Termite work for the taking

By

January 29, 2021

PHOTO COURTESY OF, AND COPYRIGHTED BY, GENE WHITE, PMIMAGES@EARTHLINK.NET

PHOTO COURTESY OF, AND COPYRIGHTED BY, GENE WHITE, PMIMAGES@EARTHLINK.NET

Pest management professionals (PMPs) who answered our 2021 Termite Management Survey offer advice that has helped them ramp up their termite control work, making it lucrative and satisfying.

Zac Brown

Zac Brown

“Before offering termite management services, make sure you have the proper state licenses, and insurance coverage on your policy to perform the work. Conduct a thorough inspection of the structure to identify the entire scope of the infestation. Explain the treatment options to the homeowner so they can make an informed decision. Keep good records and contracts for all services provided.”
— Zac Brown, Manager, Clancy Brothers Pest Control, Braintree, Mass.

Tim Goeringer

Tim Goeringer

“For those considering entering the termite management market, gain a basic understanding of construction practices in your area, particularly foundation construction. Perform quality inspections. Thoroughly document your findings, and don’t be afraid to charge based on your time, materials and expertise.”
— Tim Goeringer, President, JHTG Inc. dba Orkin Pest Control, Prescott Valley, Ariz.

Dannielle Nieves

Dannielle Nieves

“When providing bids for termite management work, do not give an estimate when looking at a picture or video. It is very important to be at the property to assess the situation. For example, is the entire home on a concrete slab, or just half of the home? Are there inaccessible areas an inspector or homeowner would not see or know about? Is there a water source or high-water tables in the areas to be treated? With too many what-ifs, the job could go wrong if you do not evaluate the structure with your own eyes. Also, before you start providing termite treatments, assign someone as your termite management person. Send them to seminars, and have them talk to other pest control companies that provide termite control services. Most of my termite work comes from homes being bought and sold, so get to know your real estate agents, too.”
— Dannielle Nieves, President, A&A Pest Control, Portland, Ore.

Robert Brant

Robert Brant

“Sell the value of prevention to your customers, because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. The cost of termite damage is astronomical across the United States, so why not have that peace of mind for a small price? There is no second-guessing whether the home is protected. Termites can hide in some very difficult spots to inspect; don’t wait for them to show up to do something about them, because it may be too late.”
— Robert Brant, Owner, Hawk Mosquito & Pest, Chesapeake, Va.

Taz Tyrone

Taz Tyrone

“When performing termite management work, know your state’s requirements and regulations regarding pre- and post-construction treatments, real estate clearance letters, and so on. Decide which of these termite services you wish to perform. Learn about the competition in your area — including general pricing guidelines and types of termite protection plans offered — so you know what you will be up against. Research your termite protection materials, and do not go cheap. Less-expensive products may help save you money short-term, but if they do not work well, re-treatments and damage repair will cost you more down the road.”
— Taz Tyrone, President, Acme Pest Management, West Memphis, Ark.

John Morgan

John Morgan

“Never stop learning. Be flexible, and remember that every termite management job is unique. Educate your employees and your customers, and always take the time needed to do the job right. Even if it means your profit on a particular job is a little slimmer than you’d like, being thorough and conscientious always pays.”
— John Morgan, Owner, Signature Pest Control, Wichita, Kan.

 

Trevor Jones

Trevor Jones

“Termite business varies greatly by region. Our termite services include everything from full-structure fumigation to localized treatments, wood repair, and annual control services. Learn from other PMPs in your area who currently are offering termite control services by getting in the field and doing the work hands-on. There is a lot to learn — from conducting a proper inspection, to performing the proper treatment, to carpentry skills for wood damage repairs — and the best way is to get hands-on experience. Even though we are a 74-year-old business with a lot of experience, we are still constantly learning and improving.”
— Trevor Jones, General Manager, Admiral Pest Control, Bellflower, Calif.

Tags:

About the Author

Headshot: Diane Sofranec

Diane Sofranec is the senior editor for PMP magazine. She can be reached at dsofranec@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3793.

Leave A Comment

Comments are closed.