Experts share topics in the pest industry that need more training

We asked columnists and editorial advisory board members of Pest Management Professional about some topics that the pest control industry does not cover enough in training.

Greg Baumann

“The huge knowledge gap between manufacturers and applicators. For example, a simple label change can take years to get through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which could further change label language to become wordy and confusing.”

Michael Broder

“Stress management. From day one, there are many stressful situations for new technicians — customers, traffic, time management and, in our urban market, parking.”

Foster Brusca

“Fleet safety and driving habits. In my 30-plus years in the industry, one of the best things a company ever did for me was provide training through the Smith System. It made me a safer, more aware driver.”

Doug Foster

“Improving ‘soft skills’ such as effective communication, teamwork, creativity, time management and work ethic. These skills can turn an average employee into an exceptional team player. It improves their self-image and self-confidence, which leads to a better customer experience.”

Dr. Faith Oi

“What is the value of a continuing education unit (CEU)? I have posed this question over the years because I believe we need to reframe industry training — we are not supposed to just be checking a box. Pest management professionals sit through hours of training. We develop mountains of resources. Has any of it mattered? Our pre- and post-test data indicate that very little knowledge is gained or retained.”

Pete Schopen

“The three biggies are entomology, entomological terms like trophallaxis and diapause, and modes of action for pesticides. Basic training in our industry involves one guy following another guy around in a truck for two to three weeks and then cutting him loose. We as an industry have to be better than that.”

Mark Sheperdigian

“We do plenty of training on ‘how to do pest management,’ and not enough on ‘how to explain what you found and what you did.’ People need to be trained to communicate with their clients.”

Sheri Spencer Bachman

“Technicians frequently identify issues like mosquito or termite activity, yet they’re rarely trained on how to communicate the options for additional services in a way that’s helpful, not pushy.“