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Summer has arrived, and for pest control operators across the Sun Belt particularly, that means two things: increased pest pressure, and increased pressure on our people.
This year’s weather patterns have created plenty of opportunity for pests. Warm temperatures, periodic rainfall across portions of the South and continued heat across the Southwest are driving activity from mosquitoes, ants, cockroaches, termites and rodents as they search for food, water and shelter.
Pay attention trending pressure
In fact, the National Pest Management Association‘s annual pest forecast pointed to elevated pest activity across many regions of the country due to weather variability and warmer-than-average conditions with many operators seeing this prediction play out right now in their markets.
Keeping up with the danger of heightened demand
Equally as critical this time of year, the pressure on our team members to keep up with demand is high. Heat remains one of the most significant safety risks facing field service organizations. OSHA estimates there were nearly 34,000 work-related heat injuries and illnesses resulting in days away from work between 2011 and 2022, and exposure to environmental heat has contributed to nearly 1,000 worker fatalities over the past several decades.
More recently, a 2025 nationwide study of U.S. workplace injuries found that injury risk begins to increase when the heat index reaches approximately 85°F and rises sharply above 90°F, resulting in an estimated 28,000 additional workplace injuries annually attributable to heat exposure across industries.
In our industry, the challenge is amplified by attics, crawlspaces, protective equipment and physically demanding work. A simple best practice that can make a meaningful difference is scheduling attic inspections and treatments during the first half of the day or at the tail end when temperatures may not be as harsh.
How you can win the summer months
At Truly Nolen, we’ve approached this season with equal focus on preparation and appreciation. We know the busy season is won long before June arrives, which is why we’ve focused on proactive staffing and development. This year, we launched Trainer Appreciation Week while simultaneously raising the standards and expectations of the trainer’s role. Great trainers don’t just transfer technical knowledge—they shape culture, reinforce standards and help build the next generation of professionals.
Our company also celebrates Technician Appreciation Week as Summer heats up around the country. Over the years, we’ve celebrated our teams in a variety of ways: managers making breakfast for technicians before heading into the field, company-wide gifts, friendly competitions with meaningful prizes, ride-alongs to provide extra support and countless opportunities to simply say thank you. A little appreciation goes a long way.
Every pest control company feels the pressure of summer. Pest activity rises, customer expectations increase and our teams are asked to do more in some of the most challenging conditions of the year. While no operator can control the weather, we can control how we prepare, how we lead and how we care for the people carrying the load. That’s a competitive advantage that never goes out of season.
