Odd Observations Of My Pest Control Company In 2013

Posted on July 11, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

termite tunnels coming from toilet https://pestcemetery.com/I was on Facebook the other day and an owner I friended /followed of a large pest control company put out a tweet. Or is that a poke, or a like, or just a status update? I don’t know, I just usually just hang in my closed little group pestcemetery.com. You should come and ask to join. Since it’s a closed group, potty language is encouraged. Anyway, they made mention that their fiscal year was looking GREAT and their sales force was killing it! That reminded me, I’ve forgotten to do my 1/2 year assessment. I think I poked her back, “Good job.”

Now, I’m not a mega company nor am I real fancy. So I don’t really have a ‘fiscal’ year per se but I do do a “check up from the neck up” around June each year. I was really pleased with my numbers and if the next 1/2 of the year keeps going like this…well let’s just say ‘mama will be happy,’ and if mama’s happy,,,,,well, you get it.

However, I look at more than just numbers coming in as I think any owner should. Expenses, where my work is coming from, cancellation trends (if any) and a whole list of things. This led me to a few observations that well, I just don’t know exactly what they mean.

Good so keep it up, bad so let it go, somewhere in the gray??????

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How Will The State Enforce Proper Grilling & Sprinkler Rules?

Posted on July 9, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

big green egg https://pestcemetery.com/Spotting a bug truck on the road in Florida is not an unusual thing. There are days that 3 different trucks from 3 different companies can all be at the same 3 way stop. And if you’re a bug man, oh boy you can spot another bug truck from a mile away can’t you? Maybe it’s the familiar ladder rack, those fiberglass boxes or maybe the hose reel perched up on the side wall. Sometimes they wave or you do, you know, the cool motorcycle wave where your hand just juts out a little to the left of your steering wheel.

Then there are those trucks from other industries that almost look like a bug truck but even though very close, you see that they’re not—- they’re just different. Sometimes it’s a plumbers truck, handyman or what have you but once you hang around this industry for a while you just learn to spot other bug guys and rarely are you fooled. So you relax that hand that was ready to wave and just mosey through the stop. But what do you do when you’re crossing that path of a bonafide bug truck but it’s really not a bug truck? One that has all the markings, the logo is there & numbers plastered on the sides for all to see but instead of a pest control vehicle there is one other (or more) distinction also prominently displayed?
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Here Come The Cicada’s-Has it Been 17 Years Already?

Posted on July 7, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

cicada https://pestcemetery.com/I have only experienced the deafening sounds and all out emergence of the cicadas once. In looking back at the time lines it could not have been the 17 year cicada but instead the 13 year invasion that made my life miserable for about a month. Actually there are many ‘broods’. A brood is Periodical cicadas that are grouped together based on the calendar year when they emerge. This timing is quite diverse when you look at the many broods and areas they emerge from.

Like I said, I was a struggling pest control salesman in Baltimore at the time when out of nowhere the air was filled with the constant mating sounds that never seemed to stop. What was so frustrating for me was that here I was surrounded with billions of insects and yet I could do nothing about them. Oh and the fact that my car didn’t have a/c so riding around town with my windows down was not a lot of fun.
(I remember considering wearing a helmet)
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Pesthausen By Proxy

Posted on July 2, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

Pesthausen by proxy https://pestcemetery.com/For those of you who regularly read my blog www.pestcemetery.com you know I frequently point out the ridiculous by using, the ridiculous. This infuriates some and the comments often reflect the nerve I’ve hit. Not being one to pat myself on the back I still can’t help but say BooYah! when that happens.

So with this article I in no wise wish to demean anyone afflicted with the ailment known as Münchausen by proxy. A disorder some folks have which can bring harm to others while the attempt of the person is to bring attention to themselves.

I simply wish to point out that there’s a similar disorder that pest control professionals have to deal with on a regular basis. And if I may be so bold, I believe that the majority of the time this malady is mostly a fraudulent attempt by the customer to receive more treatment then the situation warrants. That this “infirmity” is simply a way to avoid taking their professionals advice (which most often is give it time or clean up your act) and getting their own way to have more service which they think is their cure and the way to alleviate their fears. This disorder is what I like to call, Pesthausen by proxy.
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Getting Creative With Pest Control Sticky Traps

Posted on June 19, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

The standard way to use a insect glue trap

The standard way to use a insect glue trap

Do you use insect glue boards aka, sticky traps? Whether you’re a professional or a DIY pest controller, I think we all do. They’re a very flexible and cheap tool that can help out in many ‘sensitive’ & or ‘tricky’ situations as well as provide a way to monitor activity.

Like anything, they can be a bit overused and just placing them willy nilly around the house oftentimes catches nothing but dust- but with some forethought and just a little bit of creativity, you can use this quiet little accessory in some surprising ways and in areas where pesticides might not be practical (or safe) to use.

For me, I use Trapper LTD’s and they come in perforated sheets of three traps per sheet. This is nice because you can split the sheet and use one, two or all three. They’re designed to simply fold up in a tent shape which is great but I thought you might like to see a few pictorial ideas of how you can expand the way you use this simple tool. Perhaps this might be helpful or it may be that you have a way in which you use them that isn’t listed. If so, we’d all be grateful to hear about it. Just leave your comment below.
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Why Are Exterminators Expected To Be ‘Know It All’s?’

Posted on June 9, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

dentist with a needle https://pestcemetery.com/I was at the dentist the other day & in between rinse and spit and the anesthesia slurred words we had a pretty good conversation. Of course the topic came around to pest control, as it often does and soon I found myself trying explain about this bug or that pest. For some reason people are always amazed when you give out little factoids or when you, politely’, correct a certain belief they’ve had maybe for years.

Campontus floridanus dunt eet wude– I said while drooling. No I’m not that smart, it just came out that way with the effect of the “happy juice” he shot in me–. “Ahhhh he exclaimed in relief as he repeated my words. Carpenter ants don’t eat wood!, I get it.” From there however the conversation went the way of many that I’ve been involved with over the years–my guess is you have too.

It’s when suddenly, you’re expected to be an expert in ALL things creature related even though you might not know a thing about the subject. In a way, this quote seems to sum it up quite appropriately.

I’m always amazed to hear of air crash victims so badly mutilated that they have to be identified by their dental records. What I can’t understand is, if they don’t know who you are, how do they know who your dentist is?

Paul Merton
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Is There Really Such A Thing As A Pest Control Price Increase?

Posted on June 5, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

This year my company went through the ‘pains’ of a price increase. We don’t do it nearly as often as “the experts” say to do it but honestly, more than I’d like to. I hate raising prices or let me rephrase that– I hate the process of raising prices. Somehow I feel like a filthy corporate raider just interested in profits as I send the extra $2.00 I’ve pilfered from you off to my secret account in the Cayman Islands….Well, that’s how some people would have me feel anyway as they lay on the guilt when they get the news. However once it’s all put to bed, the grumbling has stopped and all the fall out is over, it does seem worth while and life at the ol Bug Doctor office gets quiet again–just the way I like it.

But I wonder…..Did this increase in my fees actually benefit me? I mean, am I actually putting more money in my pocket or am I just treading water? Now that I think about it, have our prices even ever gone up by any real amount or have we just repackaged our service fees and frequencies and our charges are just about the same as they were 20 years ago????

I’ll give you my thoughts, random I’ll admit, but I’d love to hear yours and how you handle (or don’t) this essential part of any business…… Raising Prices.
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Difficult People & Their Criticism On your Pest Control Route

Posted on May 26, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

criticism https://pestcemetery.com/Two realities; #1. I’m not a psychologist or anything close enough to give me authority in this field. That said, I’ve been dealing with (and you as well if you’ve done pest control for any length of time) difficult people & criticism for years. In fact, my very first account was a ‘difficult’ person and I learned a valuable lesson from day one.

#2. Pest control IS a complaint business. It’s been that way from the beginning of time and regardless of the advancements, catered approaches or painstaking time it takes to educate– I just don’t see this changing anytime soon. Do you?

So my goal in this writing isn’t to give you a silver bullet. (there isn’t one) Nor do I have all the answers. (some things just don’t come with answers as you’ll see) Instead, I’m just putting out a few observations I’ve had over the last few decades and while I don’t think these will cause you to be best buds with a difficult customer, perhaps one or two might just help you win him or her over and hopefully avoid an unnecessary cancelation.
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Ultrasonic Repellents. Do they work?

Posted on May 22, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

victor traps logo https://pestcemetery.com/Here at pestcemetery we’re always willing to hear what you have to say. (especially if you’re nice when you ask 😉 For me, the jury is still out on this and I always wonder Why not get service from a pro? However debated this subject is, the writer does seem to present some interesting and compelling facts. So with that, I’m happy to post her information and I’d love to hear what other pro’s and homeowners alike have to say;

There is a long-going debate into the effectiveness of electronic pest repellents, such as the popularized ‘ultrasonic repellent’. Scientific research positively suggests the use of ultrasonics as a means of repelling rodents. In addition to this, consumer reports also suggest a general satisfaction with the effectiveness with the products. Read on to find out more about ultrasonic repellents.
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The 30 Day Crash Diet To Get Rid Of Your German Roaches

Posted on May 11, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

crash diet for german roaches https://pestcemetery.com/Have you ever tried losing weight by doing a crash diet? It’s an extreme technique and most Doctors would advise against it. Wrestlers and boxers do it all the time trying to make weight and women who want to fit into a gown for an upcoming wedding or gala will also endure this torturous endeavor. Crash diets are a radical change in ones behavior, a drastic measure that requires discipline and sacrifice to be able to reach the goal. In the short term it can work fairly well despite the huge sacrifice and the all consuming mental aspect of giving up what just comes natural 3 times per day. (eating) Unfortunately for most, once the goal as been reached the weight comes back quickly if not more and in the mean time we haven’t done our bodies any good.

In the world of German roaches however, crash diets can be a very good thing. Large infestations can be put under huge stress’s with crash diets and population numbers can DRASTICALLY diminish very quickly. This result can even be achieved without using one drop of a pesticide.
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The Living Eulogy Of A Single Operator Whose Taken The Next Step

Posted on May 4, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

canopy of trees https://pestcemetery.com/As the truck rounds the corner a wave of familiarity gently flows across his mind. It’s been 10 years since he’s been on this street. Ten years. Although he doesn’t see the old broken down basketball hoop precariously anchored to the curb by a pile of bricks and a mob of carefree kids just happy to be outside, not much else has changed. He remembers losing— ;)– a few games of H-O-R-S-E he played when back then, time was a little more free. The old Oaks still stand with their canopy casting that most welcome shade. The Johnson’s home still looks like it should be on the cover of Better Homes & Gardens and the neighborhood dogs (although not the same ones) still run up and down the tiny white fence lines announcing his arrival. Ten Years!

Pulling into the driveway his mind flows back to the earliest of days. This woman worked with his wife and was a customer practically from the start. Back then when life was a long period of serious doubts and the only thing he had an abundance of was time–Back then when his company was barely an embryo and had no real chance to survive. (or so they said) But she was always faithful, always took the service and ALWAYS promoted his little company. Eventually the whole family became customers and a couple of them said it was just to keep her quiet,— he cracks a smile because each is still a client to this day. They swapped a lot of stories over the years and each knew each others history as they grew their business / friendship bonds.

It’s been a long time since he’s walked through that door, too long, and so with a bit of excitement he rings that bell, eager to hear how his long time friend has been and anxious to tell her about all the great things he’s had happen.

To his dismay and a bit of a shock, she doesn’t know who he is….
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Put Another Niche Under Your Belt

Posted on April 29, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

belt https://pestcemetery.com/I get a lot of questions from pest control owners on how to grow their business. The request usually is preceded by a long list of things they’ve tried that didn’t work or asking for specifics on something I’ve written about in my topic area, The Business Of Pest Control.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love these questions and I’m humbled that someone would think enough of me so as to seek my help. Unfortunately, “quick fixes” are mostly the call of the day since the reader is usually in a bit of a bind by the time they’ve found my blog. With disappointing sales and a small route they’ve got to find new accounts quickly to keep the mounting bills at bay and their dream of a successful pest control company alive. There are some quick remedies for this–but this article may be one that describes a more long termed approach. Still it’s something you can do at anytime and at any sized company you are.
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The Prodigal Customer

Posted on April 21, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

prodigal customer https://pestcemetery.com/I think most folks are familiar with the Biblical story of the prodigal son. A story where a young man, heir to his Father, decides to cash in early on what’s his and go off on his own. He leaves a very good situation, runs off for reasons unknown and for awhile–ahhhhhhhhhhh, he just lives the high life. You can read the rest of the story here-Luke 15:11-32

Suffice to say, the young man “comes to himself” after finding that’s he’s in a much worse circumstance then when he left– I guess that happens when you find yourself suddenly living in squalor compared to what you were a custom to. So, figuring out (finally) that the grass just wasn’t so green on the other side he heads back to the place he, for whatever reason came to dread. There he finds the familiar care and fulfillment and open arms to greet him. It’s there, he find’s home once again.

Well, for me, I think this story should really be referred to as the “Forgiving Father” as that’s truly the gist, sum and substance of the tale. Since however this is a pest control article, let’s just call it, The Tale Of The Prodigal Customer.
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In Pest Control The Common Sense Of The Common Denominator Is Not So Common

Posted on April 12, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

common demominator https://pestcemetery.com/I’ve never been accused of being the sharpest knife in the drawer and honestly, that’s ok. But you’d think after almost 3 decades of doing pest control I’d be the last one lulled into sleep over a minor problem and miss the answer to a pest mystery that LITERALLY was in front of my face for the past two years. (this being the third) Well, if you’ve tuned into this article thinking it was a really smart guy writing it I won’t blame you if you skip away. Go ahead, it’s ok.

Oh, you’re still here? Great, now the pressures really on and I’ve got to deliver some real wisdom really quickly or you’ll bolt for sure! How bout this?
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How To Treat Bugs Behind The Siding

Posted on April 7, 2013 by The Bug Doctor

tech treating siding https://pestcemetery.com/Vinyl siding provides a great protective barrier for our home. It was first brought to market in the 1950’s as an alternative to aluminum siding and offered distinct advantages to homeowners tired of exterior maintenance of their home. This durable relatively maintenance free plastic exterior cladding for your home promised no more painting, protection against the weather and a sharp modern look that could cover up an old drab exterior. Unfortunately, it also gave cover and safe harborage to many pests. Earwigs, roaches, ants, wasps and bees just to name a few often find your homes siding a perfect place, where they can feel protected too.
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