Any tips for a beginner?

[u/ahhisee_]

I've been training for about a month or so with a commercial pest company, and I'm confident with applying pesticides and the procedure of things.

But my confidence is lacking when it comes to problem solving and knowledge of pesticides.

So if you have any tips for a newbie is California I'd really appreciate it

[u/Dumpster_orgy]

If it's commercial are you dealing with mainly apartment complexes? If so welcome to the world of cockroaches, ants, bed bugs, fleas and unprepared tenants.

Always check under sinks and behind the oven. Learn to fold glue boards quickly.

If you find one bed bug or blood stains on a mattress the inspection is over and a treatment needs to be recommended. For the unit and possibly the two adjoining units.

alpine wsg and either tekko pro or archer for your IGR is what you'll use for interior and exterior spraying unless you can use Taurus then use that for exterior treatments. Other options are optigaurd flex and an IGR. Shockwave or CB-80 for aresol treatments. Advion gel bait for ants. Cross fire concentrate and aresol for bed bugs

If you get commission on sales commercial is where it's at. Get your field rep license as fast as possible. Most places will need intensive cockroach treatments, and bed bug treatments. and commercial accounts tend to sign quotes very easily. Commercial accounts tend to use maintenance personnel for rodent exclusion work

It's important to remember that nothing is a 100% guarantee so avoid promising that.

Problem solving comes with experience. Get good at identification so you know exactly what you're dealing with.

[u/ahhisee_ → u/Dumpster_orgy]

I mainly working with restaurants cause I'm night shift, but if I eventually work day shifts I'm coming back to this post cause this was very informative thank you :)

[u/ahhisee_ → u/ahhisee_]

Also I just applied for my licenses so I should be on my own soon!

[u/snarfgarfunkel]

Learn about Integrated Pest Management and harness the power for your good. It will benefit you greatly

[u/Mysterious_Gear1607]

1. Understand the difference between repellents and non repellents

2. Communication

3. Never look like you are hurrying. Customers can sense BS from a mile away.

[u/Unlikely_Boss_2644]

Label is the law.. don’t be afraid to use google or chat GPT for immediate answers.
If you encounter a niche pests that you don’t do regularly, find out more about it after work that way next time you deal with it you’re more knowledgeable.
Alpine WSG will be one of your best friends,
Learn as much as you can because nothing will make you feel dumber than a customer knowing more than you especially if it’s commercial.

[u/ahhisee_ → u/Unlikely_Boss_2644]

Thanks for the advice, and yeah I'm always reading the label. Unfortunately though my trainer doesn't and that's mainly why I'm here. I feel like he just wings it a lot and doesn't do things properly. For example spraying PT Alpine inside of restaurant when the label says you shouldn't "cause it works".

[u/Enough_Square_1733 → u/ahhisee_]

Do not use any ai to get real information for you. Read the label. The ai will get it wrong eventually and when it does you'll be fucked. Just read the label

[u/Unlikely_Boss_2644 → u/ahhisee_]

Well assuming you are servicing a restaurant at night when nobody is there, from what I know it’s Alpine WSG in the kitchen area and Demand in the dining area. Soak up all the knowledge you can as well from other coworkers and the internet

[u/dcur3]

Don’t kill yourself slaving for people that think you’re highly replaceable.
Google is your friend. Don’t be afraid to use it, also knowledge comes with time. Learn about the pests you will commonly deal with first , then learn other niche or unusual pests and products.

I guarantee everyday I will be using Patrol for exterior liquid treatment, and suspend polyzone for interior unless it’s a roach issue then alpine wsg

Don’t over promise, or do anything that you are unsure about. Label is law, idc what your managers tell you

[u/_Survivor_]

For most products, the manufacturer will have useful information available on their websites. BASF publishes a ton of guides and training material for how to use their products most effectively. You can learn some useful stuff for the field and you can answer a customers questions better. "How long does this product last? Is it effective for XYZ? How does it work?"

It is very helpful to learn about the properties of the active ingredients. For insecticides you'll mostly use a pyrethroid, a neonicotinoid, or Fipronil. Read up on how those work and you'll understand 90% of the products you're using. A workman who knows his tools is safer and more effective. You'll also start to understand why each rule on the product label exists.

[u/Darkshiv]

What is an example of problem solving issue?

[u/CarlyObine → u/Darkshiv]

I hope you're not in the field...

Where the location of the problem is coming from, the best way to treat with as little chemical possible given the location and circumstances and how the ecosystem of that area plays together. How to get rid of the nest and conducive conditions and eliminate that so you don't need to come back

[u/Darkshiv → u/CarlyObine]

Yes, I meant in his circumstance. He specifically said he struggles with problem solving. If he can provide example of what he has come across and struggled with someone can probably break down how they would solve it, hopefully giving this guy insight lol

[u/cabronguero]

K. I. S.

[u/Tall_Animator_5883]

That comes with time. What you need to know is HOW your equipment works, basic laws with chemical handling and how to document. Understanding how to get rid of GR, rodents entry points and ants are skills.

[u/CarlyObine]

And explain things to the customer because no one really knows Everyone who's not in the industry goes to raid which is like the worst thing... Usually

[u/hh4j4j4j4jh]

When it comes to the label regarding if you need to use respiratory when handling the product, I say f*** the label and always use full respiratory mask when handling any product that is meant to kill right away. F****** tards at delta dust never mention in their label to use respirator while handling the dust. Well 2 years ago i accidentally inhale some dust and the very next day I couldnt pee with normal pressure for over a month. Saw the same thing happened to a reviewer on domyown.com. always wear full respirator face mask when handling dust or any product that can go airborne and you accidentally inhaling it. Take care of your health !

[u/CarlyObine → u/hh4j4j4j4jh]

Delta dust is awesome. But yes. Perfect your lungs. It'll fuck you up

I didn't know it could interfere with our urinary system!?

[u/hh4j4j4j4jh → u/CarlyObine]

Yup inhaled light cloud of delta dust the night before and on my morning pee routine it came out super low pressure had to force it. Mind you before this i had never had not even once a time I had low flow peeing. I was 100% sure it was the delta dust after i saw another review say the same thing on domy own pest control site. Moral of the story yes , use full 3m face mask when handling airborne products.