What Have You Done Lately? (AKA: I got bugs!)

This episode marks my five year anniversary. That’s officially five years of weekly (ranting) writing about all things urban pest related and probably a few things that weren’t. Apparently the approved gifts are wood, silverware, and sapphires. (I’ll take the last.) It seems like a great time to talk about what I do (aside from writing this blog every week).

Hi. I’m Chelle. And I’m an entomologist.

I do so much more than just insects. As someone who works in urban pest control, I get all kinds of arthropods, including spiders, millipedes, centipedes, scorpions, ticks, and more. It also means I deal with rodents, birds, and other wildlife. If I started to list out all the pests I’ve dealt with, it would likely take up pages.

In the last five years, I worked with many small and mid-sized pest control companies as a fractional entomologist. Companies that aren’t big enough to need a full time technical and training director: I provide that service on the scale they need it. We've had lots of fun with picture ID's, interactive trainings, account set-ups, and audits. The “big guys” have their teams of full time entomologists and training specialists. I believe the smaller companies deserve to have that same resource on the time frame that they need it.

I've attended countless (okay, not countless but lots) conferences to be up-to-date on the best scientific information on pests, products, equipment, and troubleshooting. With better science, we can provide better service to customers, solving their pest problems faster and more effectively. The targeted training helps my companies get the information they need, when they need it. They get expert assistance on audited accounts to ensure their service always meets the audit guidelines.

While I haven't calculated it, I've saved my clients precious time. They get to stop googling and asking around. They can now spend their time managing their people and getting more business. All of my clients have also seen a reduction in callbacks. It's not priceless, there is a big savings there.

Most of my customers have also seen an increase in employee retention. Not only do they get training on the topics they need and want, but because they are better trained, they are able to solve pest issues faster, and feel more valued.

As I write this and reflect on the last five years, it has been an amazing and wonderful trip so far, helping some incredible companies grow and solve pest problems. If you are one of my current customers: thank you. I really can’t tell you how enjoyable and rewarding it has been to be part of your growth, helping your company. If you are not yet a customer (why not?!?!) contact me to see what I can do for you.