pest Management Awards in 2019, PGM & SON Pest Control are absolutely delighted to announce they have again been selected as finalists. Phil Martin, owner, and pest controller at PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been named as finalists in this important industry event which recognises those who have excelled across the pest industry in the UK. We’re very much looking forward to attending the awards ceremony with colleagues and peers.” British Pest Management Awards winners 2019 – PGM & Son Pest Control Wish PGM & Son Pest Control good luck for the National Pest Awards Final 2021 at the House of Commons in September. The award ceremony will be held at the House of Commons on 9th September 2021 where the winners will be announced before the celebrations move to London County Hall. #PESTAwards21 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 pest advice, support and guidance 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 -