Tired of Sleepless Nights Due To Bed Bugs? We Get Your Life & Apartment Back To Normal

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. The eradication of American and German cockroaches, in which infestation can grow rapidly if ignored. The American cockroach is also called a "waterbug", the "Bombay canary", and the "Palmettobug". Despite its name, the American cockroach is not native to North America but was introduced via ships from Africa in the early 1600s. It is worldwide in distribution. The German cockroach is by far the most important and usually the most common of the cockroaches. In addition to being a nuisance, it has been implicated in outbreaks of illness, the transmission of a variety of pathogenic organisms including at least one parasitic protozoan, and allergic reactions in many people. This species has worldwide distribution.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. Request the applicator to show his/her credentials. Ask questions. No questions should be left unanswered no matter how silly the question may seem. Ask the provider how much experience he/ she has with your problem pest. How safe is the pesticide being used? If you are not certain with the pesticides, request Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). The provider must handle the MSDS prior to service. Request availability after service in case of any other question you may have.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. One of the things that I, as a customer would like to know is if,the pesticide applicator licensed? It is the least question asked! Many exterminators are not familiar with the identification, biology, habits, and control of insects. For this matter they would treat for it all the same like an all purpose solution.

Pest control companies are allow by law to hire certified technicians as long as they are applying pesticide with the supervision of a pesticide applicator. This is called "provisional". The certification/registration credentials expire December 31 every third year.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. For over 23 years I have been educating myself in pest control and have been able to continue to help people with their problems. I have confidence in the ability to suceed and trustworthiness that the job is going to get done the right way the first time. I use my own method that I've perfected to my advantage over other applicators. What makes me successful and stand out from others is SAFETY, SAFETY, SAFETY first, educating the client and introducing my 6-step process to eradication through: Inspection, Identification, Prevention, Sanitation, Mechanical Measures, & Control.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. Working one on one with the client and solving their problems. Comforting the client on understanding why they are having a problem and outlining a plan to apprehend the situation. Every situation is different from others it is the confidence of solving that situation. For example: Like a crossword puzzle you have to have it right the first time or else it will be difficult to solve. In pest control safety first, you just can't erase and start again. We are Patient, enjoy educating our clients, and are conscientious & careful. Our reputation is very important to us and we will promptly assist you with your pest control problems in a very professional manner by paying careful attention to customer service and quality assurance.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Q: We've have this bug problem for over 5 years and tried different method to get rid of it, but it seem not to work.
What can you do to assure me that you'll get rid of it once and for all?

A: We are highly knowledgeable on pests that are common to commercial and residential buildings. We understand the seasonal cycles and biology of the pest we treat and very familiar with the regional pest issues that are common to New York and can customize an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that will fit your needs.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. I was working at Veterans Administration Hospital in the Bronx as a Data entry and information processing worker. I was barely making my rent payments when I decided to look for a second job. I found a job at a small pest control company as a customer service worker. Happy with my new job I decided to do research on this field. I said to myself, "If, I was to help someone on the other side of the phone line the least thing I should learn is the basics about pest control". But, then again I was not dealing with just one vermin, so I decided to get educated and within one year I became certified in pest control. Within two years I was licensed. After two years as a customer service worker, few pesticide applicators were absent and I volunteer to go out on the field and ever since is been instant love. I left my Data entry job to concentrate on pest control. I love to help people and love what I do for over twenty three years.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I'm particularly proud of all my jobs, but I was touched by a recent job my team and I performed. It was the removal of Bed bugs in a three bed room apartment on a top floor building. I was recently hired by a couple with four children, two girls and two boys, ages from one to four years old to inspect for biting insects. The couple thought it was mosquito what was biting the family with the children being the most bitten. I brought my bed bug canine detector to the inspection just in case the biting insect was not mosquitoes. I first inspected the the apartment and roof's elevator mechanical room for any signs of stagnant water or mosquitoes. Many times the elevator pit may contain stagnant water with mosquito larvae. The air flow or current in the elevator shaft may push mosquitoes upwards into the elevator mechanical room. There the mosquitoes may leave this area and migrate into the apartments through open windows. But, in this matter it was not the case. I introduced the family to Elmer, my bed bug canine detector to perform a search, as I started my search Elmer confirmed a positive identification of bed bugs in all three bed rooms and living room furniture. I introduced the family with a preparation list. I explained that preparation is as important as the treatment and we needed complete cooperation. Within the week my team under my supervision treated the apartment. After two more follow-up visits in two weeks interval the problem was solved. The couple with tears in their eyes thanked us for the job well done and wanted to treat Elmer to a dog spa for finding the bugs. What I'm particularly proud of is seeing my customers smile and breath a sight of relief that the bugs were gone and their lives were back to normal. My team understands it because we are all about family. So, it was personal!

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. Yes. As a licensed pesticide applicator continuing education is needed to earn credits for each category you may be licensed and which is then applied to your license for renewal. In all twelve credits are needed, Core credits count for all categories; however, of the total amount of continuing education credits required for each category a minimum of 25% must be specific to that particular category. The remaining 75% due can be category specific, core, or any combination of the two.

For example: An applicator on a 3 year cycle recertifying in category 7A must earn at least 3 credits in category 7A and the remaining 9 credits due can be either all category specific (7A), all core, or a combination of core and 7A. We attend seminars and training to stay abreast of all current application and safety issues regarding pest control and management.