Pest Control and Bug Exterminator Blog

Sun Tzu’s book “The Art of War” has made it’s way into the hands and minds of great and powerful men and women though out history.  Some argue that the book may have actually been mis-titled and perhaps the word “War” is better substituted with “Strategy”

Either way, true principles of business, relationships, tactics, management, and strategy can all be found within Sun Tzu’s writings.  He was a great teacher. But clearly I am not the first to think so, and with new translations being reproduced every so often Sun Tzu’s writings have become immortal.

So today’s post was inspired by the following:

The Concept of “Interests” in Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”

http://www.china-defense-mashup.com/?p=6390

Very good read and the general idea is to define your goal and keep your eye on the target, or “interest”.

Unfortunately, or fortunately, I got an error when leaving my response, and as I hate to loose my thoughts I decided to post it here instead.

“American military thought flies in the face of these principles.” @acs

I think the problem with the American interest is that it is not a singular interest shared by the whole. It is much easier for a dictator to go to war than a democracy.

… not that I am an expert.  I only deal with battling little bugs and setting up a bulwark to keep the pests out.

But great post. One’s interest and intent should always be clearly defined.

Thos003
-Don’t mind me I am just a pest control guy.

thos003 General Pest Control bug control, business, exterminator, pest control

Earwig, Pincher Bug

Earwigs are considered occasional invaders but anyone that lives in the southwest would tell you otherwise. Earwigs are considered a nuisance and can be a problem in almost every house. I once believed that that earwigs would only be a problem in a house if you had turf outside. Paying closer attention I noticed that they will invade a home even with desert landscaping.

These pest can be both scavengers and predators depending on the species. The all enjoy moist areas and are attracted to light. During warm weather they gather in large numbers around the foundation of a structure and frequently invade homes in search of cooler temperatures and water as noted above. Large numbers are found under rocks and debris, in flowerbeds and in turf around a structure. Treatments for control should be focused on those areas.

Depending on species found in the U.S., earwigs will grow from 1/2 inch to 1 inch long. They have pincer-like appendages at the end of the abdomen. They have 6 legs and 2 antenna. They range in color from black, brown to red in color. Some may have 2 stripes. Only a few of the female species can fly.

Treatments should include the wet rooms and walls of a structure and all entry points of a structure. Dust should be used in voids that stay dry where sprays cannot be applied. Outside, all plants and any other materials should be removed from the outside walls. I would suggest at least a foot. Plants, flower beds and turf should also be treated properly for complete control of the insects. Earwigs will return year after year so treatments need to be ongoing.

- Bill Kelty, WeedControlGuy.com

Pest-Control-Stories General Pest Control, occasional invaders earwigs, occasional invaders, pest control treatments

I’ve been using Bulwark for many years and have referred your services many times over. Rest assured, I will continue to do so…You guys rock at customer service!

Debbie S.
Austin, Tx

Bulwark has shown that it understands the needs of its customers. I was impressed when I needed to cancel my service due to our financial restructuring, Bulwark did not try any “arm twisting” salesmanship in order to keep my service on-going. Now that our finances are “back on track”, I had no hesitations on letting them fulfill my exterminating needs.
Mauricio M
San Antonio, TX

Bulwark has been taking care of our property, inside and out, for the past 3 years or so. They’ve taken care of our routine bug maintenance as well as special problems that have cropped up. They were able to take care of a fire ant problem in one visit last year. John was here today to take care of an ant problem we were having. He came during the earlier part of the time slot assigned to us, which was wonderful. He took care of everything quickly and professionally. He even took off his shoes before coming into the house without me even having to ask.

Robin P.
Raleigh, NC

Bulwark believes that pest control is about taking care of the little things. …(pun intended)

Pest-Control-Stories General Pest Control ant control, bug control, pest control

Today’s interview is between Thomas, Bulwark Exterminating, and Thomas, Pioneer Pest Management… So we will make it Thos003, Bulwark, and Tom, St. Louis Extraordinaire. So let’s chat about…

Mosquito Control in St. Louis

Pioneer Specializes in Mosquito Control

Thos003: Mosquito control is a challenge many pest control companies are not willing to face, so how long have you been working to target mosquitoes?

Tom:We have been specifically focused on mosquitoes for about three years.  This market was under served from a mosquito control standpoint, so we have helped boost awareness that there are effective solutions available. We started using a backpack mist and that led to getting into system installation.

Thos003: How long have you been using a misting system?

Tom: We did our first installation of the misting system about 3 years ago shortly after we began with the backpack fogging.  Our first installation was more of an experiment to see how it would work.  After visiting other operators in other markets and hearing some of the feedback from their customers, we were really convinced that this was a great offering. We have been installing more and more through our existing customers spreading the word, so we’re happy.

Thos003: Is this the same misting system with the tubes set up around the perimeter of the house that shoots out bursts every few minutes? How often do you have to mist?

Tom: Yes, we are a certified re-seller and installer of MistAway Mosquito Misting systems.  These systems include tubing installed around the perimeter of the affected area with misting nozzles every 8-10 feet.  The systems have a timing mechanism built in to mist at the intervals the user specifies.  Most often, the systems are set to mist at dusk and dawn, when mosquito activity peaks.  However, some customers prefer to have a third or fourth session in the middle of the afternoon or later in the evening if conditions dictate.

Thos003: About Pioneer Pest Management & Mosquito Misting, you are a family based company, privately owned, how many years in business?

Tom: We are a family business.  Our family members have a diverse background in business. We have been in this community a long time, which has really been helpful with word of mouth growth and that has been awesome.  We started in 2007.

Thos003: I noticed you like foursquare? Sorry, but being a nerdy internet guy I’ve got to ask about it. I mean it’s totally geek to the max cool <snort LOL snort>… What benefits do you get from it?

Local Hero

Tom: Funny you should ask. At this point, we have not seen any benefits.  However, we think it makes sense to be transparent.  If a customer comes to our site and sees we have been in their neighborhood recently, it might make them more comfortable to contact us. After all, how interesting can a pest control website really be to someone? Since there is no cost to using some of these available social media tools, it’s really just kind of interesting to try different things and see how they work. We can move away from it if we discover a downside.

Thos003: Sounds logical. You are a local service so why not show your local support. You know I visited St. Louis once, went up in the arch, fun experience.  Funny thing about AZ is that a lot of natives have never visited the Grand Canyon. So have been up in the arch?

Tom: Great question. I have, but most people you ask around town have not.  If you are ever in St. Louis again, you have to check out the City Museum.  It is a very cool, unique attraction.   And I have to ask, what local restaurant is a must visit, just in case I decide to drop in on you sometime.
You can find us at Llywellyn’s, it’s a great Celtic style pub. For Italian, Massa’s in Kirkwood. St. Louis has a ton of great spots though. Come visit us!

Thos003: Thanks for the invite! You will be one of the firsts to know if I do drop in. And thanks for interview.

Click here to learn more about their mosquito control service.

Pest-Control-Stories General Pest Control, pest control companies interviews, mosquito control, mosquitos, PCO, PCOs, St. Louis Pest Control

Okay, I feel just a little bad about this phone conversation I had yesterday.  A guy calls and says that he is with Google Places wanting to verify my info, in reality he was with “Local Splash”.  He began his practiced speech…..

<a few seconds later>

“….So we can get you on the maps!”

“Where am I currently on the maps?”

“I don’t know… Let’s look…. Humph… Well we will 100% guarantee you a position at all times on the first page so you don’t have to worry about whether your there or not.”

“But I am already on the maps…. Where did you get my number?”

“From a list at the local library…But we are a full fledged SEO service.”

“SEO service?  Do you know who Matt Cutts is?”

“Uh…Does he work for Local Splash?”

“I’m sorry, but  I’m good… But uh…Good luck with the next guy.”

I actually felt sorry for this guy as I hung up the phone…

SEO Litmus Test – Do you Know Who Matt Cutts is?

If you don’t know the name of the guy who heads up the army that could wipe your website from off the face of the cyberworld than you won’t be leading my troops into battle.  Not that Matt Cutts is really out to get everyone, but if you cross his team then you will get it.  When I started SEO I didn’t know who he was.  I hired SEO teams, I have since had to learn to evaluate those teams and the work.  I have fired SEO teams. Word of advice, if you get a call on the phone for SEO run this litmus test.  If they can’t answer that question then you are running a higher risk.

Twitter Litmus Test – How to Determine who to Follow?

The first thing I do when I get a follow: I will look through their tweets to see if they are just blasting links, or if they are actually communicating with others.  I will follow people that provide good information and links after meeting them in real life.  I will follow people that engage me in conversations via twitter.  I follow people I want to endorse.  I unfollow people I don’t want to endorse any longer.

Social Media Litmus Test – What’s the Online Conversation?

Social media isn’t for everyone and just because many companies are jumping on board doesn’t make it right for all companies.  What people are most desiring online is communication.  Social media is communication. A telephone, a fax, face to face, email, blogs, all of these facilitate a conversation.  All of these are a type of social media. Just as much as you hated a “Win a trip to Disneyland” fax blast from the past, this new age of social media is about engaging people, not blasting your horn. Too many salesmen want to just talk TO you, not WITH you. Don’t hit me up with a bunch of solicitations.  You may ruin any chance you had.  If you choose to engage me than learn to listen.  I will tell you exactly what I want.  If you say you can deliver then I will proceed to drill you on what I want and how you are going to deliver it. I have no problems with a well thought out plan of engagement and I will give some of my time to listen to you.

By the way, I am just a pest control guy.  I learned my tenacity from a spider.  I learn that better businesses listen, from books like J.D. Powers, “Satisfaction”, I learn better SEO from reading legit SEO blogs, and books like “The Blueprint to SEO” and “The Art of SEO”. I am happy to share what I can.  You are welcome to disagree, share, or joke about anything I post… so long as I know you are listening to me and not just talking to me.

thos003 General Pest Control bug control, business, exterminator, matt cutts, pest control, pest control guy, SEO, SEO Litmus Test - Do you Know Who Matt Cutts is?

Happy 4th of July from Our Family to your Family.

The country we live in has problems. The country we live in has borders. The country we live in suffers. The country we live in is diverse. The country we live in has divisions.

But who doesn’t have problems. Who doesn’t have borders. Who doesn’t suffer.

The United States is not perfect but the US is still our home and our country. Its a country built on freedom, liberty, and justice for all. Go out and celebrate the Good that is still found in the roots of our homeland. Hold on to those roots and stand up for freedom, for the American dreamers, the American way. The America of the past. The America of Today.  And the America that we can still build together.

To our forefathers. To our founding fathers. To those that fight for a better future. For our friends. Our service men. Our families. Let us stand united.  Let us be one Nation.

Happy 4th of July.

Pest-Control-Stories General Pest Control Happy 4th of July, our family

thos003 General Pest Control bug control, exterminator, pest control

Phoenix Roach Pest Control By Bulwark Exterminating. Cockroaches are not a favorite dinner topic, but they sure do enjoy eating your leftovers. Call Bulwark.

Cockroaches Found in Phoenix

American Roaches, German Roaches, Oriental Roaches, and a few other roaches are found reproducing by the thousands, and millions in the city of Phoenix. Have a roach problem? Call Bulwark today.

Peoria Pest Control AZ

PestControlPhoenix General Pest Control, Uncategorized bug control, Bulwark Exterminating, Cockroaches in Phoenix AZ, exterminator, Peoria Pest Control AZ, pest control, Phoenix Cockroach Control, Phoenix Pest Control, Phoenix Roach Control

Each year Bulwark sends out a letter and survey to all of their customers. It’s quite simple, Bulwark wants to know how they are doing. It’s a report card for each of their branches. Yes. Each survey is read and scored. Each comment is taken seriously. Bulwark believes in listening to their customers.

If you are a Bulwark Customer and would like to take the survey then please visit www.GradeBulwark.com each customer may only take the survey once.

Bulwark also operates a quicker more simple survey to grade their techs and each individual service, www.GradeYourService.com

Thanks again for your feed back.

Pest-Control-Stories General Pest Control customer satisfaction, Grade Bulwark Pest Control

The internet is a sea of information.  Some salty, some entertaining, some exciting, and some information is just useless.  The world of pest control has been around for some time now.  There are industry giants that have been around for close to 100 years now. The pests may evolve , but not much really changes on a daily bases. So I sometimes wonder “how can anyone add new and valuable content to the topic of pest control?” Sure there is a new love song everyday of the week. Yes, Facebook is revolutionizing the social scene.  But PEST CONTROL???

But, as with love songs, it’s the passion that keeps the flame burning.  And while pest control isn’t most people’s topic of choice, there are those that carry the torch because they love what they do.  This past week a fellow exterminator reminded me why pest control is a good business to be in. Hearts Pest Control out of San Diego, really does have heart.

Hearts Pest Control, San Diego Pest Control Service that Cares.

Written by Gerry Weitz and reproduced with his permission.

Published in PMP magazine
http://www.mypmp-digital.com/pmpdigital/201004#pg14

Take Back My Paycheck

It is hard to part with money, yet I enjoy personally handing out paychecks.  At my office, the employees usually take a second look at the envelope before opening to see the paycheck.  Occasionally, they’ll look at the envelope and say, “Take this back, you didn’t write a fortune cookie.”

Whether or not the paycheck is particularly good, the staff enjoys seeing genuine notes addressed from me to them personally:

“Outstanding teamwork!  Good start to a great career at Hearts!”

“Love those extra efforts at client retention!  Thanks so much.”

“Mistakes get made.  Don’t let it get you down.  We’ll get there together.”

Something special is happening when employees care first about a small, heartfelt message before their paychecks.  It not only inspires them.  It inspires me.  I’m not a fool to think the employees would be here if they didn’t get a decent paycheck.  Nevertheless, people will exit companies that don’t inspire them.  Appreciation is a powerful word.  Combining that with inspiration for a better future is that much more empowering.

Great companies continue to inspire staff even as they grow.  Writing a personal note to one random employee each week might start a workplace legend.  There is something wrong when employees say, “It’s all about the numbers.”  If that sounds like your company, beware!  One way to prove you are listening to staff is by responding with communications that show you care about their personal and family welfare and their careers at your company.

Communicate those little things that make your employees want to feel as happy to come back on Monday morning, as they do walking out on Friday with paycheck in hand.

-Gerry

www.heartspm.com

Need San Diego Pest Control? Call Gerry at Hearts Pest Control.

Putting the Service back into Pest Control

I really enjoyed Gerry’s article and from what I have learned about Gerry I can tell that he runs a good operation. Service companies should understand service from the top down. Service should be a genuine action of your personal choice with the intent to help another. To be genuine, the giver will have no motives to question. An act of service is also not given out of obligation. It is about caring. While I am not an employee of Hearts, I believe Gerry cares for his employees.

-Thomas Ballantyne
“Yes, I am a pest control guy.”

ThomasB General Pest Control customer service, Exterminators, PCOs, San Diego Pest Control, service