Periodic termite inspections are an important responsibility of a homeowner. However, the sensible thing to do is ward off termite damage before it happens instead of waiting until you’re left with crumbling walls and furniture. Some building codes may require pretreatment to aid in the prevention of the wood-eating insects during the construction process of new homes, and if they don’t, it should definitely be something you consider looking into. The future of your home may depend on the protection that’s placed around it from the very beginning. As your foundation is being laid, it is probably a good idea to be aware of the treatment methods used in the developmental stages and talk them over with your pest control experts and contractor to ensure that the job is done correctly. A properly pre-treated residence allows termiticides to be administered in places that can’t be reached once the structure is built and may provide a much longer and more cost-effective approach to termite resistance.

Termiticide Soil Administration

Termites make their way up to a home by traveling through tunnels they construct in the soil around it. For a soil treatment to be the most effective, it must involve several stages that last from the pouring of the foundation to landscaping and be applied with specialized tools. The termiticide chemicals should be funneled into trenches that are dug out on each side of the foundation to let the soil around the new construction become fully saturated. During slab construction, the soil should be treated before the concrete is poured to make sure it reaches all necessary areas. This will aid in creating a barrier between termites and the wood used in the supporting structures, foundations and piers of the home and most likely hinder an infestation. Continually treating the soil throughout construction as the exterior is formulated is essential in protecting each foundational element.

Baiting

Once the final grading on your new residence is complete, you have the option of choosing to have termite baits installed as an alternative to soil treatment or in conjunction with it. Baits are often used for population control of the insects and are placed in several stations around the property. They use wood to trick termites into feeding on them instead of the wood in your house, and in turn, infect them with a termiticide that will eventually reduce the colony as long as they keep feeding. Baits have to be monitored and maintained, which can also be done during regular termite inspections.

Wood Treatment

Treating exposed wood that will be used in the construction of your new home using a borate chemical solution will almost certainly preserve your wood exterior for its lifetime. Termites will be deterred from creating shelter tubes along the treated wood and won’t find them desirable enough to feed on. The chemical must be applied before installing any sheetrock or siding and should be done again to any new wood structures that are part of an expansion; otherwise your residence will just become vulnerable again.

Waiting until post construction to have a termite inspection and treatment may result in an infestation that will be much more difficult and costly to control.

Author Bio

My name is Tiffany Olson and I love to blog. I write on topics such as home improvement, pest management, health and wellness and travel. KillRoy.com is company that I’ve received advice from in the past. They specialize in pest control and termite inspection in Hayward.

Related articles

• Termidor SC – The Wise Choice For a Termite Treatment
• How to treat a Termite Problem
• Termite season is here

Pest Of The Week: The Brown Recluse Spider

English: Adult male brown recluse spider dorsal view. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Brown Recluse spider is also known as a Violin spider because of the violin markings found on it’s back. Because of its extremely venomous and deadly bite, the Brown Recluse is one of worst spider pests. These bites are extremely dangerous. There have been reports of lost appendages and even death because of these painful bites. Spider control efforts must be taken to keep these spiders out of your basements, attics, and garages.

While the Brown recluse is dangerous, it’s a rather shy spider that will only bite when it feels threatened. Bites occur when a hand is placed unknowingly on a spider while moving boxes for instance; or when a spider is inadvertently trapped against a person’s body while getting dressed or crawling in bed.

The Brown Recluse spider is tan in color. Adult spiders are about the size of a U.S. Quarter. The spider has a violin marking on its back, long legs, and is covered with short hairs. They are common in the lower Midwest and the Southeast U.S. They are nighttime hunters that do not use webs to catch insects.

5 Pest Control Links For Your Friday

Cluster Flies are a Real Pest to Deal With

Have you ever been enjoying the outdoors, when suddenly you’ve been swarmed by a hoard of tiny flies? More often than not, those are cluster flies and they can be more than a simple annoyance for some homeowners. More…

Buying Property? Approach With Eyes Wide Open

If you are in the market to buy a home, make sure pests haven’t moved in first. Here’s what you need to know. More…

Introducing the Rugose Spiraling Whitefly

Spiraling whiteflies are a landscaping nightmare. The pesky flies chew their way though trees and plants, leaving them yellow and wilted. For a free download about this relatively new pest, click here.

Bulwark Exterminating & Earth Day

Monday was Earth Day! Bulwark Exterminating has made efforts go green by going paperless. More…

Take Back Your Yard With Mosquito Control

With the warmer summer months almost upon us, mosquitoes will be out in full force. While they can be annoying, they can also be dangerous. Take back your backyard with these mosquito tips. More…

Related articles

• Pest Control Tips You Can Easily Try At Home
• What Really Happens When You Get Bit by a Brown Recluse Spider
• The Truth Behind The Spider Oreo
• Top 10 Ways To Kill A Spider
• Spider In My Ear

Anthony Ball

Every year, pest control professionals ascend on our nation’s capital to raise awareness with their legislators about important issues impacting the pest control industry. National Pest Management Association (NMPA) Legislative Day 2013, in Washington DC, offered pest control professionals the opportunity to build stronger relationships with a new-look Congress.

NMPA Legislative Day 2013 In Washington 

March 17-19 2013 marked NMPA Legislative Day in Washington DC; and some 400 pest control professionals attended to make sure their voices were heard by Congress. Important business and tax issues were discussed, including issues surrounding the PESTT Act, paperless reporting, and the use of Sulfuryl Fluoride on food.

Those who attended got to listen to prominent speakers, like former Vice-Presidential candidate Paul Ryan; who spoke of trying to eliminate burdensome taxes on PCO’s. By all accounts, Ryan’s speech was the highlight Legislative Day.

New Pest Control Opportunities With A New Congress

The new Congress, which convened on January 3, 2013, is a once-in-a-generation Congress. One-third (180 new members the last two election cycles) of the 435 members of the U.S. House of Representatives are new; with less than three years experience. The Senate has seen similar turnover, with 25 new Senators being elected in 2012 and 2010 elections.

With this in mind, pest control professionals had a once-in-a-blue-moon opportunity to forge relationships with tomorrow’s leaders during NMPA Legislative Day 2013. These relationships can establish partnerships with a new generation of federal lawmakers, which will ultimately benefit the entire professional pest management industry for generations. The impact of this change in Congress is difficult to overstate.

Topics Of Discussion At Legislative Day

While much discussion at NMPA Legislative Day focused on pest control business and tax issues; there were also three critical issues that were addressed with the new Congress.

PESTT Act

Legislative Day attendees asked their legislators to support the Pest Elimination Services Transparency and Terminology Act (PESTT Act) which aims to limit USDA-Wildlife Services competition with the private sector for rodent, nuisance bird and wildlife work. Essentially, PCO’s don’t want to have to compete against USDA Wildlife Services for pest control.

The two key components of the PESTT Act are: (1) to define the term “urban rodent control”; and (2) to direct the U.S. Government Accountability Office to write a report identifying activities that Wildlife Services performs that the private sector has the capability and capacity to perform; and to make further recommendations. Another issue the PESTT Act is trying to correct is that USDA Wildlife Services is authorized to work at non-agricultural settings.

The NMPA’s ultimate goal is to get this legislation inserted into the farm bill, so PCO’s have less competition with the government for pest control services.

Sulfuryl Fluoride Food Usage

Pest control professionals involved in fumigation work wanted to make sure their voices were heard at Legislative Day; regarding the proposed cancelling of Sulfuryl Fluoride usage on food.

Sulfuryl Fluoride has come under attack from activist groups which have a waged a lengthy war on the pesticide, demanding the stoppage of Sulfuryl Fluoride usage in food-processing facilities. The EPA began listening to these demands in 2011 and began phasing out the pesticide, even though Sulfuryl Fluoride contributes no more that 2-3% of the public’s exposure to fluoride. PCO’s wish to continue using Sulfuryl Fluoride for pest control because some groups in the food sector are now completely reliant on it.

Paperless Reporting

Many pest control companies have gone paperless in order to save costs, go greener, boost efficiency, and promote professionalism. Unfortunately, a barricade that PCOs have run into is that some states mandate pest control operators keep hard copies of pesticide records, use reports, and consumer info sheets—Even if a pest control company has invested a large sum of money to go paperless. Many of these requirements were written in the 1970s and 1980s before people could imagine today’s technology.

Pest control professionals lobbied Congress at Legislative Day to introduce legislation that would allow PCO’s to keep records and reports electronically. Since each State’s laws are different, the issue needs to be addressed on the Federal level.

We Want To Hear From You

If you were able to attend NMPA Legislative Day 2013 In Washington DC, we’d love to hear about your experience.

We’d also love to hear your thoughts on the proposed legislation (i.e. Sulfuryl Fluoride usage, paperless reporting, and the PESTT Act).

Read more about NMPA Legislative Day 2013 at pctonline.com

Related articles

• PCO Choice – Quart W/sprayer
• Becoming a pest investigator
• Republican Outrage at USDA E-Mail Shows Mistrust of Cuts
• Topeka, Kansas, Urged To Remove Fluoride From Drinking Water To Protect Legislators’ IQs
• Agencies Can Soon Use Herbicides, Pesticides On State Lands Without Permit

Anthony Ball

Links Roundup- Pest Control Articles For The Week 

Squirrel Gets a Jolt, Leaves 4,500 in Dark

It wasn’t a big storm with hurricane-force winds that knocked out power for thousands. More…

Natural Methods to Eliminate Lice from Hair

Lets hope you never need this advice; but just in case, McDonald Pest Control offers advice on getting rid of a hair lice infestation. More…

Termite Season Is Here & So Are Termite Swarmers

Is it possible to see termites on your property and not have a termite infestation? With spring almost upon us, and termite swarmers resurging, you better be well informed. Walker Pest Management of South Carolina has some advice on termites. More…

Ants: There’s Never Just One

In addition to the painful ant bites that go along with certain kinds of ants, there are some ants that can also destroy your property. More…

Bed Bugs Spreading to Theaters, Schools and Office Buildings

Bedbugs are not just hiding in the mattresses and bedding of dilapidated trailer parks, but can be found in schools, theaters, nursing homes, dormitories, and office buildings. Learn more about bedbugs from Accuracy Pest Control by clicking here.

Understanding Silverfish and What You Can Do to Prevent Them

You can find silverfish anywhere in your home or office, but they particularly love dark, damp places such as attics, bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and more.

Pest Of The Week: The Red Imported Fire Ant

Making their way into the United States in the late 1930’s, the malicious Red imported Fire ant has spread to most of the southern states. Because of their impact on properties, on human health, and their environmental impact; Red Imported Fire ants easily take the cake for the worst ant pest. They build huge mounds, reaching nearly eight feet deep. These mounds can easily destroy the trees and plants on your property. On top of their damaging effects, they can also sting and bite. Red Imported Fire ant stings are very painful, and have even lead to death in rare cases.

Red Imported Fire ants have dark red bodies, with black abdomens. They can reach lengths of almost 1/4 of an inch, and are notorious for their very aggressive nature. When bothered, fire ants will pour out of their mounds and assault any impostor by stinging them numerous times. if you are having problems with fire ants, get ant control!

Related articles

• Bedbug Control Tips
• Pest Control in New Port Richey
• Exterminator Indianapolis for exotic pest control services
• Pest Control Made Easy For Restaurants

Anthony Ball

This Week’s Pest Control Videos & Links

Harlem Shake ( bed bug inspection edition)

Harlem shake videos have been the craze as of late, and even bed bug inspectors have caught on. See for yourself:

Winning the Roach & Ant Battle

We all know how much of a nightmare dealing with ants and cockroaches can be. Here are a few tips on winning that battle from Suburban Exterminating in Long Island, NY. More…

Liquid vs. Bait Termite Treatment

Termites are one of the leading causes of damage to your home. Dealing with them can be tricky at times, but fortunately there is help. Here is a good discussion on bait and liquid treatments. More…

Bats, Leave It To The Professionals

Although beneficial to the environment, bats can be a serious pest control problem that needs to be left to the professionals. More…

Cooler Weather Brings Mice & Rats Inside

With this recent cold spell much of the country is experiencing this week, it’s a sure bet that rodents like mice and rats will be headed indoors looking for warmth and shelter. More…

Pest Of The Week: House Dust Mite

House dust mites (Photo credit: Gilles San Martin)

One of the leading causes of asthma and other respiratory allergic symptoms is the house dust mite. These teeny, tiny mites are so small that they are best seen through a microscope; although they can sometimes be seen by the naked eye, in large numbers, if they are placed on a dark background. House dust mites are rectangular in shape, and are a creamy blue color. House dust mites are most commonly found in the carpets, furniture, mattresses and bedding of your home.

Since house dust mites reproduce and multiply so rapidly, pest control professionals, and health officials warn of serious health problems that they can cause. Typical symptoms of house dust mite allergies include itchiness, sneezing, inflamed or infected eczema, watering/reddening eyes, or sneezing repeatedly and frequently.

Related articles

• Remarkable Bed Bug Spray Plus Pictures of Bed Bugs Reduce Pest-Control…
• Pest Control Zap Away Is Pleased to Announce the Launch of A New User…
• Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Company Recognized by Angie’s List as…

Anthony Ball

Coyotes Battle Chicago Rat Infestation

Chicago’s municipality has found some new employees, about 250 of them, to help keep the city clean—and without the need to dole out any expensive pensions, either.  So who makes up this new hiring push in Chicago?  Coyotes, of course.

WGN-TV aired a news story showing a video, presumably captured on someone’s phone, of a coyote running down the Loop’s State Street at around 3am.  An inquiry was made to the city’s police, asking them if they were aware of the predator or coyote problems in the city.

The police stated they had no knowledge of why the animal might be there; however, a supervisor at the Chicago Commission on Animal Care and Control, Brad Block, stated that he knew the real reason the coyote was spotted: he was working.

According to Block, this coyote and a number like it, each fitted with a GPS collar, are used to help the city lower its pest problems.  The coyotes feast on rats, mice and rabbits—veritably, the greenest pest control available as it fits right in with the ecological food chain.  Block goes on to say that these coyotes are not a problem: “He’s not a threat…He’s not going to pick up your children…His job is to deal with all of the nuisance problems, like mice, rats and rabbits” (Chicago Breaking News).

These coyotes are not a source of concern for citizens, Block affirms, they’re let loose only to control the pest population.  However, since this news story broke, there have been several other ideas put out there as to the real reason Chicagoans are seeing coyotes in their city.

Treehugger.com, the popular green blog, believes the coyotes are part of the 250 coyotes radio-tagged for the Urban Coyote Ecology and Management program, a research project run by Cook County to see how coyotes fare in large urban areas.  Coyotes, a natural part of the plains geography and ecological system, have been pushed out of the city and had to redefine their role within the dynamics of the human presence.

What’s become remarkable is that these coyotes have risen to the top of the food chain in many metropolitan areas where coyotes are present.  This means that the coyotes have become more brazen and bold, venturing outwards into the cities where years ago they would never have been found.

Is Coyote Pest Control Safe?

Many cities in the Southwest have already learned first-hand what happens when the coyotes move in to the metropolitan area.  In California and Arizona, people have taken to feeding the coyotes, giving them handouts, making them more comfortable with people and counting on people as a source of food.

Many coyotes have had to be removed from those areas as the coyotes start to take advantage of the comfort afforded to them: often times attacking and eating pets and, in very small cases, attacking children. The coyotes had become a pest.

While it isn’t certain exactly if the coyote caught on video was part of the Urban Coyote program, or if it was in fact “let loose” for the purposes of pest control, what is certain is the rising number of coyote sightings (and road-kill) in Chicago and the very real fact that they’re figuring out how to return to their indigent plains habitat and reclaim their role as top predator.

About the author: Thomas dedicates himself to environmental issues including humane bird and pest control. When he’s not reviewing companies like www.bird-x.com, you can find him training for his first marathon.

Related articles

• RIP Neighbour Cat
• Coyote Highway
• Brown Rat Habits

Thomas Ballantyne

Friday Link’s Roundup

Cluster Flies Overwinter In New England

As the cold weather begins to arrive in much of New England, pests like cluster flies seek refuge inside homes. For a few pointers on preventing cluster flies from entering your home read:

http://www.modernpest.com/blog/cluster-flies-overwinter-in-maine/

7 Ways To Avoid Bringing Household Bugs Into Your Home

These seven steps will help you keep your living space free of pests and their troublesome effects:

http://www.resteasypestcontrol.com/blog/bid/234848/7-Ways-To-Avoid-Bringing-Household-Bugs-Into-Your-Home

Austin Termite Control

Termites are frequently found infesting homes and buildings in Austin, TX. These destructive pests create major problems for homeowners and tenants by actively feeding on timber structures like: homes, buildings, telephone poles, and trees. They will feed on almost anything made of wood. More…

Ladybugs

Ladybugs are looking for warm places to hibernate this winter. For everything you want to know about these natural solutions to pest read:

http://www.advantagetpc.com/blog/?p=120

Fleas Are the Best Jumping Creatures Known to Man

Whilst cat fleas live and suck the blood of cats and dogs unfortunately they have an acquired taste for human blood too, although they do not live on the human body. Fleas generally bite the ankles and hands of people when handling pets or pets bedding but the most common place for flea bites are the lower legs which are attacked frequently when the fleas sense the vibration of people’s oncoming foot steps. More… 

Keep Your Home Mosquito Free Next Summer by Preparing in Fall

There are specific steps that need to be taken this fall to ensure your property will be mosquito free next spring and summer. For all the provisions that need to be taken, check out:

http://www.horizonpestcontrol.com/blog/keep-your-home-mosquito-free-next-summer-by-preparing-in-fall/

Wildlife Exclusion: Getting Ready for Cooler Weather

The fall weather is prompting wildlife like raccoons, armadillos, and opossums to seek food and shelter in U.S. homes. Here are some great preventative measures that can be taken:

http://www.dugaspestcontrol.com/community-news/wildlife-exclusion-getting-ready-for-cooler-weather

Tips To Project Yourself From Being Stung By Yellow Jacket Wasps

Because of wasp’s aggressive nature, many people are stung each year, sometimes resulting in life-threatening outcomes. In fact, Yellow jackets alone are responsible for about one-half of all human insect stings. More… 

Common Las Vegas Ants

The city of Las Vegas has several ant species that can be a nuisance. They also can cause pain from stings/bites; they can spoil your food, and damage and your property. Here are a couple of the most common ant invaders in Las Vegas, NV:

http://pestcontrollasvegasnv.com/2012/10/common-las-vegas-ants/

Pest of the Week

The American cockroach, also known as the Palmetto bug or Waterbug, will grow to an average length of 1.6 inches and is approximately 0.28 of an inch tall. They appear reddish-brown, and have a yellowish margin on the body region located behind the head. Introduced to the United States from Africa, as early as 1625, they are now common in most tropical climates. Human activity and global shipping, has extended this insect’s range of habitation to the Unites States and most world ports.

This pest can travel quickly, often scurrying out of sight when anyone enters the room. In fact, an American cockroach experiment carried out at the University of California, Berkeley (1991), registered a record speed of 3.4 mph (5.4 kph).

Due to their large size and slow development, local pest control advises that large infestations of these insects are not common within houses. However, during certain times of the year, the American cockroach may enter a home seeking warmer temperatures and food. The American cockroach is a scavenger that feeds on decaying organic matter and is particularly fond of fermenting foods. They are most common in basements, crawl spaces, cracks/crevices of porches, foundations and walkways.

Anthony Ball

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/

Tips For Cleaner, More Energy Efficient Living

McDonald Pest Control offers some great tips on how all of us pest control operators can live more energy-efficient, cleaner, greener lives.

http://www.mcdonaldpestcontrol.com/st-petersburg-pest/tips-for-cleaner-more-energy-efficient-living/

Don’t Let Bedbugs Ruin Your Vacation

Our Pest Control Atlanta friends give us some great pointers on the steps we need to take to prevent bringing those pesky bedbugs home with us while on vacation.

http://pestcontrolatlantaga.com/2012/08/dont-let-bedbugs-ruin-your-vacation/

Flea Prevention Tips For Families

Here is a good read on the life-cycle of fleas, and how they can be prevented.

http://www.modernpest.com/blog/flea-prevention-tips-for-new-england-families/

West Nile Cases Surge in Mississippi, Pest Control Companies Prepare For More

Great information on how Pest Control Operators can cope with the surge of business due to all theses outbreaks. 78 people have contracted West Nile in the state of Mississippi.

http://www.fieldaware.com/2012/08/21/west-nile-cases-surge-in-mississippi-pest-control-companies-prepare-for-more/

Brown Recluse Spiders In The News

The drought and heat are forcing spiders, like the poisonous Brown Recluse, into our homes. We don’t need to be afraid of this home invasion, but the article does offer some helpful preventative measures we all can take.

http://lennyspestcontrol.wordpress.com/2012/08/23/brown-recluse-spiders-in-the-news/

Related articles

• Watch: West Nile Virus Detected in 43 States
• Bug-infested man shuts down Detroit courtroom
• West Nile Outbreak Is America’s Biggest Ever

Bulwark’s new smartphone software will help technicians save costly resources.

Bulwark Exterminating bought all its technicians iPhone and Droid smartphones for Christmas in preparation for its nationwide launch of new proprietary software that will save both gas and paper.

All 11 service branches are scheduled one by one to be operating on the new system by spring of 2011, and getting smart phones in to the hands of the technicians is the next vital step. The branches in Phoenix and Mesa, Ariz., are already operating with the new software. Las Vegas and St. George, UT are scheduled to begin the first week in January.

“It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to our technicians, as well as making our company more resourceful,” said Adam Seever, Owner of Bulwark. “These phones belong to our technicians.  We know they will be used for company purposes, but we’re excited about giving our technicians the new phones that they will be able to keep as their own.”

Bulwark technicians currently make an average of one trip per day to their assigned branch office to drop off the invoices from that day’s route.  Since they will be able to upload their invoices to the main servers via their smartphones, they will only need to stop by their branch office about once a week.

“We’ll be saving thousands of sheets of paper and hundreds of gallons of gas on daily basis,” said Seever. “This isn’t just a faster way of doing business. It’s a cleaner and more resourceful way to provide pest control services to our customers.”

About Bulwark Exterminating

Bulwark Exterminating LLC is based in Mesa, AZ and is an industry leader in providing high quality pest control service. Bulwark is fully operational in 7 states, including 11 major cities. While Bulwark provides pest extermination for common insects such as ants, roaches, crickets and spiders, the company’s differentiating specialty is scorpion control. To do this, Bulwark uses the finest and most effective products in the world to solve common pest problems. Bulwark is privately and family owned, has approximately 250 employees and services over 50,000 customers nationwide. For more information, visit http://www.BulwarkPestControl.com.

Genma Holmes

I love being social… but I think I am pretty much beat with Genma Holmes. And if you can’t beat em, join em. From fashion model to pest control super star, Genma Holmes is CEO of Holmes Pest Control in Nashville, Tennessee. She was a very fun interview and very gracious.  Enjoy!

Thomas: Well you are such an interesting person that I don’t know where to begin an interview! I heard you speak at the Green Conference in Dallas last year, so you are obviously promoting green services, let’s start there. What percentage of your customers are on an all natural pest control service?

Genma: All. I got into the business before green became a marketing idea. Green living is my way of life…not a marketing campaign.

Thomas: All of your pest control is done with 100% All Natural Pest Control Products? That’s fantastic! I am actually relieved. I was a little disappointed in the guys at that conference that were promoting green pest control as an undefined “wrap me in a green blanket and call me a safe treatment plan.” In fact, your candid clear cut views are probably what make you sparkle. Bulwark offers this option for those that want it but few ask for the All Natural Solution.

So you are 100% all natural pest control, for how many years?

Genma: From the day I met David Murphy of EcoSmart. We had been experimenting with it but did not have a pesticide that did the job that EcoSmart. It did not pass the smell test or the lick test in EcoSmart place. When EcoSmart first started my youngest children were in kindergarten.

Thomas: Very nice plug for EcoSmart, and yes they do offer great products. So Why Nashville?

Genma: I love this place. LOVE IT. I moved here from Mississippi. I thought I stepped off the bus into Rhinestone heaven! Everywhere I went I bumped into a REAL Opry star. No to mention the number of folks like me that stepped off Greyhound (or Southwest) and were millionaires overnight. No state income taxes, homes looking like McMasion with McRibs prices. Great place to raise your children. Economic opportunities on every corner and the most philanthropic people hands down.

Thomas: Yep, I love Nashville too. I graduated from Franklin High School. It is so beautiful there and full of wonderful people, like yourself. But my wife rules the roost so I won’t be back in Tennessee anytime soon. I get that you travel a lot for speaking engagements. How many events do you speak at per year?

Genma: Hmm, colleges are the hot spots. As I type I have 15 engagements scheduled before November. I did a road trip once pushing women in the industry angle….46 stops in 42 days. I nearly died but it was a great year! I am rarely asked to do industry events but then again, I didn’t cut my teeth talking to bug people (meaning I am not a “pest control industry” person traveling to “industry” events). Majority of my audiences are consumer driven marketplaces. I do not sell to the pest control industry. My audience are non industry folks mainly who buy my services and want to hear me talk about any and everything including my fear of brown recluse spiders. When I share that in a Women’s publication or a professional women group it is ok, talk about that in a room full of pest control guys and I sound bat crap crazy.

Thomas: Not only do I admire you as a pest professional, a great speaker, and a business savvy lady,  but you strike me as a mother that cares for her family.

Genma: I respect motherhood deeply. Thomas: How many kids do you have? Genma: 3! Franz (sports medicine) Cornelius (sports journalism) Alexis (sports marketing)…all would be 2nd generation PCOs!

Thomas: What’s your favorite question to be asked? Genma: How the hell did you get into pest control?

Thomas: You know that is a great question! So let me ask you… About your politics. =)
I know that your are politically active, do you take sides? Democratic, Republican? Liberal, Conservative?

Politics... Let's break that down for you... "Poli" Many & "tics" blood sucking creatures.

Genma: I vote my conscious. That’s not a wiggle out, that is the truth. Always have and always will. My grandfather’s taught me to think for myself. I don’t put campaign signs on my trucks. My business can not vote. I personally do not endorse anyone, because of my role at several newspapers BUT I throw some of the best parties in town to support a cause or a candidate. In the last year, I formed a group called POI…pissed off independents! Never met a Margarita we did not like!

Thomas: How does your political activism help and maybe hurt your business?

Genma:It doesn’t hurt or help. From the time I came out the womb, I was given a campaign sign from my granddaddy. Knocking on doors to get people to exercise their right to vote was his life story. He spent his life being a civil rights activist. Not the kind on TV spouting nonsense about nonsense but a man of the people who loved all people. I learned from him to have that fire in your belly for something that you believe in that works for the greater good..not lining your pocket! Vote for whoever you like..just vote damn it! See there goes that fire in me.

Thomas: Do you link religion, politics, and pest control?

Genma:All the time! I love my God, I am a citizen that votes in EVERY election, and I kill bugs. I can not get around any of that! But there are times and places for everything. I try not to push my beliefs on others but I am firm in my faith. if you don’t like my politics that fine, we live in a country that allow us to have differing views. I kill bugs and I am not shame of the work I do.

Thomas: Well you are wonderful.  Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.  I look forward to following your tweets.

And I encourage other professionals to do the same.  Check her out here:

http://twitter.com/bugsact

http://genmaspeaks.blogspot.com/