Property owners don’t always realise calling in a pest controller is only part of working towards solving their pest problem. They likely don’t consider the value in preparing the premises (whether business or home) to be ready for inspection and treatment before you arrive. As the pest controller, you can guide your customer through pest control preparation steps to help them make the most of your visit.
Providing your customer with a pre-preparation checklist can assist with this and show your professionalism. When you communicate well with customers, they’ll have greater confidence in you and be more likely to come back to you time and time again. It’s part of running an effective and successful pest control business. Customer service should always be a core part of your business strategy.
Give your customer a pest control preparation sheet
The battle against pests that invade properties can be a far bigger challenge than many people expect. As you’d be aware, Australian native pests as well as others that now inhabit these shores can cause property owners tens of thousands in damage and repairs. That’s precisely why you need your customer on board to help make sure they’ve done their pest control preparation so you can do your job effectively.
Pest control preparation sheet
Here’s a list you can use as a basic template for your customers:
- Clean and tidy all affected areas. Pest control applications should be applied to clean areas and be allowed to remain for some time afterward. Wash, vacuum and wipe surfaces, floors, corners, and around computers, plug points and other electrical appliances beforehand, then leave untouched for as long as advised after the visit
- Move furniture away from walls in affected areas. Inform them that you often have to access hard to reach places and moving furniture eats up time you need for a thorough pest control inspection and/or application. (Plus, if you move furniture yourself you could also be responsible for these items if they break)
- Clear clutter from affected areas. Clear countertops, under the sink, under the fridge and beneath any furniture or beds that need treatment
- Pack away and seal foodstuffs. Preferably in the fridge or locked away from areas to be treated
- Pack away home items. Items that come into direct contact with skin such as soap, toothbrushes etc. should be securely stored away
- Clear away utensils and appliances. Cups, glasses and cutlery used to drink and eat should be well stored away. This includes pets’ food and water bowls
- People and pets to vacate the premises. Advise your customer how long to keep away during treatment and include our tips for pet safety during pest control
What else could you include?
Remember – you know more about the safety of the treatments and chemicals you’ll be applying than your customer does. Do a thorough risk assessment when using chemicals to give them the best pre and post service advice. Tailor your pest control preparation sheet to your business activities and individual needs of your customers. Consider if you’ve received any complaints or feedback in the past that could add to your checklist..
After treatment
Don’t leave your customer without advice for after a pest control treatment. Advise them on best practice tips for what to do immediately following treatment too. Should they vacate the premises for a certain number of hours? Will the windows and doors need to stay closed during that time and then be opened to ensure proper ventilation? If so, for how long? How long will they need to leave the treated areas untouched for full effect? What kind of monitoring of the situation will they need to do? Also advise them whether surfaces and items they come in contact with need to be cleaned after treatment.
Be sure to let your customers know beforehand of any follow up treatments they may or will need. For example, will preventing the return of termites require a follow-up treatment, etc. Setting expectations is key to customer satisfaction.
Why pest control preparation helps keep customers safe and satisfied
Even though pest control products are now safer they can still be a hazard to children, pets, people with allergies and expectant mothers. Pest control preparation is essential for keeping your customers safe. It keeps the treatment from becoming too cumbersome or lengthy, which can put both you and your customer out. But more importantly it helps your customer and their employees or children and pets stay safe. It also safeguards their property and home by allowing you to do a thorough job.
Keeping you and your business protected
Importantly, a pest control preparation plan helps keep you, your business and everyone else involved protected from harm. It means that your employee isn’t going to come back to work the next day with a back injury from moving customers’ furniture. It also means you’re setting customer expectations on what’s involved, so the visit is more likely to go well and they’re less likely to complain. But that said, accidents and misunderstandings can and do still happen. And if you don’t have pest control insurance, or your pest control insurance has expired, you could be liable for big costs.
Don’t let that happen. Rather, be sure your business has professional indemnity insurance or general liability insurance. These policies cover several crucial aspects that help reduce the risk of financial strain on your business and finances. Contact Rapid Solutions today to start your plan.
