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ROYAL ASSENT HAS BEEN GIVEN TO BAN USE OF GLUE BOARDS IN WALES From 17th October 2023, use of rodent glue boards will be banned in Wales. The ban, under The Agriculture (Wales) Act 2023 was given Royal Assent on 17th August 2023. This means that use of rodent glue boards in Wales can carry a penalty of imprisonment for up to six months or an unlimited fine, in line with most of the Part 1 offences within the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Although industry organisations lobbied to retain use of rodent glue boards by professionals, they were unable to influence the outcome. Wales therefore becomes the first nation in the UK to introduce a ban on the use of rodent glue boards. Commenting on the ban, Phil Martin of PGM & Son Pest Control operating in Herefordshire on the border of Wales, said: "The ban and its possible extension to other nations across the UK won’t impact us. We operate an integrated rodent management approach; we encourage prevention over eradication, proofing, good housekeeping and hygiene is essential and where eradication is necessary it should be short-term putting less chemicals into the environment for shorter periods of time. This reduces the risk to non-target species as well as the environment. Removing food sources may be a necessity and other non-chemical options include use of traps and monitoring so glue boards aren’t necessary.” “We’ve never used rodent glue boards; I understand that many pest controllers do feel there is a place for them but I disagree. The ban means many pest controllers will have to change the way they manage rodent infestations. If you are suffering from a rodent infestation call in the professionals. PGM & SON Rodent Control Hereford and Worcester for all your rat and mice problems. Call 01981 540088 or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use the live chat on our website.

Wishing Joe Martin best of luck at the National Pest Awards in London on 7th September. Joe has made it to the finals in the Young Pest Controller of the Year category and we couldn’t be prouder! Congratulations for making it to the finals Joe! Making it to the finals is a massive achievement and reflects all your hard work and perseverance. Taking the rough with the smooth, learning from mistakes and not letting the knock backs get you down. Making the effort to improve your knowledge and skills and striving to be the best pest controller you can. Well done! Have an amazing night and good luck from all at PGM & Son Pest Control Limited. JOE MARTIN, PEST CONTROLLER – BEST IN THE WEST A few of Joe's reviews! When you're in need of a dependable local Pest Control Service in Herefordshire or Worcestershire, don’t hesitate, contact PGM & SON today, we are a family run business that is near you and open 7 days a week. Because we’re a local, family run business we genuinely care about our community. Residents of Hereford and Worcester who deal with PGM & SON recognise this in their support of our business by coming back to us and referring us to others. What kind of pests do we treat? Our Award winning services help remove pests from rats, to wasps, silverfish, pigeons, bed bugs, and cockroaches, PGM & SON Pest Control is expert in treating every pest in your household or business premises. Give us a call or use the online booking system and let our pest exterminators get rid of your pest problems without delay. Wasp Removal Rat & Rodent Removal Ants Bed Bugs Carpet Beetles Cluster Flies Cockroaches Fleas Pest Waste Removal Woodworm Control Commercial Pest Control Inspect. Detect. Protect. The Right People, The Right Solutions. ​ A family run business, proud to say that we put our customers first. Pest Control Services Hereford & Worcester T: 01981 540088 | M: 07964 370480 E: contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk © PGM & SON LTD. 2023 | All rights reserved

No two days are the same in the life of a pest controller. We often get asked, 'What is a day in the life of a pest control technician'?. What starts out as a quiet day of carrying out some routine servicing of customers can quickly change as the calls for help come in, particularly during the busiest times of the year which are usually wasp season and rat season. Although as the climate continues to change so do the “normal” pest cycles and seasons that we see meaning that, for example, rats become more of an all-year round pest and wasp seasons start earlier and continue for longer than before. What do pest controllers do? A pest controller’s day can be a matter of a hour or run well into the evening and weekends depending on the season and number of pest problems that arise. Most people think a pest controllers' job is to eradicate pests, but this isn’t true at all! A pest technician’s main job is to control pests, that’s true, but to do so in a way that balances the needs of the public, the pest, the environment and the business. That’s not an easy balancing act! What are the pros and cons of being a pest control technician? Pest technicians will always look for the least harmful method to control pests. That’s not always simple to do with lots of competing interests. For example, members of the public won’t always want to pay for multiple visits to trap rodents particularly with a cost-of-living crisis. Understandably they want their rat problem to be solved in the quickest and cheapest way possible and they might not be willing to pay for a pest controller to visit lots of times to set traps; something they think they can probably do themselves! What is an eco friendly pest management system? Pest controllers play an important role in educating people about pests and the environment. For example, helping the public to understand how critical bees are for our ecosystem and how important it is to #leavethembee where at all possible. Read more about our Integrated Pest Management services. Pest controllers are also often a sounding board for people’s distress and anger. They need to have good listening skills as people are commonly in distress when they call for assistance with a pest issue. The pest controller needs to be able to put the pest problem into context and to be able to offer advice and reassurance. Often the pest controller will be visiting elderly or people living on their own or in difficult circumstances and so pest controllers might be the only person that customer has seen for some time. Taking time out of their day to spend having a cup of tea and a chat with that person can make a real difference to that person’s life. So, as you’ve seen, a pest controllers’ job is varied and challenging but always rewarding. And we’ll leave this by saying that pest controllers don’t always come across the pest they are looking for – this week one of our pest technicians came across this lovely grass snake on his travels. At PGM & SON, we see some wonderful wildlife when we’re about and about..which is another great part of our job! If you are looking for a reliable, trustworthy pest control services near you in Herefordshire or Worcestershire then give us a call - 01981 540088 or if you have an emergency pest problem call our mobile on 07964 370480, you can also email us contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for advice and support. 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. 2023 | All rights reserved T: 01981 540088 | M: 07964 370480 contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

What effect does stockpiling have on pest activity? With the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) this week reporting a surge in pest activity in the Covid-19 lockdown, this week we’re looking at the effects of stockpiling. Over half of all pest controllers polled reported an increase in rat activity and 41% increase in mice activity. The BPCA reported that “We’ve had reports of rats and mice infesting empty buildings and it seems their lifestyle patterns are changing”. This surge in rodent activity is consistent with the calls and enquiries we’ve been receiving at PGM & Son Pest Control. So what’s causing this increase in rodent activity? There are a number of factors which can be attributed to this rise in pest activity but this week we’re looking at the issue of stockpiling. 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. One of the effects of the Covid-19 restrictions is the ability to continue normal household shopping routines. Although the Government and Supermarket chains have confirmed there is no issue with food supplies, the fact is there is a continued distribution issue which may explain why some people are stockpiling food stuffs. People self-isolating may not be able to easily access food supplies, and this could be one reason for purchasing more than is needed. For those who are well enough to venture to their local supermarket, they may feel anxious about the restrictive measures in place or find the additional time needed to carry out a weekly shop can be stressful and so they too may buy more than is required to avoid the need to go out as regularly as they would normally. Delivery and click and collect services continue to be in short supply. Although more slots are become available priority, rightly, is given to vulnerable individuals. Where people can get a slot, they may buy more than they usually would as there is no certainty about when they might next get a delivery or collection. For some people, it continues to be a concern about the ongoing availability of essential items such as flour, eggs, pasta and even toilet roll! This is why we have seen shelves in these aisles emptier than usual. It is clear that people’s shopping behaviours and patterns are adjusting to the changes in normal lifestyles and although there has been much talk about easing restrictions of late, the Government has indicated there will be no immediate lift to the lock down. If restrictions do ease at some point, the Government has also made clear that life will be unlikely to return to normal for many, many months to come. What does all this have to do with pests? As restrictions continue and people purchase more than is necessary for one or more of the reasons explained above, this “stockpiling” can lead to issues with pests. We’ve had some lovely weather recently which has been great for sitting in the garden or enjoying a daily exercise activity but the hot weather can create additional problems for those stockpiling foods, particularly perishable goods. The National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) has warned households about the public health and pest control dangers posed by stockpiling and hoarding during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic. Good housekeeping is more vital than ever They key issues to bear in mind are: Stockpiling means that there is more food to attracts rats and mice Hot weather can make food go off more quickly, particularly perishable goods, meaning more waste. Rodents aren’t fussy about the freshness of their food! More food waste means more refuse to store at home. Bins are often overflowing before the refuse collectors are able to take it away Overflowing bins provide a great opportunity for rodents to access food sources. Other animals such as cats and foxes can also scavenge for food and they often leave food stuffs and wrappers strewn across floor surfaces which will attract rodents When the bins are full, people pile bags next to them. This provides great cover to attract rodents which often won’t be spotted at the bottom of the pile Householders are storing foods in different areas because of restricted space in normal storage spaces. For example, they may use conservatories, outbuildings and garages to store food items which increase their attractiveness to rodents Rodents are becoming bolder and braver and more innovative in finding food and shelter during lockdown. Rodents usually try to avoid humans but with less of us out on the streets, they are becoming braver in roaming freely where they wouldn’t normally be seen. What can you do to reduce your risk of a rodent infestation? There are some simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of inviting rodents into your property, such as: Try not to stockpile if you can. There are enough supplies for everyone so think about how you can best ensure you can access shopping services so that you can avoid having to buy more than you need Put rubbish in an outside bin as soon as possible Make sure bins have tight sealing lids Be vigilant – check that your food items for signs of pest or pest activity such as droppings or gnaw marks Consider carefully where to store your food items – remember that outbuildings and garages are at increased risk from pests as they tend to be less secure than our homes Regularly check your property for possible entry points – seal holes and cracks and pay particularly attention to pipes and drains Keep bushes and shrubs away from your buildings if you can – this can screen rodent activity otherwise Clean your work surfaces, tables and floors regularly to avoid a build up of food which may also attract pests 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! If you are worried about your safety during the Covid-19 pandemic ask us about our control measures so that we can set your mind at rest. We carry a letter from the Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Minister of State for Business, Energy and Clean Growth which sets out the circumstances in which pest control can continue to be carried out safely for the public. Ask us if you would like to see a copy as we are happy to share this with you. PGM PEST CONTROL - PROTECTING YOUR WORLD 🌍

At PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford we don’t just offer pest control and pest eradication services, we also offer pest waste cleaning and removal services. See how effective our pigeon guano cleaning service is from the photos below of the recent pigeon guano cleaning job we carried out at a public house in Herefordshire. We’ve worked with expert buildings restoration partners to ensure historic buildings are clear of pest waste prior to restoration works being carried out so we’ve got the experience and contacts to help you to restore your historic building to its former glory. And, we don’t just handle pigeon guano. We carry out cleaning and waste removal for all sorts of pest waste problems including bird mess and rodent droppings and urine. We’re experts in cleaning pest waste from buildings. PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford also works with landlords to ensure that property letting are free from pest activity and pest waste prior to and after tenancy. We provide a clean bill of health service for landlords which can help with release of deposits from Tenancy Deposit Protection Schemes. Some of the issues PGM & SON Pest Control can help with include: Removal and cleaning of bird droppings from brickwork Cleaning pigeon guano from historic buildings Pest disinfection services End of tenancy pest cleaning services and pest clean bill of health Loft / attic pest waste clearance, removal of contaminated loft insulation and re-insulation services Bird proofing Crime scene cleaning and trauma scene cleaning WHY CLEAN PIGEON GUANO? Pigeon guano is acidic and can corrode stonework, metal and brickwork so it’s important to ensure early intervention to ensure that problem does not become worse. If you’re a business, having a building covered in foul smelling bird droppings isn’t a great image! Customers may not want to do business with you or visit your premises if you have a serious pigeon guano problem. Pigeons also carry a variety of diseases and pigeon guano can become airborne in small particles which can lead to respiratory complaints. In fact, there have been some recent serious issues reported in hospitals alleged to be linked to pigeon droppings. So if you have a building that is covered in pigeon guano, call PGM & Son Hereford carry out professional and safe cleaning and removal for you. Need pigeon guano removal in Hereford & Worcester? Call PGM & SON Pigeon Guano Cleaning and Removal Services today for fast and effective solutions. Schedule a free no-obligation quote today Click Here Call on 01981 241334 / 07964 370480 for advice and guidance. Email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or use our live chat facility at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

As the weather heats up, the pests are starting to wake up too! With reports of increased honey swarm bees across the UK due to the warmer weather off the back of a rainy April and May, we’re looking at what other pests are causing us an issue in May and June. Britain's wasp population set to soar this summer Wasps and hornets can be a major source of concern for many householders and business owners. Wasps and hornets are nuisance pests and, for some, a considerable public health issue. Allergies to wasp and hornet stings can cause significant adverse allergic reactions and in rare cases, fatalities. Call us today to help with your Wasp infestation. We are your local wasp extermination specialists, with emergency response. Family Run Business. Open 7 days a week. Award winning pest control services. Call today on 01981 540088. Bee and wasp stings in dogs; an allergic reaction For dog guardians wasps, hornets and bees can also cause concern as our furry friends can also suffer from insect sting allergies. Puppies in particular can be difficult to manage as they chase these buzzing insects, trying to catch and play with them. A puppy suffering from a wasp, hornet or bee sting can very quickly develop an allergic reaction such as being covered in itchy raised hives which may cause discomfort and distress. In very serious cases, dogs can suffer anaphylaxis just like humans. Learn about wasps Learn about hornets Learn about rats Learn about bed bugs Learn about Pest Prevention Our insect identification service Does warmth attract Insects? Virtually all types of insects thrive and develop faster in warmer weather. Wasps, bees and hornets are all pollinators and therefore critical to our fragile ecosystem. Particularly with bees, it is important to leave them to get on with that important eco work. However, for some people (or their animals!) wasps and hornets can pose a real risk to public health and will need to be treated. So make sure you, your family, customers and furry friends are safe and wasp free this June by calling PGM & SON Wasp Control Hereford for all your wasp and hornet control needs. How The Weather Can Impact Ant Infestations Another pest we tend to see an increase in, as the weather starts to heat up is the ANT! Ants are attracted to sweet foodstuffs and liquids and one reason why we start to see an increase in ants is when people start to eat and drink outside in the nice weather leaving food and drink residues for ants to feed to their larvae and queen. Ants are highly organized and social insects and fascinating to watch. However, they are also a nuisance pest and potential public health issue as they move across worksurfaces, containers and crockery in their search for food. Don’t suffer from ants this June, give PGM & SON Ant Control Hereford and Worcester a call for all your ant control needs. What kind of pests do we treat? From rats, to wasps, silverfish, pigeons, bed bugs, and cockroaches, PGM & SON Pest Control are experts in treating every pest in your household or business premises. We are the local specialist for wasp nest removal and hornet & wasp extermination in Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Call us today or use the online booking system and let our pest exterminators get rid of your pest problems without delay. Inspect. Detect. Protect. The Right People, The Right Solutions. ​ A family run business, proud to say that we put our customers first. Award Winning Pest Control Services, serving Hereford & Worcester T: 01981 540088 | M: 07964 370480 contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk

Quick Navigation To help you find what matters most, we’ve added links below that jump straight to each section. What are Bird Mites Where do Bird Mites live? Can Bird Mites Live on Humans or Pets? How To Know If You Have a Bird Mite Problem Bird Mite Control Steps FAQs Help, Support and Guidance What are Bird Mites Bird mites’ is a collective term for a number of different types of mites that are parasites of different bird species such as pigeons, sparrows, and poultry. Identifying a Bird Mite Bird Mites are tiny little arachnids relative to ticks and spiders. These avian mites can be found in low numbers, close to birds, their nests, and poultry houses, but, if the conditions are favourable, their colony can grow to thousands. Bird mites feed on the blood, skin, and keratin of birds If these hosts are not present, mites can ingress into properties in search for food where they can bite humans and pets such as dogs and cats. Where do Bird Mites live? The conditions for bird mites are warm and moist conditions. They usually live in close proximity to pigeon or other bird nesting areas. This is why they are often found in upstairs in properties where nests are present in attic spaces or roof spaces. They will travel distances to find food if a nest doesn’t provide them with the food they need. Inside properties, pigeon mites usually gravitate towards the windows and ceilings and loft spaces. Once inside, mites will burrow into fabric material, cracks, and crevices to lay their eggs. Can Bird Mites Live on Humans or Pets? Bird mites are adaptable and can infest a variety of mammals such as dogs, cats, mice, rats, and other domestic animals. Regularly check your pets for parasites Even if there are no nests nearby mites can travel on other animals into homes and businesses. If there are no animal hosts available the bird mite will bite humans although usually, the insect can’t survive on human blood alone. Bird mites require a host to survive, so they will usually die within three weeks if they do not find one. Because of their tiny size, mites are extremely difficult to identify and very difficult to eradicate / control. How To Know If You Have a Bird Mite Problem? If you suspect a bird mite infestation, it is crucial to identify and eliminate the source, such as removing bird nests and thoroughly cleaning affected areas. Consulting a pest control professional may also be necessary to effectively manage the infestation. Bites The best way is to rule out other potential sources of bites. For example fleas and bed bugs. If you’ve ruled those out along with mosquitos then you may have a bird mite problem. Crawling sensation If you sense a crawling sensation at night this could be a sign, as bird mites tend to feed at night. Rule out similar causes As mentioned above, try and rule out other potential more common sources such as fleas or bed bugs. Environment clues Check the humidity levels in your home as high humidity is an ideal condition for bird mites. Bird activity nearby The most obvious clue are nests. If you have found nests and you’ve got bites, the chances of you having a mite issue are increased. The best way to get rid of bird mites is a professional removal and insecticide treatment of the bird nest and a clean-up of the area with a biocide, which can be done by a qualified pest controller. Bird Mite Control Steps Professional services generally follow these steps to control bird mites: Locate and Remove Nests: The primary source of infestation (usually old nests in chimneys, eaves, or vents) is identified and removed. Insecticide Application: Specialised insecticides (e.g., Sterifab) are applied to infested areas to kill mites. Sanitisation: The area is cleaned to remove any remaining mites or debris. Proofing: Preventative measures are installed to prevent birds from nesting there again (e.g., netting, spikes, sealing gaps). Important Considerations Lifecycle: Bird mites require a bird host to survive, but they can bite humans and pets when the host leaves. Timing: Infestations often spike in late spring and summer when baby birds leave their nests. Identification: While they cause intense itching, they generally do not survive for long on human blood alone. Treatment: While waiting for professional help, affected areas can be cleaned with soap and water, and anti-itch creams can be used. Bird Mite Frequently Asked Questions What are bird mites, and how do they affect humans in the UK? Bird mites are tiny parasitic arthropods that primarily infest birds but can also bite humans. In the UK, bird mites can be problematic when they enter homes from bird nests or infested buildings, causing itchy bites and skin irritations in humans. How can I identify bird mite infestations in the UK? Identifying bird mite infestations typically involves observing the presence of mites, which are barely visible to the naked eye, but may appear as tiny moving dots on surfaces or skin. Additionally, if you've recently had bird nests near your home or notice increased biting sensations, it could indicate a possible bird mite infestation. How can I prevent bird mite infestations in the UK? To prevent bird mite infestations, it's essential to take measures such as securing and blocking access to bird nests, sealing any cracks or openings that birds can use to enter your home, and regularly cleaning and maintaining your property to deter bird activity. How can I eliminate bird mites from my home in the UK? Eliminating bird mites from your home in the UK may require professional pest control assistance. They can employ methods such as insecticide treatments, vacuuming, steam cleaning, and targeted bird nest removal to eradicate the mites and prevent future infestations. It is crucial to address both the mites and their source, such as bird nests or infested areas, to ensure effective elimination. Can bird mites transmit diseases to humans in the UK? Bird mites in the UK are primarily considered a nuisance pest rather than disease vectors. While their bites can cause irritation and discomfort, they are generally not known to transmit diseases to humans. Are bird mites only active during certain seasons in the UK? Bird mites can be active throughout the year in the UK, but their activity levels may vary depending on the availability of bird nests or suitable hosts. However, it's worth noting that bird mite infestations may become more apparent in the spring and summer when bird breeding and nesting activity increase. Can bird mites infest indoor pet birds in the UK? Yes, bird mites can infest indoor pet birds in the UK. If your pet bird has been in contact with wild birds, or if there is an infestation in your home, there is a risk of bird mites transferring to your pet bird. It's important to regularly inspect and clean the bird's living area, including cages, perches, and toys, and seek veterinary assistance if you suspect a bird mite infestation in your pet bird. Do bird mites disappear on their own? Yes, bird mites generally disappear on their own, usually within 2 to 3 weeks, because they cannot survive or reproduce long-term on human blood. Once the primary host (birds) leaves the nest or dies, the mites will starve, although they may bite humans and pets, causing irritation. Summary If you think you may have a bird mite infestation, look for signs such as unexplained bites, a crawling sensation on your skin (especially at night), high humidity in your home, and the presence of bird nests nearby. Another helpful tip is to discuss pest prevention with your local pest controller. Consult with a local pest control professional For specific information and guidance related to bird mite issues in your region of the UK, consult with a pest professional as local conditions and regulations may vary. To find a verified professional through the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), you can use their official online search tools. Choosing a BPCA member ensures the technician is trained, insured, and audited against industry standard, find a local pest controller near me > If you are in Herefordshire or Worcestershire and have problems with Pigeons, Sparrows, Seagulls, Starlings, Crows or Geese? Call our advanced bird control professionals for effective products designed to solve the toughest bird problems. Call us today on 01981 540088 or email contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for help, support and guidance or learn more about our Bird Mite Control Treatment process >

Today PGM & SON is celebrating World Pest Day! We celebrate pest control professionals and the vital role of the pest control industry in protecting public health, homes, property, hospitals, businesses and the nation’s food supply from threats posed by pests. Pest controllers around the world today will be celebrating World Pest Day. World Pest Day is observed every June 6 to raise awareness about effective pest management practices and how they benefit the quality of human and plant life. #WorldPestDay #WorldPestDay2023 World Pest Day aims to: Increase awareness of the importance of pest management and how it plays an important role in protecting public health. Promote the professionalism of pest controllers Show how pest management can be implemented in a scientific and socially responsible way Shine a light on how small pests can cause big threats. World Pest Day Recognises How the Pest Control Industry Preserves Public Health and Property PGM & SON Pest Control in Herefordshire and Worcestershire enlightens homeowners about summertime pest health and property threats. World Pest Day, which occurs on June 6, is an annual observance dedicated to recognising and raising awareness about the role of the pest control industry in protecting public health, food and property from the threats posed by pests. Pest control plays such a vital role in our everyday life, in fact, public health officials attribute it as one of three reasons for the heightened quality of life we have today. This World Pest Day, PGM & SON Pest Control is joining the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) to highlight the pests that pose serious threats to family and property this summer. Consider some of these staggering facts from NPMA (National Pest Management Association): Ticks thrive in warm, humid climates and are responsible for transmitting diseases such as Lyme Disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever to humans. To keep your property tick-free, be sure to keep the grass cut low, clear any overgrown vegetation, and remove weeds, woodpiles and debris. Also, it is important to inspect yourself and your pets for ticks following any time spent outdoors. Mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animal and can spread diseases such as Malaria, West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis and Dengue Fever to humans and animals. While Malaria is not present in the U.S., it is important to reduce the threat of other mosquito-borne diseases like WNV by eliminating sources of standing water around the home, including birdbaths, flowerpots and clogged gutters. Stinging insects such as hornets, wasps and yellowjackets send more than half a million people to the emergency room every year. These insects can build their nests in a variety of places, including but not limited to attics, crawlspaces, gutters and under patios or decks. If you find a nest on your property, do not attempt to eliminate or remove it on your own, as stinging insects will attack if they feel threatened or are disturbed. According to NPMA, termites cause an estimated $6.8 billion in property damage every year and for most, this costly damage is not covered by homeowners insurance. Termites thrive in warm, moist conditions and are found in almost every region of the U.S. Termites are not controlled by do-it-yourself measures and homeowners should schedule annual inspections with their pest control partner to protect against these wood destroying pests. Rodents, like mice and rats, are known to contaminate or consume about 20% of the world’s food supply. These pests are also capable of spreading 35 different diseases including hantavirus, Salmonella, tularemia, rat bite fever and plague. Once inside your home or business, these pests multiply rapidly and can cause serious damage so be sure to call a pro at the first sign of a rodent infestation. “Summer is peak season for bug and rodent activity, which is why now is a crucial time to prioritise pest control to better protect your family and property,” said Philip Martin, Director at PGM & SON. “World Pest Day is an important reminder that pest issues can have significant negative impacts on both our health, homes, businesses and even our food supply. If you have pest issues, contact a qualified pest control professional to evaluate the problem and implement an appropriate course of treatment.” Please visit www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk for additional pest-proofing tips and information on pest control and join PGM & Son Pest Control Hereford and Worcester in celebrating and promoting pest control around the world. #MakePestControlGreenAgain Why choose us? PGM & SON are a member of the BPCA (British Pest Control Association) and have been assessed to ensure that we meet their strict criteria to obtain our membership to which we are very proud. This also provides assurance to our customers that we are insured, trusted pest control company with a team of Level II and Level III professionally trained and qualified technicians who follow the BPCA Codes of Best Practice. Get in touch today for help, support and guidance. Telephone 01981 540088 or Mobile 07964 370480 or email us contact@pgmpestcontrolc.co.uk with your questions. We are BPCA | How to choose a trustworthy pest management company Whether you're dealing with a rat problem in your loft or a wasp nest in your garden, our award winning PGM & SON professional pest control technicians can identify and eliminate the source of the problem and provide you with long-term solutions to prevent future infestations.

Pest control – what’s in a word? The importance of explaining pest control clearly Key takeaway: The role of a pest controller involves dealing with a diverse range of customers with varying needs and abilities. One of the essential skills for a pest controller is the ability to effectively communicate and engage with customers from all walks of life. This requires active listening and understanding to address their pest issues. While highly educated individuals may excel in many areas, the skill of connecting with diverse customers is not guaranteed. Additionally, documenting conversations in writing helps customers reference important information, especially those who struggle with listening or focusing. Pest controllers often employ different words and phrases to convey the same message, aiding comprehension for customers with different learning styles. Although some may consider this repetition as tautology, it is a valuable technique for enhancing understanding, particularly for those who find instructions and words challenging in the first place. The Role of Clear Communication in Pest Control Professionals Pest controllers deal with a very broad range of customers who have very differing needs, skills, and abilities. Customers of all ages, from all sorts of backgrounds. Vulnerable customers, highly educated customers, customers whose first language is not English, business customers, carers, tenants, and landlords. Calm customers, stressed customers, angry customers, nice customers and, frankly, unpleasant customers. One of the main skills for a pest controller is to be good with people from all walks of life. How Clear Communication Strengthens Pest Control Efforts Pest controllers need to be able to engage with such a broad range of customers and to ensure that they are listening and understand what plans are put in place to address their pest issues. This can be challenging, and it takes time and experience to be able to deal with such a broad spectrum of customers. It’s a skill and not one that even the most highly educated in society can accomplish. The written word is very important as it creates a record of what was discussed with a customer. It’s obviously not possible to detail an entire conversation but key aspects of a conversation and important elements should be drawn out and put in writing to enable the customer to refer to, particularly if they have difficulty in listening or focussing on what’s being said to them. Why Clear Explanations are Crucial in Pest Control Often a pest controller may say the same thing more than once, using different words, which can help customers to understand in different ways. They often clarify or reinforce the meaning of an instruction. Although some might say repeating information in different ways is more confusing than helpful, this is often by those who find words and understanding instruction easy in the first place! Wordsmiths call this “tautology”. “What’s the first excellence in a lawyer? Tautology. What the second? Tautology. What the third? Tautology.” Sir Richard Steele If you need pest control in Herefordshore or Worcestershire, give PGM & SON a call. We know how clear communication strengthens pest control efforts, so if you have pests, we have it covered! We are PGM & SON, 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. Telephone 01981 540088 or Mobile 07964 370480 or email us contact@pgmpestcontrolc.co.uk with your questions.

What am I? I am mostly active during the Spring and Autumn I am considered a nuisance pest I am mostly a problem in rural areas, like Herefordshire You might find me with hundreds and thousands of my fellow pests congregating in the upper rooms of your house or around your window frames I love worms! The answer is... I am….a cluster fly! If you’re having a problem with cluster flies in Hereford or Worcester call PGM & SON Pest Control to deal with your cluster fly problem for you. Call us on 01981 540088 or visit our website at www.pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or drop us an email to contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk More information on Cluster Flies Cluster fly problems are seasonal and occur in the Spring and Autumn. In the Spring, cluster flies emerge from their Winter hibernation and start the task of seeking suitable outdoor sites to lay their eggs and carrying on the cluster fly cycle. We are often asked about the issue of cluster flies re-occurring. Unfortunately, the fact is that cluster tend to return to the same locations each year it is an unfortunate fact, that if you have experienced a cluster fly issue previously you will likely suffer the same fate in the future. For this reason, we always try to educate our customers that cluster fly prevention is unrealistic but please don’t worry because there are steps you can take to sort out your cluster fly problems! Give us a call to discuss how we can help! What can you do about cluster flies? If you’re having an issue with cluster flies this April, you can try to reduce the numbers of cluster flies in your property by carrying out some basic property maintenance. Top Cluster Fly Tips:  Seal gaps around your windows  Re-point your brickwork, especially around windows  Make use of fly papers  Hoover them up! Unfortunately, though there is little you can do to stop flies getting in and if one fly can get in then so can many others. Read more about what can I do about Cluster Flies here. Everything you need to know about cluster flies We have written another blog post on everything you need to know about cluster flies, we discuss everything you need to know about cluster flies, including their behaviour, life cycle, and how to prevent and control infestations in your home and business. Cluster flies can be a major nuisance for homeowners across Herefordshire in particular, as this is a rural county and cluster flies are more prevalent in rural locations, but with the right knowledge and preventative measures they can be effectively controlled. Remember to seal cracks and openings around windows and doors and ensuring that screens are well maintained. With the right approach, you can keep your home free from cluster flies. Got Cluster Flies? We've Got it Covered! Why choose us? PGM & SON are a member of the BPCA (British Pest Control Association) and have been assessed to ensure that we meet their strict criteria to obtain our membership to which we are very proud. This also provides assurance to our customers that we are insured, trusted pest control company with a team of Level II and Level III professionally trained and qualified technicians who follow the BPCA Codes of Best Practice. We are BPCA | How to choose a trustworthy pest management company We are also members of the PROMPT Register, which ensures that pest control is carried out responsibly by people who are properly trained and competent in the field. The BASIS PROMPT Pest Controllers register is an industry initiative which provides independent proof that a pest controller has received proper training and continues to update their expertise. Some of our Awards!