There’s an automatic camaraderie in life that just seems to be there if for no other reason that two or more people simply do the same thing whether it is work related or some other common interest. Just seeing someone in the same uniform perhaps that you wear or using the same tools often times ‘connects’ those two people that might take much more time in any other way. It isn’t always an earned respect but people with like minds or jobs will very often readily acknowledge one another and maybe even extend a courteous hand to help or ear to hear just because of this common vocation where as for someone else they just might not. In this busy life however, the most that this type of encounter really ever triggers is a nod of the head or the wave of the hand. It is just a quick affirmation that there are others out there doing what you do and know some of the trials and tribulations you go through at your job because that guy that just passed you goes through them too – this can at times, be very reassuring.
I Call It The Professional Pavlovian Wave
Not being a psychologist I don’t know what term to ascribe or if this is a sign of some deep seeded condition that only $475 per hour sessions might cure. To me it seems like that of a ‘Pavlovian Response’ because it is instant, almost uncontrollable and triggered by the stimuli of simply seeing your counterpart somewhere in your travels and your body instantly goes into motion. You try to control it but before you can tell yourself to stop– the damage is already done and there is no taking back the actions that have just occurred. I know the condition is real because I see it everyday and truth be told I’m afflicted myself, But I will say that from my prospective- bug men are 
especially attuned to other bug men and this professional pavlovian response seems affects our senses in a much broader sense and perhaps we need help more than any other industry…..
Examples Of Those Afflicted With PPW
Truckers and motorcyclists are a prime examples of those affected with Professional Pavlovian Wave. Big rig drivers always wave one to another and may even toot that massive horn. They don’t seem to care about their PPW and perhaps the years on the road have even made them numb to it’s effects. Cyclists use the ‘low hand’ wave as they pass by almost as if they’re denying the condition and playing it off in some cool, coy way. It’s obviously a dangerous situation to ride with one hand but PPW doesn’t take this into account. PPW seems to affect those in uniforms, suits or specialty vehicles more than any other groups of people. No one knows the true cause and more importantly, there doesn’t seem to be a cure.
Are Bug Men Especially Stricken With PPW?
Answers are few but the evidence of acute and heightened symptoms for pest control people abound. While truckers and motorcyclists see each other from long distances because of their distinguished vehicles, they can brace themselves for the onset of PPW– often times bug trucks are just tiny little non de-script trucks in a sea of other cars and PPW can come on quickly with little notice. With no visible equipment, sign-age or placards pest control professionals were able to spot other pest people in vehicles across from them at intersections or in traffic 9 out of 10 times. It is at this time that PPW is most dangerous because the pest pro eyes fixes on that vehicle 
ignoring other traffic and then his hand uncontrollably lifts up to give a courteous but ever dangerous wave. It is at this moment that PPW can and does lead to it’s most noticeable effects. It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s a fancy decked out fleet truck or just that of a simple mom & pop operator, bug people just seem to stick out one to another and because of our common bond of the pest control profession and all its crazy quirks, challenges, frustrations and exhilarating highs and things we see and do- we just seem to be able to pick each other out and acknowledge that, competitor or not, I respect you for being in this crazy business just like me.
