Pest Control and Bug Exterminator Blog

Informative Interesting Perspectives about Bug Exterminators and The Pest Control Industry

‘pest control companies’

10 Qualities of Outstanding Pest Control Employees

As pest control operators it can be challenging at times finding extraordinary employees and technicians to work for your company. Showing up to work everyday and performing adequately is expected, but it doesn’t make for an outstanding employee. Several pest control operators were asked, “What qualities do their most outstanding technicians and employees possess, and what traits do you look for when hiring them?” Here are their top 10 responses: 1. They have a positive attitude. Working for a pest control company might not always be the most glamorous of jobs at times, but the most outstanding employees will always show up to work everyday with a positive disposition, enthusiastic… Read More

This Weeks Pest Control News

Fruit fly sex lives impact effectiveness of pest control strategies Scientists in Australia have been hard at work watching fruit flies mate to figure out how fly sex is affecting your food. During this process they are discovering more effective pest control strategies. For a great read, check out: http://nittygrittyscience.com/2012/09/06/fruit-fly-sex-lives-impact-effectiveness-of-pest-control-strategies/ Mosquitoes Plague the Northwest as West Nile Cases Increase Recent rains, warm weather, and high humidity have made mosquito control in the Northwest challenging. The number of foreclosed properties in the area, with their sometimes un-kept swimming pools and scattered backyard debris that’s collecting water, is making mosquito control more difficult. http://blog.pestcontrolceus.com/mosquitoes-plague-canyon-hills-neighborhood-as-west-nile-cases-increase/ New Kind of Ant Discovered in New York City… Read More

Ants Use The Internet?

Contrary to popular belief, Al Gore did not create the internet– Ants may have thousands of years ago. New research from Stanford University suggests that Harvester Ants use their own type of internet, or “anternet,” for decision making inside the nest. These ant colonies are able to determine how many foragers need to be sent out by using a protocol system that is similar to the one IT professionals use to find out how much bandwidth is accessible on the internet. Harvester Ant Evolution It has long been thought by scientists that there may be some connection between ant behavior and computer science. Biologist Deborah Gordon and computer scientist Balaji… Read More

Where Are Your Pest Control Technicians?

Do you own or manage a pest control company? Have you ever found one of your guys asleep in the company truck at a nearby park? Have you happened to spot one of your techs in a drive thru while he was scheduled to be on a job? What’s it Costing You? The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) estimates that employee fraud costs a company 6% of an organization’s total revenue, or $600 billion annually. If your pest control company’s revenue was $250,000 last year you’ve potentially lost out on $15,000. That’s $15,000 that can be reinvested in your company, helping it grow. Some of this employee fraud can be directly… Read More

Friday Links Round Up

The Culture of the Negotiated Pest Control Transactions Here’s a great blog for us pest control operators that explores the art of negotiating prices among different cultures, and how American’s are catching on. There’s a great take home lesson at the end on setting prices while still being able to negotiate with potential and existing customers. Check out: http://heartspm.wordpress.com/2012/08/27/culture-of-negotiated-pest-control-price/ Tips on Hiring Pest Control Services This article provides an interesting consumer perspective on exactly what our customers want in a pest control service. As pest control operators, we can look to model ourselves, and our customer service, according to these guidelines. http://www.linksparadise.com/?p=20782 August Means Hungry Yellow Jackets Heritage Pest Control of… Read More

This Week’s Pest Control News

Pest Control Held to New Standards New legislation has been passed in Annapolis, MD banning toxic pesticides within 25 feet of schools, daycares, government buildings, and waterways. Starting July 1, 2013 pesticides will only be used in emergency infestations. This new legislation is following the same pest control approach of other cities like nearby Washington, DC. http://annapolis.patch.com/articles/pest-control-held-to-new-standards-by-council Parasites and Products Here is a great blog on what the pest control industry is using to treat tick and fleas. Some Pyrethroids like Permethrin are working well for fleas as well as ticks. The article emphasizes customer preparation and education. http://brownpestcontrol.com/aug-21-2012-parasites-and-products/ Don’t Let Bedbugs Ruin Your Vacation Our Pest Control Atlanta friends… Read More

Price Wars: The Pest Control Industry Divided

As I was driving into work today I happened to notice a small street corner sign stuck into the ground advertising pest control annuals for $99.00. I suddenly began to cringe as I was left wondering how a pest control company could stay in business with pricing like this. The experience got me thinking.   Why are so many pest control companies quoting such low prices with operating costs on the rise and profit margins shrinking?   I wish I had a solid answer to this question. I have seen numerous companies fail, in various industries, because they don’t know how to properly figure out their real costs and subsequently… Read More

Top 10 Financial Mistakes Made By Pest Control Companies

Top 10 Financial Mistakes Made By Pest Control Companies   Administering to all aspects of your pest control company is never simple. As an owner or manager you must manage workflow, cash flow, sales, overhead, inventory, and your employee’s needs, all while not neglecting customer service. With every one of these responsibilities it can be easy to make mistakes in your businesses accounting and bookkeeping. Here are some of the most frequent accounting mistakes compiled from current and former PCO’s:   1. Not separating personal finances from your business. Mixing up business and personal money can cause bookkeeping and legal problems.   2. Turning over your financials to someone else.… Read More

Top 10 Pest Control Equipment Productivity Tips

Most people will agree that while its the skills of the NASCAR driver that wins the race, that if we take away that well oiled racing machine and replace it with a pest control truck it doesn’t matter who is behind the wheel, he/Danica Patrick would have no chance at winning. No matter how great of a technician you hire, crappy abused and broken equipment will cause your pest control company to fail. So let’s show a little more love for our pest control trucks and equipment.   Top 10 Pest Control Equipment Productivity Tips By Andrew Greess #10 – Good Filtration Design good filtration to prevent debris from getting… Read More

Wildlife Control vs Pest Control

Dallas Wildlife Control is a lucky benefactor of our post here today. Code: k9bugsit33Bulwart What is the difference between Animal Control and Pest Control? A wildlife control is very different from structural pest control. Different laws apply to dealing with wildlife. Different techniques apply. In many states a separate license is required. It is almost always prohibited to relocate nuisance animals and other wildlife without written permission from the state’s gaming department. Yet, somehow, animal control and pest control seem to be synonymous to the general public. Pigeon control, rat control, and wildlife control are very much different than general pest control. Trapping and removal are also different from exterminating… Read More