Whether you’re a homeowner looking to keep your property pest free or you own a business that has to deal with the issues that pests can cause, commercial pest control is something that you should consider. There are many ways to get rid of your pests, including using chemicals, but there are also a number of things you need to take into account. From sanitation to legal liability, you need to make sure you’re choosing the right pest exterminator for your needs.
Pricing
One of the key factors that makes or breaks any business is pricing. There are numerous products and services out there, but determining how to properly price each is vital for businesses.
One way to determine how much to charge for a job is to determine a baseline dollar amount. This amount is calculated by figuring out the cost of the service and adding a margin for profit.
This may include a one-time payment or a monthly charge. The most important thing to remember is to make sure you are charging enough to cover your overhead expenses. These costs can be anything from rent to business taxes.
Sanitation
Sanitation is an important part of pest management. It prevents pests from harming your facility, and helps to protect your health and employees.
Food storage, processing, and handling areas should be cleaned regularly. Trash bins should be cleaned out regularly, and dumpsters should be closed. To avoid rodents, store food in sealed containers, remove stacked wood, and piles of leaves.
The odours produced by bacteria and dead animals are one of the main factors that attract pests. They also serve as a warning that food is available. Odours can also signal the presence of decaying garbage.
Proper sanitation is critical for effective chemical control, behaviorally-based management strategies, and modified atmospheres in post-harvest systems. However, relatively little research has been done into how these different methods of sanitation interact.
Legal liability for misapplication of chemicals
The legal liability of misapplication of chemicals in commercial pest control is more than just a nuisance. It can also lead to environmental damage, public health problems and a whole host of other unintended consequences. In fact, one might say it is a good thing that the DEC has a formal regulatory scheme aimed at promoting compliance with the law. Indeed, in order to properly identify a potential breach of the law, the first step is to properly categorize what constitutes an offense. Once that is done, the DEC has to decide what to do with the evidence.
Managing finances
If you’re considering starting a commercial pest control business, you’ll want to get all your ducks in a row before you jump in. There are lots of moving parts, from renting trucks and other heavy duty equipment to paying for fuel and insurance. To keep your financial house in order, you should start by setting up a business bank account.
For the real money people, you’ll need to put some serious thought into how much you’re willing to invest in the enterprise. As a rule of thumb, you should never invest more than 25 percent of your gross income on the company, and you might even consider investing a little extra in marketing and business development.
Choosing a pest exterminator that specializes in dealing with your pest
When you have a problem with a pest, you want to find a professional who can help you get rid of it as fast as possible. A reputable and well-trained exterminator is a must. However, finding one can be a daunting task. You’ll need to do some research before you make the decision.
The first step is to identify the type of pests you’re dealing with. This will help you determine the best pest control company for the job.
Once you have a list of reputable companies, you can start comparing quotes. Look at how much each company charges for its services, and then choose the best.
BPCA’s advice, resources and guidance on commercial pest management
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) is a trade association dedicated to the promotion of good practice in the pest control industry. Not only does it promote best practice, it also provides useful resources such as templates and the like. If you are a facility manager or business owner, you may have heard of BPCA but may not have had the chance to speak with one of their representatives.
There are several notable acronyms to consider, but the BPCA’s advice, resources and guidance on commercial pest management stands out. In particular, check out their upcoming PestEx 2022 event in London.