All men can see these tactics whereby I conquer, but what none can see is the strategy out of which victory is evolved.
Sun Tzu
There seems to be a grave misconception of pest control which leads to disappointments, under valuing, disinterest and impatience. The fallacy comes from the illusion that a technician simply walks around with his wares, sprits about and that’s all the service is. I mean who can blame a homeowner who sees a guy or gal that whips through the home in no time flat and then hands them a bill for $50.00. (or more) With no visible proof that they’re doing anything professional, any number of emotions can set in and the end result is usually not good.
We’ve Lost Our Shield
In the old days it was the lore of the shiny stainless steel can that only an exterminator had and was filled with some magical elixir which captivated the customers imagination. You could easily get away with a cursory spraying because the client was convinced you had very powerful sprays that they could never get. They referred to it as “the good stuff.” Sadly now with ebay, DIY stores and manufacturers providing homeowners with the same products professionals use, patience for results is a forgotten thing. Why should a
customer wait for control or why should they hire you at all since all you do is walk around and plaster the baseboards? They can do that.
The Lost Art
You’d think a plumber was crazy if he came in and simply wrapped some tape around a leak or put a wad of gum on a pipe wouldn’t you? As ridiculous as it sounds you’re doing much the same thing if you don’t start taking interest in what you’re doing and start performing pest control like, well, a professional. How long are you expecting to keep a patron if you mindlessly treat their home in a cookie cutter production minded way? Aren’t you interested in getting to the bottom of a pest problem or don’t you take pride in stopping a trail of ants before it starts? Just as easily as your paying clientele can see the 1/2 hearted effort you put in they can also zero in on the high energy and thought behind the pest control program too. Which light do you want to be seen in?
I’ll Shut Up
Nobody wants to read this I’m sure and to be honest, I started out wanting to write about the hidden strategies of pest control service that are seldom noticed. But as is the case with me, my mind gets to wandering and the next thing you know I ended up here. I’ll roll with it. My techs might think I’m nuts (maybe you do too) but let me tell you, if you’re not full of vigor, poking around the house (WITH A FLASHLIGHT) like a squirrel looking for a nut–you’re not doing your job! It’d be great if the german roaches lined up on the counter top for all to see or if the wolf spider came out in plain sight and waited for you to zap him. Boy would I love it if I didn’t have to traverse the attic for a mouse or rummage through the pantry to find stored product pests but that aint gonna happen. It is impossible to resell the value of your service without impeccable service. Period! Sure you may keep the account a while for various reasons but I suspect not for long. Since home owners can often purchase the same products you have and duplicate your actions or lack 
there of, the cancellation clock is ticking on that account. Tick Tick Tick
Whether you work for yourself or for the mega boys themselves, lost customers will kill you. Well, I said I’d shut up so let me just say this about the concept of pest management.
Your enthusiastic application of knowledge and effort is the best and most Proven Strategy In Pest Control.
The Bug Doctor Tzu
