It seems like nearly every day there is a new smartphone, gadget, car, or computer. While the act of constantly keeping up with all of these technological advancements can be intimidating and frustrating at times, these tools are ultimately designed to make our daily lives better.
On a business level, forward-looking technologies can add a new dimension to how you manage and operate your pest control company and control pest populations. See below how these technologies have the potential to transform the future of pest control.
AI assistance
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is nearly everywhere. AI can be described as “any task performed by a program or a machine that, if a human carried out the same activity, we would say the human had to apply intelligence to accomplish the task.” From online purchase recommendations to credit card fraud detection, AI covers it all—even within the pest management industry.
One of the most effective AI tools that your business could profit from is route optimization. This sustainable approach method proves especially fruitful for pest control businesses by simplifying the routing process based on data that has been collected, resulting in countless hours saved, while also allowing for plans to be easily modified based on real-time data (real-time monitoring.) Additionally, route optimization tools allow pest control companies to define routing constraints based on customer requests and job requirements and effectively plan around them. With these innovations in pest control, businesses will not only see more efficient routes, balanced schedules, effective solutions, and more on-time arrivals, but they will also be able to meet and exceed their customers’ demands.
Deploy the drones
From recreational to pest control professional use, drones have been seen almost everywhere, and the market is reflecting this, with the sales of these devices projected to exceed $17 billion by 2024.
An increasing number of pest management professionals are relying on drones to perform a variety of tasks and pest control methods, from carrying out safer inspections without the danger of ladders to administering pest management services and features like remote monitoring.
While some drones can boast sky-high prices (some of the more specialized drones can run upwards of $20,000), and depending on the certifications and licenses that you would need to acquire depending on where you operate, drones almost pay for themselves through two key benefits: safety and efficiency.
From a safety aspect, you would be able to either treat or collect information without the added risk of injury to your technicians. For instance, when gathering data on an active beehive, your technician would be able to identify where and how large the hive is without the added danger of getting too close and potentially being swarmed by bees.
When it comes to efficiency, drones check nearly all of the boxes compared to traditional pest control methods. With their aerial advantage, these devices are able to cover vast amounts of area quickly, all while recording the journey for review later on. Plus, with the cost of labor steadily increasing, you are able to make a one-time investment to maximize your current workforce’s productivity without immediately having to invest in more technicians to meet the growing demand.
And these benefits are only the beginning of drone use across the pest control landscape. “The use of drones is really on the cusp of expanding,” said Judy Black, BCE, vice president of technical services at Rentokil Steritech, in an interview with PMP Magazine. While Black notes that Rentokil is not currently using drones in North America, she references an innovative use of the devices in Brazil where a drone equipped with a thermal imaging camera was used to identify a mouse infestation in a field for a client.
As the innovation continues to grow in terms of drone capabilities in the pest management field, it’s safe to project that more businesses will start to deploy drone services to aid and potentially attract even more customers and offer better pest infestation solutions.
Take the virtual approach to training
Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) also carry tremendous potential for the pest control industry, particularly regarding technician training for effective pest management.
Unlike prior instruction methods, VR technology fully immerses your technicians into an environment, while AR allows trainers to customize the lesson by inserting vertical cues, text, objects, situational modifications, etc.
However, while advancements in pest control like VR and AR benefits of allowing hands-on experience for your technicians prove impressive, the timing aspect that these devices allow is the true advantage. During your pest management business’ off-season, these devices can allow you to capitalize on that slower pace to bring your technicians up-to-date on any training and certifications, as opposed to having to carve out time for your employees to complete such training during your busy season, where time is better spent out in the field servicing customers. Additionally, if there is any outdoor field training that needs to take place on a specific date, VR and AR save you time by eliminating the need to reschedule if there is inclement weather.
In order to deploy this type of training, a headset is critical. Fortunately, there are several options readily available on the market, from standard headsets (which can run from $3,500 to $500) to smartphone apps (which can cost about $35). While the costs of these VR/AR devices can vary depending on customization and project scope, it actually proves a more cost-effective option when compared to the amount of money some firms spend on e-learning licensing and consent, according to Design Interactive’s Director of Consumer Experience Matthew Johnston.
With all of the exciting technological changes taking place today, it only makes sense to start thinking about how to embrace and apply these efficiency-purposed technologies to your pest control business. With AI tools able to maximize your business management and pest management strategy efforts, drones increasing efficiency and safety for your technicians in the field, and virtual capabilities maximizing your time and empowering your employees, your pest control operation can streamline operations while simultaneously delivering a greater value to your customers.
Increase Profits Using Pest Control Software
Besides the appropriate implementation of good pest control technology, another powerful tool that can help pest control companies and pest control specialists boost their visibility and profits is utilizing specialized pest control software like PestPac. These platforms are designed to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and provide valuable insights into your bed bug control business that can lead to increased revenue.
Benefits of Using PestPac for Your Pest Control Business
PestPac is a comprehensive software solution designed specifically for pest control businesses. Utilizing this technological approach to pest management, PestPac can offer numerous benefits to your company, including:
1. Increased efficiency: simplifies different areas of pest control operations, including scheduling, billing, and customer communication. This can assist businesses in conserving time and resources by automating routine tasks, enabling technicians to prioritize delivering quality pest control service to customers.
2. Improved customer service: Companies can readily gather customer details, history, and preferences, helping them offer tailored service and foster stronger connections with their clients. This can result in increased customer satisfaction and retention.
3. Enhanced accuracy: The system improves accuracy by monitoring treatments, products used, and scheduling details, which helps minimize errors. This ensures that technicians adhere to the correct procedures and deliver effective pest control solutions.
4. Reporting and Analytics: Provide essential tools for businesses to monitor key performance metrics, recognize trends, and make informed decisions based on data. By examining this information, companies can enhance their operations, boost efficiency, and ultimately improve their financial performance.
Closing Thoughts
In an increasingly competitive landscape, leveraging cutting-edge pest control technology is no longer just a luxury—it’s a necessity. As highlighted, the integration of advanced tools such as virtual reality training, artificial intelligence, and specialized software like PestPac can significantly transform your pest management business. By automating routine tasks, enhancing customer service, and providing valuable data insights through reporting and analytics, you can not only streamline your operations but also elevate the quality of service you provide to your customers. Embracing these innovations will enable your business to stay ahead of the competition and adapt to the evolving demands of the market.
Investing in pest control technology, including VR/AR training and specialized integrated pest management software solutions like PestPac, empowers technicians with the tools they need for success. Enhanced training methods improve skill development and ensure that your team is well-equipped to handle a variety of pest management challenges. With these advancements, you can foster a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability within your organization. Ready to grow your business? Reserve your free consultation today!
