FIELD NOTES

10 Questions To Ask a Potential Pest Control Partner

If you’re on the hunt for a new pest control company, it’s likely your last partnership didn’t work out the way you hoped. Whether they dropped a ball or broke a promise, you’re eager to find someone who will do better. If you’re on the hunt for a new pest control company, it’s likely your last partnership didn’t work out the way you hoped. Whether they dropped a ball or broke a promise, you’re eager to find someone who will do better. If you’re on the hunt for a new pest control company, it’s likely your last partnership didn’t work out the way you hoped. Whether they dropped a ball or broke a promise, you’re eager to find someone who will do better.   If you’re on the hunt for a new pest control company, it’s likely your last partnership didn’t work out the way you hoped. Whether they dropped a ball or broke a promise, you’re eager to find someone who will do better. If you’re on the hunt for a new pest control company, it’s likely your last partnership didn’t work out the way you hoped. Whether they dropped a ball or broke a promise, you’re eager to find someone who will do better. If you’re on the hunt for a new pest control company, it’s likely your last partnership didn’t work out the way you hoped. Whether they dropped a ball or broke a promise, you’re eager to find someone who will do better. While the proof is in working with a new partner, asking the right questions can help you determine who might deliver for your business—and who may be the same problem with a different name. Consider these ten questions your script for confidently interviewing any pest control service prospect:   How long have you been in business? The good news is that the pest control industry attracts many entrepreneurs. The bad news is that many may have limited or no experience serving businesses like yours. Ask about a prospect’s track record up front.   Are you licensed and insured? You’re seeking a credible, reputable partner, so ask if Pros are licensed and/or certified by the state and other appropriate agencies. Ask—don’t assume—if they are covered by liability insurance, so any mistakes they make won’t end up costing you.   What companies like mine do you service? Not all pest control providers specialize in commercial service, and not all commercial providers specialize in your industry. Find out if your prospect can demonstrate success serving businesses with needs like yours.   Do you practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM)? As an industry best practice, a solid IPM-based program is a must. Based on prevention tactics like sanitation and maintenance, IPM is a proactive and customized approach any true pest control expert will recommend to you.   What kind of training do your Pros complete? Since both pest pressures and the technology to fight them evolve rapidly, you want a team that makes ongoing education a priority. While you’re talking to Pros, you may want to ask about background screenings and other safety protocols as well.   What pests does your standard service agreement cover? If you have certain pests you’re battling, find out if they are included in your prospect’s standard service, or if they require a separate scope. You can also ask if any quality assurances are standard, like independent audits or money-back guarantees.  


FIELD NOTES

10 Ways to Avoid Pest Control Headaches Before and During the Holiday Rush

While you’re preparing for the onslaught of the holiday season, don’t overlook the ways you can help reduce your chances of unwanted pests. More product moving in and out during this time increases the likelihood of pests finding your facility, and chillier weather approaching means pests are already looking for cozier homes indoors. And while thinking about pest control may not be the holiday activity you’re looking for, the good news is that there are steps you can take right now—and when the rush cranks up—to help prevent a time-consuming holiday season pest infestation. WHAT YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF RIGHT AWAY Our first five tips can be done right now to reduce your risk of infestations later—and save you a lot of hassle when you’re short on time. Start now before the rush begins.  While you’re preparing for the onslaught of the holiday season, don’t overlook the ways you can help reduce your chances of unwanted pests. More product moving in and out during this time increases the likelihood of pests finding your facility, and chillier weather approaching means pests are already looking for cozier homes indoors. And while thinking about pest control may not be the holiday activity you’re looking for, the good news is that there are steps you can take right now—and when the rush cranks up—to help prevent a time-consuming holiday season pest infestation. Based on our experience servicing thousands of warehouse facilities during the holidays, our pest specialists offer up these ten proven ways to avoid pest headaches during your busiest season. Our first five tips can be done right now to reduce your risk of infestations later—and save you a lot of hassle when you’re short on time. Start now before the rush begins.     ONCE THE RUSH STARTS, IT’S ALL ABOUT EARLY DETECTION Early detection is the number one way to save time and money on pest control any time of year, but especially during the busy season. And this past year of supply chain issues may mean the shipment you are receiving has spent several months in someone else’s storage facility. With that in mind, here are five simple steps you can take once the holiday rush is upon us: Early detection is the number one way to save time and money on pest control any time of year, but especially during the busy season. And this past year of supply chain issues may mean the shipment you are receiving has spent several months in someone else’s storage facility. With that in mind, here are five simple steps you can take once the holiday rush is upon us:


FIELD NOTES

Orkin Pest Forecast for 2023 Insect Season

  Each spring, pests begin to emerge from their winter hideouts, descending upon businesses around the country. As the leader in commercial pest control, Orkin is consistently looking for new and innovative ways to help people across the country proactively protect their properties from pest pressures. Below you’ll find Orkin’s official Pest Prediction for each region of the country during the spring and summer.   Southeast   Above-average precipitation and temperatures last fall led to a mild winter, which will increase flying pests such as carpenter bees and other nuisance flies like house and blow flies.  Because of the increased moisture, we’ll see more mosquitoes this spring in addition to earwigs, spiders and millipedes. Recent cold weather will delay pest activity only briefly.   Northeast   After an unusually warm January and above-average moisture from winter storms and snow, properties may see carpenter bees, ladybug beetles and stink bugs earlier than normal.  Once evening temperatures hit 60-70 degrees, most pest activity will increase—including termites, which are likely to swarm earlier due to the higher temperatures. Recent data indicates that increased termite swarms happen after drought. Mosquitoes overwintered in standing water because of mild temperatures. Property managers can also expect to see increased activity from carpenter ants.   Midwest   A warm, wet fall brought an unseasonably warm winter with below-average snowfall, which may have allowed for higher populations of pests to survive the winter.  If increased moisture persists into spring, it will provide perfect mosquito breeding sites and trigger increased activity in ants. The recent cold snap will delay pests in areas with limited snow cover. Property managers may see fire ants move further north, and they should expect to see termites start to swarm after the rainstorms of April and May.   Southwest   A warmer winter and increased moisture levels are the perfect combination to trigger activity in scorpions and other desert animal populations.  There should be increased termite swarms following the drought. Mosquitoes will also be an issue due to increased moisture and higher temperatures, and the same conditions will trigger activity from large cockroaches as well. Property managers will need to be on the lookout for fire ants, which build mounds above the ground when the water table rises. We expect many fly species, such as house and blow flies, to have increased populations.   Northwest   Property managers will be dealing with more mosquitoes and flies (and earlier swarms of them) thanks to increased moisture.  The recent mountain snows will provide long-term moisture for pests in the spring and summer, such as millipedes and ground beetles.  Carpenter ants will be especially active in the Northwest this spring. The increase in insects will provide food for predators such as spiders and centipedes. For more than 120 years, Orkin has been committed to informing business owners about what pests they can expect to encounter during peak pest season and how an Orkin Pro™ can help tackle tough pest introductions and infestations on your property. For more information on Orkin’s Bug Week and National Pest Season Prediction Day, visit bugweek.com. To learn more about the commercial pest control services Orkin offers for the pest pressures outlined above, schedule a free inspection today.  


FIELD NOTES

3 Pests to Watch For During Hurricane Season

  Mosquitoes are bad for business. Between spreading diseases and harming your bottom line, there are many reasons to help keep mosquitoes away from your property. If you can stay ahead of these pests, it will pay off in the long run — especially amid the lengthening mosquito season nationwide.   More Than Just a Summer Pest   Once thought of as a persistent summer pest, businesses seem to be battling mosquitoes longer and longer each year. Data shows evidence of a modest rise in temperature and humidity across the country over the past few decades. As these climate trends continue, this lengthens the season for mosquito activity, allowing them to lay more eggs and increase their populations. This means that, in many areas, the threat of mosquitoes comes earlier in the spring and lingers longer into the fall. Explore Commercial Mosquito Services   The Impact of a Wet Climate   April showers bring more than just May flowers. If you’re located in a wet climate, are near bodies of water or have water features on-site, you have a greater chance of seeing a heavy mosquito population around your property. If your business is on the East Coast or in the Southeast U.S., you should also consider the Atlantic hurricane season, which typically runs from June to November. The warm weather that a hurricane can bring, coupled with the extra standing water it leaves behind, is the perfect storm for a mosquito infestation. Don’t forget that protecting staff and customers from disease-carrying mosquitoes is a necessary addition to your extreme weather checklist.   Prime Mosquito Breeding Conditions   All mosquitoes thrive in warm, humid conditions with access to water. Of the four stages of a mosquito’s life cycle, the first three — egg, larval and pupal — all require submersion in water for development. The warmer the weather, the faster mosquitoes develop to lay more eggs and repeat the cycle.   Strike First This Mosquito Season   You can help control mosquitoes before they have a chance to infest your property and harass your employees and customers. This is the year to partner with Orkin® and make professional mosquito control part of your annual pest control routine. Orkin’s comprehensive mosquito control services provide customized solutions tailored to the mosquito habitats and species our Orkin Pros™ may find during your free inspection, including: Traditional, targeted services including mechanical control, chemical treatments and ongoing monitoring and maintenance. Recommendations on habitat modification and exclusion methods can also be made. Orkin Eclipse™, an environmentally conscious pest control treatment targeting the most disease-spreading mosquito species. Your well-trained Orkin Pro can show you preventive measures you can implement to make your facility less appealing to mosquitoes. Check out our new ebook, “Mosquitoes 101: Your Complete Guide to Mosquito Control for Your Business” for more practical tips for your business. Learn more about our mosquito services and product offerings or schedule a free inspection.  


FIELD NOTES

5 Ways to Help Keep Mosquitoes Away – Commercial Mosquito Control

  The last thing you want is for your customers and employees to be uncomfortable outdoors as they swat away pesky mosquitoes to avoid the wrath of their bites. If you’re tired of fighting mosquitoes each year, you need effective pest control solutions to help control them around your commercial property before the weather warms up. Fortunately, you can follow several best practices to help avoid the long mosquito days of summer.   5 Best Practices to Help Reduce a Mosquito Population   Eliminate sources of standing water. Because mosquitoes need water for the first three stages of their lifecycle, locating and removing excess moisture and water is one of the best ways to deter mosquitoes from your property. Keep an eye out for these areas that serve as prime breeding grounds for mosquitoes, and practice these water source reduction tips: Keep drainage areas clear and clean out gutters regularly. Survey your property for pooling water. Even flat roofs and parking can cause an issue if left unchecked. Resolve other types of drainage issues immediately if they are present. Maintain landscaping to reduce shaded areas and hiding spots. This is known as habitat modification. Dark, humid areas caused by overgrown shrubbery are ideal environments for adult mosquitoes. Thinning out heavy vegetation and trimming bushes and branches in highly frequented areas will help eliminate sources of shelter for mosquitoes. Remove debris from property grounds, including any trash that might add shade, increase moisture retention, or serve as an artificial breeding ground for mosquitoes. Install gutter guards, if needed, to help prevent standing water and debris buildup that can attract mosquitoes. Keep swimming pools treated and water circulating in water features. While these amenities often have big benefits for your outdoor space, they are also inviting to mosquitoes if not properly maintained.   Professional Mosquito Control for Your Business   Between deterring your customers, to carrying diseases and interrupting employee operations, you have many reasons to keep mosquitoes away from your business. With a comprehensive suite of professional mosquito control options, our Orkin Pros™ can identify the type of mosquitoes present, potential risk factors you may have overlooked and the right commercial mosquito service for your needs, from targeted treatment plans to environmentally conscious options. For more information on mosquitoes and how to get your property in tip-top shape this season, check out our new ebook, “Mosquitoes 101: Your Complete Guide to Mosquito Control for Your Business.” Learn more about our mosquito services and product offerings or schedule a free inspection today.  


FIELD NOTES

All Hands on Deck: Training Your Maintenance Staff on Pest Prevention

  Like going to the dentist or preparing taxes, a third-party audit isn’t typically an event that people eagerly anticipate. It’s common for quality assurance and facility managers to feel anxiety as the date approaches, particularly when there is a mad dash to gather documents and check off lists. There is a straightforward way out of the dread-panic cycle. Staying audit-ready year-round helps you remain confident and at-ease, whether your next third-party inspection is tomorrow or a year from now. With the right fundamentals in place, you might find yourself looking forward to an audit—after all, it’s a big win if you know how to ace it. Since pest control accounts for a significant percent of your total audit score, it’s best to know you're prepared.   To stay audit-ready, ask yourself these five questions:   Do I know what the auditor will look for? Audit standards can vary, and pest challenges can change throughout the year. So, how can facilities consistently keep up? An Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program serves as a powerful foundation for any audit, covering the important bases to stay prepared. The IPM plan—which is typically an audit requirement—provides preventive, corrective and ongoing strategies to keep pests at bay. Your auditor may look for specific components within an IPM program, so make sure to familiarize yourself with the most up-to-date standards. For instance, auditors commonly note if your pest control partner has suggested and enacted specific treatments or performed a risk analysis of your facility. Different auditors may have slightly different standards, which shouldn’t be a problem if you communicate them to your pest control provider. Am I diligent about documentation? If you ever wonder whether you should record a pest-related issue, the answer is probably yes. Meticulous notetaking is critical for a successful audit, allowing your auditor to create a more accurate picture of your facility’s cleanliness and sanitation over time. Auditors may want to review pest sightings or monitoring systems, service reports and corrective actions taken. They will also check your general documentation to ensure proper credentials for the facility (like up-to-date insurance) and for your pest control provider (to ensure they are trained and licensed). This checklist can give you a great idea of the documents you may need to have available. If you haven’t been consistent in your documentation, there’s no better time to improve than now. Do I know my facility’s pest trends? A great IPM program should be tailored to your facility and its unique pest control challenges, patterns and trends. Walk the interior and exterior of your property regularly to note hot spots where pest activity is common—such as drains, roofs and vents—and note which kinds of pests are showing up. Do you notice different types of pests at certain times of year, or after specific activities like big deliveries? Have you noticed signs of new pests, like bird droppings or new spider webs? By systematically recording these trends, you’ll be better able to help prevent future pest problems and show auditors that you are following your IPM program. You will also need to monitor industry trends. Follow the local and national news, trade publications and your pest control provider to note changes that may affect your facility, like updates to regulatory guidelines or pest outbreaks in your region. Should I practice? While it’s important to formally assess the efficacy of your facility’s IPM program at least once per year, more frequent reviews can help you rehearse and practice for an audit. You could schedule a quarterly inspection so your pest control provider can alert you to problems. This gives you ample time to address concerns that may require more time-intensive changes or treatments in advance of the main inspection. These experts are also audit pros—they can help point out gaps in your documentation or simple ways to improve your score. Practice also helps you and your team gain experience in the audit process, offering confidence that can replace a hurried, disorganized rush to the finish line. Is my team in place? An audit is a team event, and it’s vital that everyone knows the game plan. Internally, facility or quality assurance managers can—and should—have help from the whole team, from managers to floor-level workers. Identify and train team members who can help record pest sightings or alert the team to a problem, like a damaged pest control device. And when all else fails, make sure that you have a pest control partner with the knowledge, training, licenses and resources to act as your audit ally. A great partner can make audits far less intimidating, bringing extensive experience in the field and an invaluable bird’s-eye view on the industry and in your field.   Audit Preparation Guide & Checklist From Orkin Commercial Pest Control   Are you done with the pre-audit panic? Want to feel prepared year-round? Download the Audit Preparation Guide—our free eBook with a bonus audit checklist—for comprehensive best practices on staying audit-ready, or schedule a free inspection today to face your next pest audit with confidence.    


FIELD NOTES

Ancillary Pest Control Services to Consider for Your Business

  Every workplace is different. From the quirks of your facility to the processes laid out for your staff, there are many variables that make your business unique. This goes for keeping your facility sanitary and secure, too. Your pest control provider should create a customized plan that addresses your specific day-to-day needs. In many instances, there are certain unusual pests or unique issues that require special treatment methods that are not part of a standard pest control service. Many managers are relieved to find out they can often tackle a range of complications through ancillary services, or additional treatment options that complement an existing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. Wondering if the foul odors from your dumpster can be eliminated? Considering professional disinfection for cold and flu season? Wanting to vanquish seasonal pests? These are just a few of the ancillary services that can help provide the best experience for your customers and staff. Read on for some popular services that might help serve your business.   In-Demand Ancillary Services From Orkin Commercial   Bed Bug Services:   Proactive monitoring, detection and treatment strategies help vulnerable environments—like hospitals and hotels—guard against bed bugs.   Bird and Wildlife Control:   Have an outside problem inside? Habitat modification techniques and exclusion methods can help prevent the disease and damage of bird infestations. Wildlife management services relocate or remove squirrels, raccoons, opossums, snakes and more. For details regarding Orkin’s Wildlife Control service and to find out if it is available in your area, contact Orkin today.   Disinfectant Cleaning Services:   Professional disinfectant cleaning solutions better protect your workplace throughout the year and especially during cold and flu season. Orkin’s VitalClean® service uses a powerful disinfecting treatment to help remove serious pathogens—including viruses that cause the flu, common cold and COVID-19.   Exclusion Services:   Preemptive closure of entry points—including doors, windows, gaps, holes and cracks—help prevent pests from entering your facility. Download our free Exclusion Basics guidebook for a breakdown of exclusion best practices for your business, and learn more about the three big benefits of exclusion. Floor & Drain Cleaning: Professional-grade cleaning products tackle gnarly oil, grease and waste buildup. The Orkin Actizyme® system uses naturally occurring bacteria and enzymes to safely dissolve even the stickiest, greasiest buildup from floors, drainpipes and equipment—all in an environmentally conscious way.   Fly Control:   Light traps, baits and other treatments can help stop flies from spreading their bacteria and annoying your clientele.   Mosquito Control:   Targeted suppression measures help keep mosquitoes from building up populations—a vital measure for protecting customers and their outdoor experiences. Orkin Eclipse™ uses novel technology and green ingredients to effectively reduce Aedes mosquito populations by using the mosquito itself to help spread treatment to potential breeding areas.   Odor Control & Scent Services:   Odor-neutralizing maintenance and products help solve persistently smelly dumpsters, drains and restrooms. Orkin Scent Services now offers two new products, AirRemedy™ and AirSpa™, that provide odor elimination and dispense fragrances to keep your facility smelling fresh and clean. Rodent Control: While rodent control is a part of Orkin’s core pest control program, heavy infestations may require additional, specialized services. Download RATS! A Guide to Avoiding Rodents at Your Business for more tips on how to help keep these nuisance pests out of your facility.   Staff Training:   Preventing and reporting pests can be a team effort after your staff has been trained by an experienced pest control partner. Download our free Staff Training Checklist to learn how to make your team part of the pest control solution.