The Business Of Pest Control

Thumbnail image for Plan To Deal With These Three Types Of Pest Pressure

Plan To Deal With These Three Types Of Pest Pressure

A few years ago Terminix had some great TV commercials airing where the ‘walls’ would tell the homeowner about some invading problem or termites moving in under the slab. Well since even our smartest house isn’t that advanced yet and no one has invented a device to alert us of impending pest invasions, it might [...]

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Thumbnail image for Are You A Pest Control Chemical Using Lab Rat?

Are You A Pest Control Chemical Using Lab Rat?

I had an interesting conversation with a colleague today and as usual, it didn’t end up where it started and it got me curious about what others have to say. The place that our little chat started was how neither of of have very much room in our trucks and the different options we had [...]

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Thumbnail image for The Two Forbidden Subjects Of Pest Control

The Two Forbidden Subjects Of Pest Control

It’s said that in business, there are two subjects that you should NEVER bring up. Politics and religion. Whoever said this was either a very wise person or someone who found themselves with one less client whenever they opened up this can of worms. My guess is the latter. Now I’m always accused of being [...]

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Thumbnail image for The Ghost of Pest Control Owners Passed- Part 3

The Ghost of Pest Control Owners Passed- Part 3

As you are now standing alone, the dense fog thickens so that nothing is visible except the heavy droplets suspended in the air that surrounds you. Your mind is just as cloudy as you try to make sense of this strange and surreal odyssey. Should you feel sorry for these owners who should be on [...]

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Thumbnail image for The Ghost Of Pest Control Owners Passed-Part 2

The Ghost Of Pest Control Owners Passed-Part 2

Standing alone in the CEO’s reserved parking space you suddenly feel like a trespasser on this massive compound even though mere moments ago you were in the belly of the beast and witnessed it’s heartbeat, something very few get to see. The man in the white shirt and tie now notices and walks toward you [...]

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Thumbnail image for The Ghost Of Pest Control Owners Passed- Part 1

The Ghost Of Pest Control Owners Passed- Part 1

A classic book “A Christmas Carol”, written by Charles Dickens has always been a favorite of mine. (I was Jacob Marley in our 6th grade play) Most people are familiar with it. Most memorable were the scenes of the 3 ghosts who came to Ebenezer Scrooge on Christmas eve. It was their job to try [...]

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Thumbnail image for *ERP* Early Recognition Of Pest Problems – A Proven Strategy That May Save Your Account

*ERP* Early Recognition Of Pest Problems – A Proven Strategy That May Save Your Account

Have you ever had a job that you’ve just thrown everything at but you still couldn’t solve the problem? You know the ones- you’re out for the 6th time and the home owner is looking to you for an answer and you haven’t got a clue. You shuffle your feet and stammer for some words, [...]

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What Would You Do If You Had Kept Every Cancelation?

Cancelations of pest contracts is a fact of life in the bug business. In fact the big companies actually factor in to their business plans and strategies. At last check, (25 years ago when I left the corporate world) 3% was the highest acceptable rate. Anything more and you’d have teams of big brass in [...]

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Thumbnail image for What’s The Hardest Part Of A Pest Control Complaint?

What’s The Hardest Part Of A Pest Control Complaint?

Re-do’s, courtesy calls, extra service visits, call it what you like but in the end it’s just a complaint. Complaint calls are part of the business and if I had the formula to eliminate them all, I’d be a wealthy man. If you don’t handle them right, complaint calls can cost your company a lot [...]

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Thumbnail image for Pest Techs Afflicted With Mild Cognitive Impairment – Unite!

Pest Techs Afflicted With Mild Cognitive Impairment – Unite!

A 50th anything doesn’t come around very often so it’s not a surprise when your your closest friends and relatives gather to help you celebrate the achievement. This year was my half century mark and to celebrate we all sat around a huge table in a Japanese steak house. The cook had flames shooting up [...]

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Thumbnail image for 5 Universal Truths About Your Pest Control Route

5 Universal Truths About Your Pest Control Route

Do you use less equipment now then you did when you started? After all a dead bug is still a dead bug regardless if you killed it with a $1000 dollar actisol machine or with a 40 cent shot of HPX. Although your equipment is important, a successful route is built on more than just [...]

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Thumbnail image for The Envy of The Invisible Pest Control Companies

The Envy of The Invisible Pest Control Companies

Where Do All Those Invisible Pest Control Companies Hide? Every year when the yellow pages come out I look to see whose still in business and which companies have bowed out. Not an exact science mind you but you can get a pretty good idea of who has survived, maybe grown some, (bigger ad) or [...]

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Thumbnail image for Chasing The Exceptions; The Route Killer

Chasing The Exceptions; The Route Killer

It’s said that 80 % of your callbacks and problems will come from just 20% of your clients. I’d like to add to this equation and say that out of that troublesome 20%, at least 1/2 have the dreaded “Exception to the rule” syndrome. This minority, if allowed to, will run you ragged, spend YOUR [...]

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Thumbnail image for Translating Pest Control Instructions; Please Help

Translating Pest Control Instructions; Please Help

I rarely ask for anyones help when it comes to pest control service. It’s not that I have all the answers or am so smart. (just this week I had a customer call me anything but No, I just enjoy the thrill of figuring out mysteries and putting the pieces together to solve what seemed [...]

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Thumbnail image for If A Single Pest Control Operator Falls in The Woods…

If A Single Pest Control Operator Falls in The Woods…

In the pest control world there are three things near and dear to my heart. # 1. A tech who takes pride in his/her work and just exudes professionalism – #2. A clean and organized truck (kind of a rarity . #3. And most of all, the single operator, an owner who beyond all hope [...]

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