Pest Management Professional, October 2013
S P O N S O R E D B Y Be clear with customers Set realistic expectations for them In addition to targeted ad campaigns businesssavvy Rusty Markland pest management professionals are including ant training in their technician curriculum so their techs can speak and act knowledgably to potential customers PMP DO YOU HAVE ANY ANT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES YOUD SUGGEST TO OTHER PMPS BC Communicating with the customer creates an essential path toward sound ant management Ask them detailed questions about their particular problems where theyve seen the ants what conditions might have changed around their properties that coincide with the ants appearance and what if any problems theyve had in the past Also ask them what they see regarding the behavior and location of the ants Dont be afraid to offer household tips Explain how trimming foliage that connects to structures can be helpful Delicately suggest that good housekeeping keeping crumbs off the floors and countertops and using sealable containers for food storage goes a long way toward effective ant management In addition to mining your customer for intel make sure youve conducted a proper inspection Walk around the entire property and take note of what you observe those things the customer might not think about to help you identify the type of ant with which youre dealing Then with a proper ID you can treat based on that customers specific problem RM Also look at the cultural and environmental obstacles at each specific treatment site before diagnosing and prescribing a treatment plan Be clear with customers Set realistic expectations for them Let them know what to expect CC Look for trails of ants on the outside perimeter and treat in several areas for control but also to help track where ants are coming from and where they might be nesting Always try to locate the nest but if you cant use a combination of baits and non repellent sprays PMP WHAT ARE SOME ANT MANAGEMENT MISTAKES YOUD ADVISE AGAINST CC Dont spray indiscriminately and avoid the use of highly repellent products that might cause PHOTO COURTESY OF AND COPYRIGHTED BY GENE WHITE PMIMAGES@ EARTHLINK NET www mypmp net Pest Management Professional October 2013 AR11
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