Latest news with #Rentokil
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Is this FTSE 100 stock at the start of a comeback?
Shares in Rentokil Initial (LSE:RTO) are up 11% in the last two weeks. The FTSE 100 company's been going through a tough couple of years, but things seem to be looking up for investors. The firm's set to report earnings in less than a week and it's fair to say there's a lot at stake. But could the recent rise be the start of an epic comeback for the stock? Mistakes On the face of it, Rentokil's a pretty straightforward business. Pests show up fairly regularly – even more so as global temperatures rise – and they need to be dealt with. Things however, haven't been going so well over the last few years. The FTSE 100 firm attempted to boost its US presence by merging with a rival, but the process hasn't gone to plan. US growth has been tepid and the expected efficiencies have been slow to materialise. CEO Andy Ransom also said it was his intention to retire in 2026 (four days after Warren Buffett made it cool). The result has been a company with higher debt and a lower share price, which isn't a good combination for investors. But I think it might just be a matter of time for the firm. Improvements Since the start of the year, Rentokil has been working on several initiatives to try and realise the benefits of its expanded business. And there's been a lot to get done. Most notably, the firm's been rerouting technicians to avoid overlap. Less time traveling between jobs is one of the chief benefits of having a strong presence in an area. Rentokil has also been integrating its IT systems and consolidating branches. This should also help reduce the costs of running a store network that previously covered two companies. There have been other initiatives underway as well. But while the overall process has taken a long time and tested investor patience, the market seems to think good news could be on the way. What I'm looking for I own Rentokil shares in my portfolio and there are two key things I'm going to be on the lookout for in the next update. The first is growth in leads generated by the business in the US. This has been disappointing recently, but it showed some signs of improvement through 2024. I'm hoping to see improvements as the firm's branch strategy takes shape. The other is a potential improvement in operating margins. Avoiding having technicians driving on overlapping routes should help reduce costs and this is a key metric. There's a chance I might be disappointed on this front. Inflation has been a nuisance recently and there's a risk this might cut into the cost savings that I'm expecting from the business. Foolish thoughts It's unusual that I'm looking for quick results with a long-term investment. I typically prefer to think in terms of years or decades, rather than months. The change of CEO however, creates uncertainty. So I'd like to see signs of the Terminix integration taking shape in a meaningful way before Ransom departs. Rentokil shares have been moving higher in anticipation of the firm's update on 31 July. And I'm hopeful this could be the start of a long-overdue recovery for the stock. It may be worth considering. The post Is this FTSE 100 stock at the start of a comeback? appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. More reading 5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50 One Top Growth Stock from the Motley Fool Stephen Wright has positions in Rentokil Initial Plc. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Motley Fool UK 2025 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Irish Sun
15-07-2025
- Climate
- The Irish Sun
Irish urged to do 8 things in home NOW amid ‘larger than usual swarms' warning as thousands of flying bugs to hit skies
IRISH households have been warned of "larger than usual swarms" of flying ant activity in the coming weeks. Every 2 The 'Flying Ant Day' sees millions of bugs take to the sky at once 'Flying Ant Day', also known as the nuptial flight, is not a single-day event but an extended period during which winged ants emerge from their nests to mate mid-air and establish new colonies. This year, the alternating spells of wet and warm And high humidity can help to keep ants' wings and bodies moist during flight. This swarming strategy is believed to help more ants survive by overwhelming their predators such as swifts and gulls. Read more in News After mating mid-air, the male ants, which are smaller, fall to the ground and die, while the newly fertilized female queens shed their wings and burrow into the soil to nest and start new colonies. The event also sees millions of bugs take to the sky at once. The winged ants are harmless and won't bite or invade your property permanently - in fact they can be beneficial as they feed birds, aerate soil and recycle nutrients. However, they can understandably be a nuisance if you want to sit out with a drink in the sun. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN Ireland's leading pest control provider Rentokil has issued a warning of increased ant activity in the coming weeks. From worm bread to mealworm kebabs... could eating bugs and insects in everyday food be the future? Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager for Rentokil in Ireland, said: 'We expect to see high levels of "While people often refer to 'Flying Ant Day', it is in reality a series of swarming events that take place over several weeks. "These insects may be a nuisance, particularly during outdoor dining or events, but they also play a role in the ecosystem, aerating the soil and serving as food for birds. 'However, "Ants leave pheromone trails when they find a food source, attracting more ants to the area. Prevention is key to avoiding a problem." EIGHT THINGS TO DO NOW TO SEAL HOME Here are some ant prevention tips from the pest experts at Rentokil... Block entry points by sealing cracks and crevices around doors, windows and pipework. Sweep up food debris from under kitchen appliances and units. Clear up any food or liquid spillages immediately. Store your food in airtight containers wherever possible. If you have a pest, clear away uneaten food promptly. Make sure all rubbish bins have tightly sealed lids. Keep compost enclosed in your garden. Keep windows and doors shut, or install fly screens to allow ventilation while keeping insects out. While these seasonal swarms may disrupt a picnic or barbeque, they are a natural and temporary part of the summer months. To prevent ants and other pests from entering your home, it's important to seal any cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and pipework using caulk or appropriate sealants. Households are also advised to regularly sweep and clean under kitchen appliances and cabinets to remove any food crumbs or debris that may attract ants and other insects. Use bins with secure, tightly fitting lids to stop ants from accessing food waste and empty them regularly to avoid a build-up. Clean surfaces thoroughly with a strong detergent to eliminate the invisible pheromone trails left by foraging ants, which can otherwise lead more ants straight to a food source in your home. Vinegar spray and other essential oils can also be used as natural deterrents around entry points. If ants do find their way in, don't kill them near food, as this can attract more to follow. Instead vacuum them up and remove them from your house. 2 The warm weather is likely to create the ideal conditions for larger-than-usual swarms this year Credit: Getty
Irish Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
Warning issued ahead of annual 'Flying Ant Day' in Ireland
A warning has been issued ahead of 'Flying Ant Day', with Rentokil offering some prevention tips to counteract the increased ant activity over the weeks ahead. 'Flying Ant Day', which is more formally referred to as the nuptial flight, is not actually a single-day event but rather, an extended period of time when winged ants leave their nests to mate mid-air to establish new colonies. Because of the fluctuation between wet and warm weather this summer, it is likely to bring about the perfect conditions for greater swarms. The increase in humidity is also set to help keep ants' wings and bodies moist while flying. "We expect to see high levels of ant activity this summer, particularly during warm and humid spells in July and August," Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager for Rentokil in Ireland, said. "While people often refer to 'Flying Ant Day', it is in reality a series of swarming events that take place over several weeks. These insects may be a nuisance, particularly during outdoor dining or events, but they also play a role in the ecosystem, aerating the soil and serving as food for birds. "However, ant infestations in homes or businesses can escalate quickly. Ants leave pheromone trails when they find a food source, attracting more ants to the area. Prevention is key to avoiding a problem." Rentokil has issued some advice to limit the effects of the 'Flying Ant Day':
The Sun
12-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Households urged to spray vinegar & essential oils around the home this week
A SWARM of flying ants is set to hit the UK as early as this week - but an expert has shared some key things you can do to prevent them in your home. Every summer brings the phenomenon known as Flying Ant Day - which can fall as early as mid-July - but it's often rarely just a single day. 3 Instead, it's a series of swarming events when winged ants, flying males and future queens, take to the skies in search of mates. The winged ants are harmless and won't bite or invade your property permanently - in fact they can be beneficial as they feed birds, aerate soil and recycle nutrients. However, they can understandably be a nuisance if you want to sit out with a drink in the sun. Paul Blackhurst, Technical Academy Head at Rentokil Pest Control, said: 'While you might spot a few flying ants on most warm summer days, optimal weather conditions can lead to the emergence of tens of millions of ants in giant swarms over a span of weeks across Britain. 'Contrary to its name, 'flying ant day', known colloquially as 'flant day', does not occur on a single day each year, and such events can occur in different areas of the country when the weather - temperature, humidity, and wind conditions are favourable. 'Humidity plays a crucial role in the life cycle of ants, particularly during the nuptial flight, keeping their wings and bodies moist as they mate on the wing. 'Once the mating has taken place, it's all over for the smaller male ants who will fall to the ground and die, while the new, now fertile, queen loses her wings and buries herself underground to form a new nest.' While the process is natural, it can be frustrating if you have plans of barbecues and picnics in the sun. Here are some ant prevention tips from the pest experts at Rentokil… 'Killer' ants invading US as carnivorous insects attack humans with needle-like bite – and number will spike in weeks SEAL ENTRY To prevent ants and other pests from entering your home, it's important to seal any cracks or gaps around doors, windows, and pipework using caulk or appropriate sealants. By keeping windows and doors closed—especially during peak insect activity—you significantly reduce the chance of flying ants and other pests getting inside. Installing fly screens on your doors and windows provides effective protection against flying ants, allowing you to enjoy fresh air without the risk of pests coming in. REMOVE FOOD 3 Regularly sweep and clean under kitchen appliances and cabinets to remove any food crumbs or debris that may attract ants and other insects. Promptly wiping up spills, whether solid or liquid, helps eliminate potential food sources for ants and prevents them from being drawn into your home. Keeping food sealed in airtight containers reduces odors and prevents ants from accessing your supplies, making your kitchen less inviting to pests. Pet food left out can attract ants quickly, so be sure to remove any uneaten food shortly after your pet finishes eating. KEEP YOUR HOME CLEAN 3 Use bins with secure, tightly fitting lids to stop ants from accessing food waste, and empty them regularly to avoid buildup. Clean surfaces thoroughly with a strong detergent to eliminate the invisible pheromone trails left by foraging ants, which can otherwise lead more ants straight to a food source in your home. Vinegar spray and other essential oils can also be used as natural deterrents around entry points. If ants do find their way in, don't kill them near food as this can attract more to follow. Instead vacuum them up and remove them from your house. Ant prevention tips for your home and garden FLYING ant day, also known as the nuptial flight and colloquially as 'flant day', is a natural phenomenon in which high numbers of ants with wings, called alates, simultaneously take to the skies in search of mates from other colonies. Here are some ant prevention tips for the pest experts at Rentokil... Block entry points by sealing cracks and crevices around doors, windows and pipework Sweep up food debris from under kitchen appliances and units Clear up any food or liquid spillages immediately. Store your food in airtight containers wherever possible. If you have a pet, clear away any food that isn't eaten straight away. Make sure all rubbish bins have tightly sealed lids. Keeping windows and doors shut is one of the most effective methods of preventing flying insects from entering your home Installing a fly screen will prevent flying ants from entering your home, whilst still leaving windows and doors open Use a strong detergent to remove any pheromone trails foraging ants have laid down to direct other ants to a food source.
Irish Daily Mirror
10-07-2025
- Climate
- Irish Daily Mirror
'Shut your windows now' as flying ants swarm Irish homes in sudden surge
Households across Ireland are being advised to shut their windows as swarms of flying ants make a sudden appearance across the country. Experts say we're now in the peak season of what's dubbed 'Flying Ant Day', although the event is rarely limited to just one day. Instead, it's an annual summer surge, usually in July or early August, when thousands - even millions - of ants take to the skies at the same time in a mass mating ritual known as the "nuptial flight". The sudden explosion of flying ants has prompted pest control experts at Rentokil to issue a nationwide alert after a 17% spike in ant-related callouts in June 2024 compared to the same month the previous year. Flying Ant Day isn't officially marked on calendars, but nature often picks a day - or several - during warm, humid weather like we're having now and following rainfall. That's when black garden ants, known as Lasius niger, sprout wings and emerge from their nests in unison to breed. The nuptial flight involves male ants and young queens flying mid-air to mate. Afterward, the queens shed their wings and seek nesting spots, often in gardens, under patio slabs or even inside homes. Rentokil Ireland explained: "This phenomenon occurs during summer when flying ants leave the nest to reproduce and start a new colony. Swarms of flying ants from multiple colonies conjoin to breed mid-air. It is thought that flying ants often come out in huge numbers as a survival tactic designed to overwhelm potential predators such as swifts and gulls. "Such events can occur in different areas of the country at different times across the summer when the weather - temperature, humidity and wind conditions are favourable. After mating, the female ants fall to the ground, lose their wings, and look for a suitable location to start a new nest. Commonly known as black garden ants, they will often colonise locations under garden pots, in between and under patio slabs, and in planters." Ants don't pose much danger, but they can be a major nuisance, especially when they find a way inside. Once a food source is discovered indoors, ants lay down a pheromone trail that attracts thousands more. Rentokil says keeping doors and windows closed during swarm periods is one of the most effective ways to block the insects from entering your home. Fly screens, sealing up cracks and storing food in airtight containers can also help. If you're already seeing flying ants in or around your home, don't panic. Rentokil have listed steps that can be taken to avoid the presence of these pest insects in homes and businesses:
