MartinDomm, Author at Celtic Corn Wall

What is humane pest control?What is humane pest control?

January 26, 2024| admin| 0 Comment| 1:25 pm

Humane and pest control are not two terms that many people would put together in the same sentence.

Responsible pest control companies, however, are incredibly dedicated to the term ensuring that lethal control methods are only used when an alternative is not a suitable option for protecting human health.

And that is a message that is important to understand. No-one likes the idea of killing animals, even pest insects and rodents, but by their very nature, pest pose a significant threat to the health and safety of humans and other species.

What threat do pests pose?

If they were left to run amok, the damage that pests would be to the eco-system would be severe, not the mention the diseases they would spread and the property destruction they would cause.

Many pests have already done a huge amount of harm. Grey squirrels for example, have devastated populations of the native Red in the UK and there is a reason it is illegal to release a trapped grey squirrel back into the wild.

So then, what exactly does the term ‘humane pest control’ mean, and is it really possible?

Absolutely it is! We provide affordable pest control in Bradford and care deeply about our responsibilities to the environment. We do use pesticides, trapping, and other lethal control methods, but only when absolutely necessary and only those that meet the highest standards of testing and regulation.

We would NEVER recommend that a customer uses pesticides or pest traps themselves, as it is all too easy for untrained individuals to accidentally harm a non-target species.

Another thing that we are passionate about are non-lethal control methods, where steps are taken once control has been achieved to protect the property from future attacks and prevent the need for further treatments from a professional pest controller.

Humane pest control options

Habitat Modification

If pests are on your property, something has attracted them there. Some of these things, warmth and shelter, for example, are unavoidable but others, such as uncovered food and a cluttered garden are not.

Removing debris from your outside space, especially piles of dead leaves and other mulch, will reduce the number of potential hiding spots and food sources for nearby pests and reduce the risk that you will be their next victim.

Pest Proofing

Pest proofing, or exclusion, involves physically building barriers between your property and any pests trying to get in.

Filling gaps in walls with steel wool, installing fly screens over your windows, and installing draft excluders under your exterior doors are all examples of effective pest proofing measures you should be aware of and actively doing on your own property.

Pest Repellents

Not something that will get rid of an active infestation, but there are certain natural scents that certain pests detest but are quite pleasant for humans.

Herbs such as peppermint and thyme, for example, will keep many pest insect species at bay, whilst ultrasonic devices may help ward off smaller mammals and rodents from your garden space.

3 Things you have to know if you are building an Eco-Home3 Things you have to know if you are building an Eco-Home

January 9, 2024| admin| 0 Comment| 4:58 pm

With emissions on the rise and the climate emergency becoming more severe by the day, millions of UK homeowners are interested in building, or moving into their very own eco-house.

These are properties that produce very little, or no, carbon emissions and are considered by many as the future of the construction industry in the UK and across the globe.

If you are considering building an eco-house there are several key things you need to consider. Bear in mind that even new builds that are subject to all sorts of eco-regulations these days are not considered eco-houses and you will need to go above and beyond when building your home.

The good news is that you don’t need to compromise on design, style, or comfort if you get it right, and, of course, you want need to worry about an energy bill any time in the next few decades.

Eco-homes are about saving the planet, but they are also about becoming energy independent and protecting yourself and your family from the uncertainty of global energy prices.

Sounds like something you could be interested in? Good, because this article won’t be much use if it isn’t!

Read on to discover 3 of the most important things to consider when building your very own Eco-house.

You might need more than double glazing

Eco-homes are heated by eco-sources such as Solar panels and Air or ground source heat pumps. Whilst these technologies are fantastic, they do not produce heat as efficiently or quickly as a gas boiler or similar.

This means that in order to keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round, you will need to have the very best insulation and energy efficient construction.

Double glazing is widely considered as a must for the modern home for this very reason, but if you want to use zero fossil fuels whatsoever, you might need to go one step further.

The best double glazing companies Ayr, now offer TRIPLE glazed windows that produce exceptional U-Values and limit the heat that can pass through them to an absolute minimum. These are one of the best possible investments that you can make if you are building your own Eco-Home.

Natural Ventilation is Key

We have just talked about keeping heat in your eco-house, but what about letting fresh air in? Ventilation is vital for a safe and healthy home and you need to consider how natural ventilation will be achieved.

Cross ventilation is now a key component of eco-house design and should be discussed in depth with the architect and property developer when designing your dream eco-home.

Buy the most energy-efficient appliances possible

The less energy you use, the easier it is for your renewable technologies to meet the energy requirements of your home.

That said, you don’t want to be limiting yourself or having to alter your lifestyle due to a lack of sufficient energy. The answer? Installing appliances with an A+++ efficiency rating only.

From drab to fab: Revolutionising older property with double glazingFrom drab to fab: Revolutionising older property with double glazing

December 1, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 4:51 pm

When it comes to the latest home improvements involving cutting edge double or triple glazing technology, modern properties get the vast majority of attention.

It’s a shame this is the case, as the biggest improvements in terms of energy efficiency and security can actually be made when new glazing is installed in older style properties.

The fact is that something as simple as installing replacement windows Edinburgh could breathe new life into your period home, boosting its aesthetic appeal and slashing your energy prices at the same time.

Older properties have a certain charm that simply cannot be replicated by their modern alternatives, but so present some challenges to those living in them, with keeping heat inside the property during the winter sitting right at the top of the list.

New double glazed windows can fix many of these problems offering a comprehensive solutions to thermal efficiency issues without once compromising the authenticity of the property.

What are the benefits of installing double glazing in period properties?

By far the biggest benefit to upgrading the glazing in any home is a poor to energy efficiency. Many period homes in the UK are still using single glazing which simply isn’t suitable for the modern world leading to sky-high energy bills and making keeping heat inside your property nigh on impossible.

Double glazing, on the other hand, puts an additional layer between you and the outside world, not to mention the argon gas between the panes that prevents heat from transferring between inside and out.

This will make keeping your property at the perfect temperature during both the summer and winter easier than ever before.

One of the concerns that many custodians of period properties have is that replacing their windows will have a negative impact on the historical appearance of the property or look a bit tacky in comparison to the rest of the building.

With our huge selection of styles and designs this doesn’t have to be the case. We have a range of incredibly realistic wood effect frames that maximise energy efficiency whilst blending in perfectly with the nearby aesthetic.

From Victorian windows to centuries old cottages, we really do have a window product for every possible taste and are always keen to take on a challenge.

The benefits of new double glazing don’t end at energy efficiency and aesthetics either, the list goes on. Double glazing offers fantastic sound proofing, eliminating noise pollution and making your home a far more tranquil and relaxing place to be.

What about in listed buildings?

Listed buildings can be a little more tricky than other properties as there are pretty strict legal regulations restricting the changes that you can make to their appearance.

That said, it is a misconception that no listed properties can install double glazing. Many can as long as it is done in an appropriate manner. Even if new double glazing is not an option, we also offer a range of clever solutions for listed building energy efficiency.

The pros and cons of being a criminal lawyerThe pros and cons of being a criminal lawyer

September 13, 2023| admin| 0 Comment| 8:31 am

Criminal defence law is a tough gig, but also an incredibly rewarding one.

You are the person responsible for ensuring that every one of your clients gets the legal representation that they deserve and is not prosecuted unfairly.

That said, it certainly isn’t a job for just anyone, and you need to have a certain mindset, drive, and specialist skillset to thrive in such a high pressure role.

Law firms such as Aamer Anwar are often the subject of intense media scrutiny during a high-profile criminal case, and you need to be sure that you are someone who will survive and thrive under such pressure before pursuing this career path.

To help you decide if you are well suited to this career, here are some of the biggest pros and cons of being a criminal defence lawyer for you to consider.

Pros

Every day is a challenge

If you ae looking for a career where no two days are the same, criminal defence lawyer certainly falls into this category. Every single case you work will be different, even after decades in the role with different people to meet and evidence to analyse at any one given time.

You will be having a positive impact

When people accused of a criminal offence are in their lowest point, you can be the person to help lift them back up.

No matter what a person is accused of, or what they may, or may not, have done, they still have the right to legal representation and a fair trial. Without Criminal defence lawyers there would be a lot more innocent people in prison than their currently are.

If you are looking for a role where you make a real impact on the lives of others every day, criminal law could be for you.

Make a decent living

Well respected criminal lawyers are in high demand, and can make a comfortable living over the course of their careers. Sure, you won’t earn as much as a top level corporate lawyer but you will likely get a lot more fulfilment from your work.

Cons

High Stress

Criminal lawyers often switch to a different branch of the law long before a traditional career would come to an end. The reason for this is usually that they no longer wish to deal with the stress of the role. It is not unheard of for criminal lawyers to be physically assaulted on the job and verbal assaults are common.

Not the highest paying branch of law

As we mentioned earlier, if money is the sole driving factor behind your decision to become a lawyer you would be better off in corporate law where the pay CAN be significantly higher.

Competition is fierce, however, and this certainly isn’t a way to reduce stress.

Bad press

Despite the crucial role they play in a fair society, criminal lawyers are often portrayed as the bad guys online and in the media for protecting ‘criminals’. You need to have a pretty thick skin to deal with this sort of scrutiny.

Legal Advice when getting a divorce or ending your civil partnershipLegal Advice when getting a divorce or ending your civil partnership

August 18, 2022| admin| 0 Comment| 12:52 pm

If you and your partner are planning to separate or are in the process of separating it can be vital to get the right legal and professional advice. This is especially true if you find that your ex-partner won’t remain dedicated to the arrangements you have made with them, or, if communication between you and your ex-partner has broken down.

At Oracle Law we have extensive experience when it comes to family law, and know the ins and outs of handling disputes in the aftermath of the breakdown of a family unit.

In this article we’ll examine the legal and financial options available to you when approaching a divorce or the dissolution of a civil partnership.

Legal Advice

Solicitor

The job of a solicitor (also called a family lawyer or family solicitor) is to advocate on behalf of the individual.

A solicitor can advise you on your rights if you’re looking to make claims against your ex-partner.

Solicitors are often used when communication between you and your ex-partner has broken down, or that there is mistrust that would make mediation impossible. Family lawyers however will still work to avoid going to court, negotiating on your behalf with your ex-partners solicitor.

Solicitors are able to draw up legal agreements as well, based on what you and your partner have agreed.

Mediators

Mediators are impartial professionals who work to ensure both parties get a fair deal from the separation. Their job is to facilitate these difficult conversations, making sure that the couple remains in control throughout the process, despite the issues involved.

Divorce mediation lawyer is a neutral third party, and will work hard to try and find a beneficial solution for both parties, and ensure the divorce is as amicable and cost-effective as possible.

Divorce mediation covers issues like,

The distribution of property
The distribution of assets and liabilities
Child arrangements and parenting plans
Child support, spousal maintenance, and pensions

Meditation is both flexible and confidential and ensures the issues can be settled by both parties in a collaborative manner.

Arbitration

Another option is arbitration. In arbitration, you and your ex-partner will choose an arbitrator. The arbitrators’ job is to decide on the financial and property disputes you have between you, with a final, binding decision provided. Arbitration is confidential and has less stress and demand than a courtroom environment and is often far less costly (financially speaking).

Arbitration won’t always be appropriate. In situations where third party evidence is necessary, or if trust between you and your partner is lacking (for example, if you believe your partner may attempt to hide financial assets) then arbitration is unlikely to be an appropriate option. However, in situations where both parties are eager to resolve the situation then arbitration is an excellent alternative to going to court.

Financial Advice

Accountant

You can make use of an accountant to help you value assets, such as a business. Some accounts specialise in assessing whether someone is attempting to hide the overall value of their assets, such as a business. They are known as forensic accountants. Accountants have experience in areas where solicitors are more than likely lacking it.

Accounts can assess a wide range of assets, from money in the bank, to shares, to properties.

If you feel your ex-partner isn’t being open regarding their assets, an accountant can be invaluable to securing a full picture of the financial situation. They tend to work with both people.

Financial advisors

Financial advisors can provide a wealth of advice regarding a person’s financial circumstances as well as providing a detailed plan for a person’s financial future. Financial advisors are an invaluable source of information if your divorce involves particularly complex financial structures – such as a business, inheritance, or a trust.

Financial advisors can also help to get your finances in order. They are also able to help you divide up your assets in a tax-efficient way, meaning you can save a significant amount of money over ‘doing it yourself’.

Actuary

An actuary is a specialist when it comes to finances. They can provide an accurate valuation of a salary or pension. Working out this is a difficult task, and solicitors will rarely be equipped to provide these kind of assessments.

How can I pay for legal fees?

It’s important to think about how you’ll pay for any legal advice you end up getting, especially before attempting court action, which can be financially demanding. In some cases, the cost of acting may be more expensive than any financial benefit you’d receive because of the action.

People usually pay for legal fees via savings, but there are other options. There is borrowing from family or friends, taking a personal loan, approaching a credit union, and in Scotland it is possible to make use of legal aid when it comes to divorce.

How Covid-19 Has Changed the Role of Security GuardsHow Covid-19 Has Changed the Role of Security Guards

February 19, 2022| admin| 0 Comment| 6:28 pm

The Covid-19 pandemic has transformed the world of work in the UK.

Like in every other sector, the role of the security guard has been adapted to fit social distancing and heightened hygiene restrictions.

What are the main duties of security officers in a post-pandemic world?

Security guards are expected to carry out a range of responsibilities which have been influenced by Covid-19.

Administration

Many security officers are asked to man the front desk at a business in order to check credentials, direct customers and ensure that no unauthorised individuals are entering the site.

Alongside identification and directing visitors, security guards may now be asked to perform a range of other tasks including:

Making sure visitors are registering for track and trace purposes.
Tracking the number of people entering the site to ensure social distancing protocols are not breached.
Checking vaccine certificates.
Implementing social measures such as face coverings and sanitisation.

With all these additional tasks included in the job description of many security guards it is essential that they are well trained and professional so they do not let this extra responsibility distract them from their primary role of crime prevention.

Vacant premises management

With many businesses shutting down, or moving to remote working, for significant periods throughout the pandemic there has been an increase in demand for security guards looking after vacant premises.

Mobile patrols are an excellent way to have spot checks throughout a vacant site several times both during the day and at night when burglaries and property damage are more likely.

During their patrols, guards will walk the entire site, checking entry points and looking out for any suspicious activity or unauthorised visitors.

Business owners can work alongside security companies and their guards to design the most effective patrol route around the vacant premises and tailor their activities to suit their specific needs.

With many businesses opting for a hybrid work system with a combination of remote work and in-person, this flexibility is particularly important as security guards will be able to do more frequent patrols in periods where there are less people on site.

If your site is suited to it, and it would be beneficial to the specific premises, then human guards can be accompanied on mobile patrols by canine officers who are experts at identifying intruders.

Entertainment Industry

The entertainment industry was hit harder by Covid-19 than perhaps any other sector.

Nightclubs, bars, theatres, and restaurants were all forced to close for months and security guards who often worked in these places struggled to find work.

As the industry has begun to open up again however, security guards have found themselves busier than ever and more important than ever.

With additional safety measures in place, including a rise in queuing outside venues and vaccine passports increasingly mandatory in many places, crowd management has become an essential skill for any security officer to have.

If the guard fails to implement covid restrictions appropriately then the venue may well be shut down or face a huge fine so the employer needs to be sure that the people they are employing are both knowledgeable about current rules and company policy and responsible to implement them.

Health Sector Protection

Not only do security guards have additional responsibilities as a result of Covid-19 but the sectors which have the most demand for their services have also changed.

Security officers have played a huge part in keeping health care workers and the public safe by overseeing the transfer of infected patients and cordoning off areas to protect staff.

This means that there has been a rise in the number of security guards employed in the healthcare sector, working in hospitals, testing centres, and vaccination centres.

As well as creating isolation zones and no access areas, officers have also been tasked with ensuring that hygiene procedures such as hand sanitation and mask wearing are being followed in these high risk areas.

Security guards have always played a huge part in keeping people safe from attack and criminal behaviour, but the Covid-19 pandemic has seen an additional focus placed on protecting people from a less visible, but equally dangerous, threat.

Prime Secure’s SIA accredited security guards undergo extensive training to ensure they are the best in the industry at delivering all these services and many more.

As a UK wide company, who has been providing professional security guards for over 25 years, we have a national reach backed by the local knowledge of our operatives who are always on hand to fulfil all your security needs.

Whichever type of security guard you are looking for, Prime Secure is ready for your call on 0345 88 88 333.