Whether you’re just starting out or have been in the pest control game for a while, you can’t expect to successfully manage pests and satisfy your customers if you don’t have the right tools for the job. In pest control, this means having all of the equipment needed to deal with pesky bugs and other pests. Take a look to see what you’ll need to get the job done right.
Pest Control Tools For Every Pest Control Technician
Bed Bug Equipment
Pest control operators are responsible for controlling infestations of bed bugs in homes and businesses. As bed bugs are notoriously stubborn and are particularly irksome for customers, having the right bed bug equipment is essential to satisfying your customers. Bed bug equipment should include chemical treatments, vacuums, steamers, covers, interceptors and monitors that can help identify and track bed bugs so they can be eliminated quickly and efficiently.
Chemical treatments are for eliminating bed bugs quickly. A variety of insecticides, dusts and aerosols are available to kill bed bugs in hard-to-reach areas and on furniture, mattresses and other items. Vacuums are helpful for removing live bed bugs from surfaces. Steamers can be used to heat treat mattresses and other items to kill any bed bugs that may be present.
Dusters
Dusters are an essential piece of pest control equipment, used to apply pesticides, dusts and other materials into hard-to-reach areas. There are a variety of different types of dusters available on the market, from compressed air models to battery-powered models. Dusters are ideal for treating attics, crawl spaces and wall voids where pests like to hide.
Dusters distribute a fine dust that is able to penetrate the cracks and crevices where insects reside. You can use either powdered insecticides or baits in dusters, depending on what’s best for dealing with the type of insect you’re trying to get rid of.
Foamers
Foaming equipment is an important piece of pest control gear. This type of equipment is used to apply a foam or gel that can penetrate cracks and crevices, similar to how dusters work. Foaming equipment is ideal for treating tight spaces. The foam or gel will expand and fill the voids, killing any pests that come in contact with it.
Fogging Equipment
Fogging equipment is another essential piece of pest control equipment. This type of equipment is used to apply a fine mist of pesticide that can penetrate and kill pests in hard-to-reach areas. Fogging is ideal for treating confined indoor areas like attics or crawl spaces, but can even be used in larger outdoor areas such as patios, decks and gardens.
Respirators
Speaking of fogging equipment, it’s important to protect yourself from inhaling any harmful particles when using pesticides or other hazardous materials. This is why respirators are an essential part of pest control equipment. Respirators are designed to filter out particles that can be dangerous when inhaled, keeping you and your team safe.
Respirators come in a variety of styles, including full-face masks and half-masks that cover just the nose and mouth. It’s important to make sure you choose the right respirator for the job so that you can stay safe and healthy while doing pest control work. Be sure to check for a good fit, and always ensure that the respirator’s filtration is adequate for the materials being applied.
Rodent Inspection Equipment
If you’re dealing with a rodent problem, it’s important to use specialized equipment to inspect potential hiding places such as walls, attics and crawl spaces. This type of equipment includes endoscopes, cameras, traps, glue boards and other devices. Endoscopes are used to get a visual of the inside of walls, while cameras allow you to monitor possible entry points and activity. Traps and glue boards are used to capture rodents for removal or relocation.
You may also want to consider smart traps, particularly if you’re managing large commercial properties. Using smart sensors and either Bluetooth or wi-fi technology, smart traps allow you to scan for activity with a smartphone or other device, minimizing the need to manually check traps in hard-to-reach areas and helping you cover larger areas more quickly.
Safety Equipment
Doing pest control work can be dangerous, so it’s important to make sure you have the proper safety equipment. We mentioned respirators above, but they are certainly not the only safety gear you’ll need on the job.
Safety equipment can include gloves, goggles and protective clothing. Gloves help to protect your skin from any chemicals or other pests you may come into contact with while doing pest control work. Goggles help to protect your eyes from any dust, debris or chemicals that may be in the air when spraying insecticides. Protective clothing such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts or coveralls also helps to protect your skin from any hazardous materials you may come into contact with.
Sprayers
Sprayers are a must-have for anyone doing pest control work. There are many different types of sprayers available, ranging from simple hand-pumped models to more advanced electric or gas-powered models. Depending on the size of the job, you can choose from a variety of pumps and nozzles to ensure you’re using the right amount of insecticide for the job.
Lawn Spreaders
If you’re dealing with a lawn pest problem, then you may want to consider using a lawn spreader. This type of equipment allows you to evenly distribute granular insecticides or fertilizers over a customer’s lawn in order to treat the entire area. Lawn spreaders come in both manual and powered varieties, so you can choose the right one for your particular needs and budget.
Termite Control Equipment
Termites are some of the most destructive pests, so it’s important to use specialized equipment when dealing with them. Termite control equipment includes baiting systems, liquid treatments and dusts. Baiting systems use slow-acting insecticides that target termite colonies over time. Liquid treatments are injected directly into the soil in order to kill termites on contact. Dusts are used to treat hard-to-reach areas such as wall voids.
One of the most widely recognized termite solutions is Sentricon, a standalone system that provides long-term protection against pest infestations. It utilizes a system of bait stations that are placed in strategic locations around the home or business where termites may be present. The bait stations contain food sources for the termites, and when they consume them, they also ingest a slow-acting insecticide which eliminates the colony over time. Technicians should be trained in placing and refilling stations as needed.
Beyond the gear required to treat for termites, also be sure to stay on top of any regulatory forms or other paperwork that’s required. The specifics can vary from place to place, so check locally in the areas you service to make sure you stay compliant.
Branded Vehicles
Having a well-maintained truck with company branding is an essential part of running a successful pest control business. Not only does it provide the necessary equipment for the job, but it also helps to create an impression of professionalism and reliability. A clean, well-maintained truck with clearly visible logos and signage will make customers more likely to trust your business and will show that you take your services seriously.
Additionally, branding your vehicle with a professional wrap to showcase your business name and logo helps to turn your vehicle into a mobile billboard for your pest control operation. This can be particularly valuable for attracting new business in areas you already service, which typically minimizes the work needed to take on new customers. If you have a provider for print marketing materials, be sure to check if they offer vehicle wraps before seeking them out elsewhere.
Pest Control Software
Technology has made it easier than ever to manage pest control operations efficiently. Pest control software enables businesses to identify the products and materials used in treatments, monitor customer accounts, schedule preventative maintenance and much more, usually while drastically reducing the amount of manual labor involved. This type of software can also provide real-time updates on the status of current treatments and give recommendations on future treatments.
Pest control equipment is an essential part of any pest control business. From respirators and rodent inspection equipment to safety equipment and termite control equipment, there are a variety of tools that can help you do your job safely and effectively. To learn more about why PestPac by WorkWave is the pest control software seven of the top 10 pest control operators choose, including how our partnership with Target Specialty Products can help you save on other crucial pest control equipment and materials, be sure to visit us online today!
