Pest Control Terminology

Post image for Pest Control Terminology

by The Bug Doctor

I think every industry has its own little subset of language and pest control is no different. Nurses say ‘Q’ to substitute the word ‘every’, salesman give ‘pitches’ and truckers are ‘dead heading’ when they don’t have a load but are still on the move. It’s usually not real difficult to figure out what people are saying but it’s almost always something you wouldn’t say in an average day. Still some of it’s unique and customers or those not in the ‘know’ might raise an eyebrow if they overhear two techs in a conversation thinking you’re planning something nefarious in their home.

In pest control, we have our own little language too and I’ve heard a lot of terms to describe our service over the years. Here’s just a small list of what I can remember.

Terms Describing Types Of Pest Control Service

Start, Initial, Clean Out, Start Up, Whole House, Newbie, Spot, CC, Proofing, Blast, One Shot, Special, One Time, Gas, Fogger, Corrective, Regular, Maintenance, Trouble Call, Complaint, Courtesy Visit, Follow Up, Re-Treat, Re-Spray and Major Minor, (two services at the same time) Germans, Hoppers, Exclusion, Drive By…..

Terms Describing Termite Work

Sub Job, Full Drill, Spot Treat, Fume, Injection Service, Prevent, Corrective, Belly Job, (crawl space) Trench & Treat, Rod, Bath Trap, Long Rod, Block Work, Wrap, Subs, Rig Runner, Drill Jockey, Re-Treat…..

I’m sure there are hundreds if not thousands of terms out there we use in the pest industry. With all the new chemicals, techniques and fancy equipment. I’ve done a lot of traveling over the years and just hearing what people say in different parts of the country to describe common everyday things is fascinating in itself, ever hear of a Hoagie? – you eat em all the time. (wow-what about different countries?) I’d be thrilled to hear what terms you use or have heard even if they don’t seem unique to you. Take a moment if you would and add your take and maybe add your 20, I got my ears on!

Picture 25 Pest Control Terminology


Enjoy this post? Share it with others!

share save 256 24 Pest Control Terminology subscribe 256 24 Pest Control Terminology

Related Articles:

  • http://twitter.com/ProBestPest KBirkemeyer

    I once gave a talk in Australia about a software program we were trying to implement for the pest control industry. I started out by saying the word Route and actually said phonetically Root (I was raised in Ohio) and for some reason everyone looked at me and then someone mentioned to me it is the same as saying the F word.

  • http://pestcemetery.com The Bug Doctor

    Get outa here! Wow, guess I won’t try and start a root in Australia.

  • Mel

    Great new terminology for those special salespeople. If I see Whole house minor major fume long rod injection service and muskrat nutria granulation thrown in for free. Dont let me office know but we’ll do proofing for free too. I know who to blame.

  • http://pestcemetery.com The Bug Doctor

    I had nothing to do with that, I have an airtight alibi. I was on a ‘belly’ job doing ‘spot treat’

  • Nitorpestcontrol

    Being new to the industry as well as just starting my own company, I found these articles helpful, and I need all the help, and advise I can get. Thanks. Mark, phila,Pa.

  • http://pestcemetery.com The Bug Doctor

    Well congrats and good luck on your new venture. Please feel free to comment, ask questions or shoot me a a message using my “Ask The Bug Doctor” tab at the top of the page. I’ll try and help you out if I can.

  • http://www.primepestcontrol.com/ Chris

    Interesting post! I will be back for further posts. Thanks

  • http://pestcemetery.com The Bug Doctor

    Thank you, look forward to hearing from you.

Previous post:

Next post: