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The Industry

Pest Control Industry

For many years, the pest control industry has been a relatively low-tech industry. It seemed like anyone with a compressed air sprayer and a pick-up truck became a “bug man.” An individual needed just two years experience working for another company and that would quality them to take the state license exam. Often these individuals ran a route for a company and when they started their business, they simply took those customers as theirs. Having little knowledge and even less business experience they would struggle along building a business and at times, developing both bad business practices and treatment methods, contributing to the “bug man” or “spray jockey” mentality.

In the middle 1980’s two crises developed that would forever change the pest control industry. The first was the ever-increasing resistance on the part of roaches, fleas, ticks and other common pests to chemicals that were industry standards for many years and could easily be “nuked” with these products. The second crisis came when the chlorinated hydrocarbons, Chlordane, Heptachlor and Aldrin, were removed from the market. These chemicals were used to control subterranean termites for over forty years. Once they were applied to a structure, there would be no more termites, period. This made for lazy “bug men and women.”

As a result of these two events, the pest control industry was forced to re-invent itself. Everyone had to go back to school, as new technologies emerged, innovative treatment strategies were adopted by progressive companies who now regard their employees as “pest management professionals.” Education and business management are at the forefront for these companies leaving others behind who have not adapted to the new paradigm. Controlling pests is not an exact science, rather it is an art form that relies on the knowledge, skills, tools, and the implementation of various strategies that are available to pest management professionals (PMP). PMPs today must keep up with the ever changing rules and regulations, continuing education credits for every category of pest control service they provide, the latest in technological advancements.

Quality Pro Seal of Approval

You may have noticed a new “seal of approval” for the pest control industry – the QualityPro designation. Like other total quality management programs and industry awards, the QualityPro mark of excellence in pest management has key compliance areas. QualityPro is administered by the National Pest Management Association and was designed to increase professionalism of the pest management profession.

If your pest management company has the Quality Pro designation, this certifies they have met a number of important requirements.

To achieve QualityPro, a company must certify that it follows key steps in four areas – (1) Business Operations; (2) Environmental Stewardship; (3) Consumer Relations; and (4) Sales/Technician Training.

The qualifications for Business Operations focuses on both recruiting and hiring new pest control service technicians. A QualityPro company must have a comprehensive employment application and have job applicants outline their last 15 years of job history and provide explanations for any employment gaps. The QualityPro employer must carefully screen applicants and conduct a formal interview with applicants before hiring.

QualityPro practices include a number of applicant checks including confirming references, performing a criminal background check with the local sheriff’s office, and conducting a DMV or a motor vehicle records check for accidents and drug/alcohol related accidents or violations and to ensure the applicant has a valid driver’s license. In addition, all current employees must meet these same evaluations and background checks to remain employed. Quality Pro firms must have a drug-free workplace policy and once hired, applicants will be asked to comply with an initial drug test with random drug and alcohol tests performed for all employees.

For the QualityPro firm, a minimum of $1 million liability insurance must be in place along with auto insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Vehicle maintenance is also a key qualification under the business operation category. Vehicles must be marked in accordance with state laws and should be clean and maintained on a formal vehicle maintenance policy. Employees have a formal company dress policy which includes proper identification and protective/safety equipment.

The Environmental Stewardship qualification certifies the company provides integrated pest management (IPM) services to all customers. This means the company focuses first on the inspection and identification of pests, the establishment of threshold levels for pest activity, using appropriate control and management, and a final evaluation of the effectiveness of the chosen measures. This QualityPro standard also covers safe pesticide handling practices, storage, and disposal.

The Consumer Relations statute of the quality program is directed at all advertising and requires such advertising is true and uses easy-to-understand terminology. The statute also covers contracts and warranty practices. The final qualification is for Extensive Sales/Technician Training. Tennessee and Georgia has required examinations for sales technicians. To be QualityPro, all sales and service employees must be in compliance with state requirements, including passing a written test and maintaining their certification with yearly continuing education classes. Training for employees includes from on-the-job safety training to the highest State and industry standards. Quality Pro companies also agree to periodic audits that ensure adherence to the principles of the program.