THE long, hot summer was a boon to many farmers, who were able to get bumper crops in early and save on drying costs. But now it has brought its own problems - a plague of rats.

Grain in store is a prime target for attack by insects and rodents and the farmer and store manager can never afford to drop their guard.

Even if they only eat a small amount, they can spoil much more, resulting in large-scale loss in value.

The very warm summer weather has caused a boom in the rat population. The common brown rat is a prolific breeder, producing litters of between eight to 15 young - which are themselves able to reproduce in eight to 12 weeks.

No wonder the ratcatcher has been a man in demand over the centuries. Today's pest control operators have to have the skill and sophisticated equipment to deal with a whole range of pests, from wasps and cockroaches to fleas and bed bugs, as well as rats and mice.

While they have their key role on farms, they are also in demand by food processors and markets, shops, restaurants and hotels, factories and canteens, hospitals and residential homes, schools and colleges, office blocks, garages, warehouses and prisons, and, of course, domestic properties.

A glance at the Yellow Pages shows that pest and vermin control must be in constant demand to justify so many and varied organisations offering their services.

There are always new challenges from new pests. Mediaeval plagues were brought by rats on sailing ships. Exotic pests today can be imported through worldwide trade by sea and air and with the luggage of the hosts of air travellers.

Russell Roberts, of Spetchley, Worcester, has a wealth of experience in pest control. As a youngster, he had spent a lot of time on farms and his alertness to the habits of wildlife fitted him for a career in pest control.

He started working for local authorities 18 years ago, first with Malvern District Council, then with Worcester City Council, before moving on as supervisor for Redditch Borough Council. He broadened his experience with a stint as pest control and cleansing manager at Reading.

"I had three pest control officers and 80 cleaners to deploy at Reading," he said.

With 10 years experience behind him, Russell set up his own company, Premier Pest Control, based at Throckmorton, near Pershore, and his business took off.

The administrative work was becoming too much of a burden when Richard Burt, whose substantial farming enterprises Russell had been clearing of vermin, bought him out.

Richard could see the potential for Russell to expand with the backing of a bigger organisation and he had the infrastructure.

GH Burt provided Russell with all the administration and central support he needed, including a large secure store for pest control materials, and two new vans, fitted out with the most up-to-date equipment to deal with all pests likely to be encountered.

Daniel Walker joined the team in April. Work has expanded and they have already had to recruit Rob Baxter, who had been a seasonal harvest worker for Richard Burt. He is training on the job and, once fully qualified, will be kitted out fully with a third van.

Premier Pest Control is now part of the extensive GHB Agriculture Limited and is expanding across the Midlands. Richard's wife Sarah, a law graduate, is co-director. Roger Jones with his wealth of top management experience with Cadbury, is acting as consultant on operations.

"We are very glad to have secured the contract with Wychavon District Council", Roger revealed.

"We aim to build on our reputation with local, very experienced operators, helpful and efficient on surveys and visits, trustworthy and reasonably priced.

"Our customers include pubs and restaurants, schools and colleges, garages and office blocks, hospitals, food shops, factories, livery stables, HM Prisons, caravan parks and boat centres, as well as domestic premises and farms."

When I met Russell, he was off to tackle the tricky problem of a bees' nest in a chimney.

"In summer we are often called to deal with a variety of insects, including fleas and wasps," he said.

"From October, we are always busy with rats and mice. It is best to have secure baiting points, inaccessible to domestic animals and children, and to monitor them with regular visits.

"Our trained operators have a wider range of materials. We use potent poisons of restricted availability to the public and we must always make a risk assessment before using them."

So if you hear squeaking noises coming from your grain store, better dig out the Yellow Pages.