Belinda Smith, CEO of Rapid Solutions, shares tips on how to get the most out of the busy pest season.
As summer approaches, pest management professionals are presented with certain challenges and opportunities. The warmer months drive an increase in insect reproduction and activity, especially among common pests like ants, mosquitoes, cockroaches, termites, and wasps. To stay ahead of these surges, you can focus on preventive strategies, proactive communication with customers, and integrating new technologies. Here’s how to make the most of the summer season in professional pest control.
Anticipate seasonal pests and their unique challenges
Each pest species responds differently to the conditions brought by summer. Heat and moisture play major roles in driving pests indoors for water and shelter. For example, ant colonies increase in size and will often forage indoors, for food and moisture. Mosquitoes, breeding in standing water, thrive in warm, wet environments. Cockroaches and termites, which thrive in warm, humid spaces, will often target cooler, damp areas in the heat of summer.
The key is understanding each species’ behaviour and habitat preferences to anticipate infestations before they start. This season, strengthen your approach by educating customers about reducing attractants, such as food crumbs, leaks, and outdoor clutter that may offer shelter. Simple actions, like emptying stagnant water sources and sealing any cracks or gaps, help prevent infestations before they become an issue.
Focus on prevention and IPM for effective control
Integrated pest management (IPM) is the cornerstone of effective pest control in the summer. Preventative measures, like sealing entry points and using pest-resistant materials, can minimise the need for chemical interventions. Combining this with monitoring, regular inspections, and selective pesticide use allows you to offer safer, more sustainable pest control solutions. For ants, targeted treatments might include bait stations at entry points and perimeter treatments to deter access.
For mosquitoes, consider introducing biological controls like larvicides to reduce populations before they become unmanageable. In wasp and bee control, proactive nest identification and early treatment are essential to ensure safety and reduce the likelihood of painful stings for clients.
Capitalise on technology for greater efficiency
Summer provides a high volume of business, which can strain resources. By adopting new technologies, you can improve efficiency and offer enhanced customer service. Digital inspection tools and reporting systems streamline documentation and provide instant updates to customers, reducing miscommunication and ensuring accurate records.
Drones, for example, can make roof inspections faster and safer, providing detailed views of hard-to-reach areas. Thermal imaging can also help locate pest hotspots that may otherwise be missed, while motion sensors and remote monitoring devices offer continuous data, alerting you to potential problems before they become infestations.
Engage customers with proactive communication
Summer pest control relies heavily on customer cooperation. Sending seasonal updates and reminders of what they can do to deter pests enhances the effectiveness of your treatments. For instance, newsletters or emails reminding customers to remove pet food, secure bins, and address leaks can make a significant difference. Highlighting the benefits of ongoing preventative maintenance can help customers see the value in a year-round approach, building trust and fostering long-term relationships. It can also significantly reduce callbacks, complaints and claims – all of which are costly for your business.
Training and team preparedness
The high demand of summer means field teams need to be trained and well prepared. From familiarising themselves with specific seasonal pest behaviours to learning about new products and application techniques, ongoing training is critical. Equipping teams with the latest safety gear and emphasising adherence to all safety protocols is essential, particularly in extreme weather conditions or when dealing with stinging insects.
Rapid Solutions, with more than 25 years supporting the pest management industry, is perfectly placed to support you and your team with training programs and claims avoidance strategies coming in to summer.
Belinda Smith, CEO, Rapid Solutions
