5 ways to navigate the summer surge

Summer is prime time for pest control — and for chaos. Schedules are packed, temperatures are high and your team is stretched thin. It’s easy for morale, service quality and efficiency to take a hit during the busy season.

But this season is also when your systems, leadership and culture matter most. When you’re intentional, the summer rush can be your biggest growth opportunity, not just in revenue but in building a stronger, more resilient team.

Consider these five daily tasks to help keep your team focused and performing their best during peak season:

1. Start with daily huddles. A short, consistent check-in at the start of the day helps align your team, resolve minor issues before they escalate and foster accountability. Keep it tight and shoot for a maximum of 10 minutes. Review priorities, schedules and any customer concerns. You don’t need a perfect agenda, just a consistent one.

2. Highlight quick wins. Recognition doesn’t have to be fancy. A simple shout-out on your company’s group messaging platform, in a group text or during the morning huddle can go a long way. Catch people doing things right and let them know you noticed. It boosts morale and keeps the team motivated when energy starts to drop.

3. Keep key performance indicators (KPIs) visible. Make sure everyone understands what success looks like in terms of daily sales, service completion rates and callback percentages. Post the numbers where the team can see them and celebrate progress, not just final results. When people see they’re winning, they lean in even more.

4. Simplify where you can. Don’t let clutter slow you down. Streamline routing, eliminate unnecessary tasks and reduce the noise. Your team needs to focus on what matters most: serving customers and staying on time. If something doesn’t add value this month, save it for the slow season.

5. Watch for burnout. Keep an eye on signs of fatigue. Rotate demanding routes. Offer water, snacks or a surprise lunch now and then. Encourage breaks when possible and check in with your team individually. A technician who feels supported will perform better and stay longer.

Remember, peak season can either burn out your team or build them up. It all depends on how you lead.