Customer dos and dont’s during the coronavirus pandemic

The Professional Pest Management Alliance created a downloadable tip sheet for use during the coronavirus pandemic. Click to download.

The coronavirus pandemic has completely changed the meaning of “business as usual” for pest management professionals (PMPs).

Because the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and most states have declared pest control an essential service, PMPs have been able to continue to provide services during shelter-in-place and stay-at-home mandates. The Professional Pest Management Alliance (PPMA) — which as part of the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) markets the value pest control provides consumers to help grow commercial and residential markets — offers tips to help PMPs better communicate with customers.

“We’ve produced a quick list of advice to provide parameters for pest control companies with their external communications so that they can ensure they are being appropriate in both tone and message,” said PPMA Executive Director Cindy Mannes. “This is not the time to be insensitive, slinging bargains or touting essential services as a sales tool.”

The list of dos and don’ts are available here. Tips include letting customers know how your company is helping the community during the pandemic and that your company is taking the pandemic seriously.

“Keeping professionalism in our industry is paramount,” Mannes added. “We are protectors of public health, property and the food supply for homes and businesses nationwide.”

The PPMA connects with the public through media placements across the country — from national morning shows and major newspapers and websites, to local television news, radio and community papers — and has become a trusted, go-to source for journalists. In addition, the PPMA offers NPMA members a number of investment opportunities to accommodate pest control companies of all sizes. It invites companies to join the organization as it works to grow, protect, defend and promote the professional pest control industry to consumers nationwide.

Read more COVID-19 coverage here: MyPMP.net/COVID-19