Category

Rodents

Maximize Your Catch and Boost Sales This Season

By | blog, Pest Business, Rodents | No Comments

Glue boards are arguably one of the most important tools in the pest professional’s toolbox. Glue boards continue working around the clock to monitor for pests when you and your team cannot.  When properly placed, glueboards help pest professionals to uncover pest activity taking place and properly identify the pest prior to any control methods being employed. Glue boards are the key to Integrated Pest Management. Proper identification of pests allows the pest professional to use targeted treatments thereby limiting unnecessary pesticide treatments when possible.

Beyond the above mentioned benefits, glueboards give you many opportunities within your customer accounts.  Consider the following ways in which glueboards can enhance your service and uncover opportunities in your residential accounts.

  • Improve your retention rate.  If your Home Protection Plan customers are cancelling their contracts could it be because they are still seeing pests inside of their home?  Glue boards can help you understand what is happening inside of your residential accounts and provide proof of a problem so you may start the conversation with your client.
  • Increase your upsells.  Placing glueboards inside of your account gives you a reason to go inside your client’s home and inspect.  Not only will this provide you with face time with your customer but it offers plenty of opportunities to upsell your customers on your other ancillary services.  For example, while you are inside a client’s basement checking your ‘monitoring devices’ you may notice evidence of termites, camel crickets or wildlife problems.
  • Provide proof of a pest infestation.  Glue boards offer a visual to show your customers of what types of pests they may have should they cancel your service.  Uncovering a pest problem before a customer is suffering the effects of a full blown pest infestation can make a big difference.  Having proof to show your customer will help to prove your value to them.
  • Tip you off to a re-infestation.  Glue boards not only help to monitor for new infestations but help to serve as a tool that alerts you to a re-infestation.  Offer your customer peace of mind that if mice or other pests that you treated for were to return you have a system in place to monitor for it.
  • An important part of your Integrated Pest Management Approach.  Customers will love the idea that before you treat their home for any pest problem you understand and have proof of the target pest at hand.  Glue boards play an important role in residential pest management today.  Gone are the days of spraying pesticides or treating a home without first finding good cause.  Having glueboards strategically placed throughout a home allows you to identify the pest problem and use your knowledge of that pest’s habits to eliminate it from the home using a targeted treatment approach.
  • Take your marketing to the next level with private labels.  Imagine handing over to your prospect a glue board or snap trap with your company name and contact information on it. Unlike most promotional items that get tossed in the trash, the very utilitarian nature of a glue board or snap trap almost assures you that the item will be put to good use. What better scenario could you ask for than to have a prospect discover a possible mouse or pest invasion, pull out a glue board or trap to confirm their suspicions and be reminded of your company?

Whether you are currently using glueboards in your residential Home Protection Plan accounts, or plan to in the future, be sure you communicate the importance of their use to your customers.  Glue boards are a non-toxic, green approach to monitoring pest and rodent infestations in a home.  For more information on adding glueboards to your service protocols visit us online today at www.catchmasterpro.com.

Catchmaster Pestimonial – Savage Mole Trap & Rottler Pest Solutions

By | Rodents | No Comments

In this Catchmaster Pestimonial for the Savage Mole Trap learn how Jay Everitt, Technical Director at Rottler Pest & Lawn Solutions for the past 27 years, uses the Catchmaster Savage Mole Trap to keep his customers happy and his callbacks to a minimum.

Savage Mole Trap

Savage Mole Trap – Keeping Moles at Bay

Mole control is important to the customers of Rottler Pest Solutions based in St.Louis, MO. The Rottler team uses lots of tools to manage this damaging pest. “Moles are one of the more challenging pests. They can require a lot of return visits and cost us a lot of money in callbacks if they are not managed properly from the start,” Jay Everitt, Technical Director, commented.

Rottler includes mole control as part of their General Pest program in order to offer full service to their customers. They use a combination of tools including baits, traps and repellents for moles.

When Everitt noticed his team wasn’t having the same success with the mole trap they were currently using he was eager to try a new trap introduced to him by Liz Turner, AP&G South Central Regional Manager. Everitt commented, “I appreciate Liz providing new options to me and making me aware of new technology that Catchmaster brings to market. This particular product was very timely and has been very successful for us so far.”

High Capture Rates

Everitt shared that his team was getting a high capture rate right from the start. They placed four traps and captured four moles.  Next, they placed eight more traps and again captured eight moles. He sees the design of the trap as a game changer. The Rottler team needed something robust and the Savage Mole Trap delivered. The Rottler team liked the adjustable trigger plate and the metal construction.  And when you step on it to set it it clears the scissors of the trap.  The lack of this feature had been a challenge with other products.

If the high capture rate with the Catchmaster Savage Mole Trap continues, Everitt believes it will be worth it to change over completely to this product. “The very high capture rate we are seeing makes the Savage trap 3-4 times more effective than others we have tried on the market. It is proving to be effective and worth the cost and savings we are seeing on callbacks,” said Everitt.

Bobby Kossowicz is a content creator for the Catchmaster brand, learn more here: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/bobby-kossowicz/

Additional Resources

Get more great content like this in your inbox – sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Next, learn more about our rodent management tools here: https://catchmasterpro.com/collection/rodent-management-tools/

Finally, learn more about your pest management professional options from the National Pest Management Association here: https://npmapestworld.org/

Top Rodent Control Target Markets

By | Pest Business, Rodents, Tips & Inspirations, Uncategorized | No Comments

Knowing the top rodent control target markets can give you a leg up on your competition. There is a great need for rodent management in both residential and commercial settings. As a pest management professional, consider the following target audiences for your non-toxic rodent management offerings.

Rodent Control Target Markets - Mouse

Top 5 Rodent Control Target Markets

  1. Residential, single family homes – single family homes with children or pets are an ideal target for rodent control services.  Although rodents infest homes in the city and suburbs, homes near wooded areas may be under more pressure from rodent infestations.
  2. Property Management – housing managers of apartment complexes, condo associations and homeowner associations are responsible for ensuring a pest-free environment for their tenants. Rodent management is ideal as to ensure the safety of children and pets who may inhabit some units.
  3. Education Facilities – such as child-care facilities and elementary schools, colleges and universities are required to follow Integrated Pest Management (IPM) guidelines and use IPM rodent management techniques.
  4. Restaurants, Food Service & Food Processing Plants – rodent control is critical to restaurant operations. The food industry has very strict guidelines and no tolerance for rodents in their establishments. A rodent sighting in a restaurant can be extremely damaging to their reputation. Beyond that, rodents are dangerous pests known to carry food-borne pathogens and disease. Rodent management is critical to any restaurant and food establishment
  5. Warehouses – rodents can be very difficult to control in a large environment such as a warehouse but doing so is critically important in order to maintain a safe work environment for employees and ensure that products stored within the warehouse do not become contaminated from rodent pests.

Rodent Control Target Markets - Rat

Rodent control is important to many businesses but particularly to the one’s above. Keep these top rodent control target markets in mind as you develop your marketing materials!

Bobby Kossowicz is a content creator for the Catchmaster brand, learn more here: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/bobby-kossowicz/

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

First, get more great content like this in your inbox – sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Next, learn more about our rodent management tools here: https://catchmasterpro.com/collection/rodent-management-tools/

Finally, learn more about your pest management professional options from the National Pest Management Association here: https://npmapestworld.org/

Post-COVID Pest Management Tips

By | Pest Business, Rodents, Tips & Inspirations | No Comments

Navigate changing conditions with these Post-COVID pest management tips. Small businesses feel the impact of the pandemic, even six months in.  Pest control is an essential service but is still impacted via the customer base. Pest professionals report home and business owners suspended or reduced their contracts due to their own financial impacts. In other instances, concerned or immune-compromised clients refused indoor services.

Post-COVID Pest Management Tips - IPM

What are successful businesses concentrating focusing on in these times? Here are 3 tips that can help.

3 Post-COVID Pest Management Tips

  1. Businesses are being forced to digitize. To reduce or eliminate personal interaction, businesses must utilize technology like never before. From digital marketing to text and email communications with clients, businesses are feeling the impact. Those who already embraced technology are well ahead of the game while others are racing to catch up. Now more than ever technology can help your business to thrive in this new pandemic business climate. Lean on your software and marketing partners to take your business to the next level with technology.
  2. Capitalizing on commercial rodent work. Offices, hotels and restaurants sat vacant for months during quarantine.  As a result, rodent populations increased. The food source depletion prompted increased foraging ranges. Pest professionals are finding a high demand to control rodents, cockroaches, flies and more in this post-quarantine world. Ensure your business is ready to take on this demand and seek out commercial opportunities by communicating the on-going importance of pest control. This approach can work even when buildings stand vacant.
  3. Have safety policies in place and communicate them to your customer base. Safety takes on new meaning for pest control companies during a pandemic. Now is the time to put protocols in place when it comes to indoor pest services. Face masks, social distancing protocols and surveying your customer prior to service at the home or office are all things to be communicated. It ensures your customer is comfortable with your technicians in their home or place of business.

While these are trying times for businesses, they are also a time of opportunity. Stay positive and aggressive in your marketing efforts. Use this time to increase your business’ digital capabilities.

Bobby Kossowicz is a content creator for the Catchmaster brand, learn more here: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/bobby-kossowicz/

Additional Resources

First, get more great content like this in your inbox – sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Next, learn more about our rodent management tools here: https://catchmasterpro.com/collection/rodent-management-tools/

Finally, learn more about your pest management professional options from the National Pest Management Association here: https://npmapestworld.org/

Top 5 Marketing Tactics for Your Rodent Service

By | Pest Business, Rodents, Tips & Inspirations | No Comments

These top 5 marketing tactics for your rodent service can be vital to your success. Whether you are just starting out or perfecting your service, these 5 simple tips can help your business grow right now.

Top 5 Marketing Tactics for Your Rodent Service

Top 5 Marketing Tactics for Your Rodent Service - Knowledge

  1. Understand your market– Take a close look at the competitors in your area that are offering rodent services. Become familiar with your competitor’s service offerings and develop your own value proposition. Clearly explain why your service is more valuable to your clients.
  2. Advertise – What media does your target audience consume? In other words which websites do they visit or which magazines do they read for information? Where do they go to search for service providers? These are the places you will want to place advertisements for your services.
  3. Add Value – look for ways to offer value to your target audience.  Consider emailing them a rodent management eBook or a sample of private label glue boards branded with your logo. Include tips for placement to protect their home or business from rodents. Consider offering a free inspection service and follow-up with a rodent management plan to attack their problem.
  4. Focus on the customer experience – train your employees to go above and beyond with an account. Take time to talk with customers about ways they can reduce rodent activity on their property. Follow-up ensuring your service tactics are working. Finally, ask for a testimonial that you can use online and in your marketing pieces to help new customers feel confident in your services.
  5. Own the referral – once you have a happy customer don’t be afraid to ask for their referral and train your employees to do the same.  Offer the customer something of value, like a free treatment or percentage off their next service in exchange for their referral.  Remember, if you don’t ask the answer is always no!

Top 5 Marketing Tactics for Your Rodent Service - Referral

Bobby Kossowicz is a content creator for the Catchmaster brand, learn more here: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/bobby-kossowicz/

Additional Resources

First, get more great content like this in your inbox – sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Next, learn more about our rodent management tools here: https://catchmasterpro.com/collection/rodent-management-tools/

Finally, learn more about your pest management professional options from the National Pest Management Association here: https://npmapestworld.org/

Integrated Pest Management Tips for Re-Opening

By | Insects, Mosquitoes, Pest Business, Rodents, Tips & Inspirations | No Comments

Integrated Pest Management Tips for Re-Opened Accounts

Learn how to be at the top of your game with these top 5 integrated pest management tips for re-opening. With people heading back to work and accounts opening their doors the opportunity for pest professionals has increased. Without regular maintenance there is a chance the pest pressure at previously closed businesses may be at an all-time high. Think about a re-opened account as a lake that has not been fished in awhile or a well-beaten deer path in the woods. Opportunity abounds, but where to start? Keep these 5 integrated pest management tips in mind when first visiting a re-opened account.

Top 5 IPM Tips for Re-Opening

Top 5 Integrated Pest Management Tips for Re-Opening - House

  • Exterior inspection – like any good pest detective your work in a re-opened account will start with the exterior. As a result, a thorough inspection is vital. If the business or property has been closed for an extended period of time it is likely that basic property maintenance has been neglected. Look for any piles of debris, like trash, leaves or lawn clippings that may have accumulated. They may provide food and harborage to pests. For mosquito prevention look for any standing water. Inspect the structure as well as cracks in foundations for gaps in doors may have grown. Exclusion work is likely to be required. Here is a helpful article with the top 5 areas for exclusion in a home: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/top-5-areas-for-exclusion-around-the-home/
  • Don’t miss the forest for the trees – as a pest pro you are trained to look for minute details in an account but now the reverse might be true, and the bigger details may be more prominent. This may be especially relevant for rodent activity. With months of unimpeded activity, telltale signs of rodents are more likely to emerge. These signs include:
    • Droppings
    • Strong Odors
    • Gnaw Marks
    • Tracks or Rub Markings

Be mindful of conducive conditions

  • Drains and water systems – if an account has been closed for awhile chances are the water has been drained. Therefore, the presence of moisture around drains or other water systems may be an indication of an underlying condition, like a leaking pipe or clogging. Here’s a pro tip – to monitor for small flies found in many commercial accounts use one for our 100FF Fruit Fly Glue boards inverted above a drain. This will allow you to diagnose any flies that have found a food source during closure.
  • Sanitation opportunities – with fewer people at work there is a possibility that normal, everyday sanitation has been neglected. This could include examples like leftover trash to floor and surfaces that have not been mopped or swept for some time. Look for signs like mold or staining and provide sanitation recommendations. Not only will this educate your customer it may provide the opportunity for add-on surfaces.

Don’t forget your toolbox!

  • Use the right tools – install monitors, like our 100i & 288i Insect Monitors in areas where insects and rodents might be. A lot has likely changed since you were last in the facility and monitoring will allow you to establish a new baseline. Monitoring will not only tell you what species have flourished but they will also tell you where they are at. If pests have flourished, consider utilizing a tool like our Catch Zone Pest Boundary Roll. With 60 feet of catching power it is ideal for hotspots and clean outs.

In a lot of ways, visiting a re-opened account may feel like a regular maintenance check, just on steroids. Therefore, it may feel daunting but focus on the basics first. With pests flourishing in the absence of human activity the key is to look for the basic signs, both small and large, that will inform your integrated pest management program.

Integrated Pest Management in Re-Opened Accounts – Additional Resources

Get more content like this daily when you follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catchmasterPRO/

Sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Learn more about mosquitoes from the National Pest Management Association here: https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/mosquitoes/

Finally, get COVID-19 updates from the NPMA here: https://www.pestcontrolcoronavirus.com/

Pest Maintenance – 6 Things You Can Do Right Now to Service Accounts

By | Mosquitoes, Pest Business, Rodents, Tips & Inspirations, Trapping Tips | No Comments

Even without access to customers’ homes there are steps to maintain pest maintenance.  Certainly nothing replaces getting access to a commercial or residential account.   However, pest maintenance helps you bridge the gap.  Undoubtedly, this shows your customers value once access returns.

6 Pest Maintenance Tips to Service Accounts

  • Provide glue boards to your customers along with instructions on where to place them.  Hot spots include kitchen sinks, attached garages or basements.  Not only does this help ward off unwanted invaders, you now have a blueprint for how to service once you have access.  Pro tip – if you have extra office time get started with private labeling.  Here is an article on some of the benefits of private labeling: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/private-label-pest-products-your-marketing-secret-weapon/
  • Conduct a thorough exterior inspection.  Let your inspection dictate your schedule to systematically address identified issues either immediately or over time.  Even if your customers do not move forward right away it provides a road map for continued service when things eventually return to business as usual.  Perform proactive exclusion services.  Here is an article that identifies some external hot spots: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/top-5-areas-for-exclusion-around-the-home/
  • Consider your exterior trapping options.  Use weatherproof snap traps like our 605 Easy Set Snap Traps in bait or trapping stations around the  perimeter of homes to head off pests.  Additionally, our 611 Dual Action Twin Catch is a great tool to install in sheds and attached garages.  The trap heads off both crawling insects & unwanted rodents.

Don’t Forget the Mosquitoes!

Pest Maintenance - Fun Facts

Undoubtedly, nothing replaces a thorough inspection as part of your IPM plan.  However, even without a thorough internal inspection there are plenty of steps you can take to keep lines of communication open with your customers.  Building up goodwill can go a long way once business returns to normal.

Pest Maintenance – Additional Resources

Get more content like this daily when you follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catchmasterPRO/

Sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Learn more about mosquitoes from the National Pest Management Association here: https://www.pestworld.org/pest-guide/mosquitoes/

 

3 Rodent Trapping Tips – More Traps & Less Bait

By | Rodents, Tips & Inspirations, Trapping Tips | No Comments

One of several key rodent trapping tips is the amount of traps you set and bait you use.  More traps may lead to more success, however, the same can not be said about the amount of bait to use.  But what is the right amount?  Here are 3 quick rodent trapping tips to help.

Know your rodent trapping tips – number of traps & bait

  1. First, when setting traps always remember the more the better.  Rodents are fickle creatures and setting more opportunities will increase your chance of success. Consider placing traps in sets of 2 or 3 as opposed to single sets.  This will maximize your results as rodents initially try to evade newly placed traps only to be captured in others placed nearby.  You can also allow rodents to become accustomed to feeding on your traps by placing a baited set trap between two baited, unset traps.  If you don’t have success in one area move your traps around.
  2. When it comes to the amount of bait to use remember that less is more.  Oftentimes, the tendency can be to put more bait than is necessary.  Placing too much bait can, in fact, backfire and often impede the functionality of the trap.  Regardless of the type of bait that you choose, a small amount goes a long way. You should use just enough to fill the bait containers incorporated into the triggers on wooden and plastic snap traps.  This usually amounts to about 1/2 a gram or the size of a single kidney bean.  Any bait that you use should be fixed to the trigger whenever possible for optimal results.
  3. If you aren’t having success with protein-based baits consider nesting materials such as cotton balls, shredded paper and fabric.  If the rodents don’t have an appetite for the food choices perhaps their interest will be peaked with home goods.

Do you a rodent trapping tip we missed, let us know in the comments!

3 Rodent Trapping Tips - 621P

3 Rodent Trapping Tips – Additional Resources

Get more content like this daily when you follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catchmasterPRO/

Sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Learn more about our full line of rodent management products here: https://catchmasterpro.com/collection/rodent-management-tools/

Finally, Learn more about your pest management professional options from the National Pest Management Association here: https://npmapestworld.org/

Learn more about our Easy Set Snap Traps here: https://catchmasterpro.com/product/easy-set-mouse-snap-traps/

Top 5 Areas for Exclusion Around the Home

By | blog, Rodents, Tips & Inspirations | No Comments

Catching and trapping rodents are ways to resolve an existing rodent problem, but getting to the root of the problem is essential – here are the top 5 areas to consider for exclusion around the home.  Excluding rodents from your environment is an important part of any intelligent pest management solution.

Top Five Areas for Exclusion Around the Home

Exclusion is the process of eliminating areas in the home that a pest may enter. It is a long-term solution to a pest or rodent problem and an important part of Intelligent Pest Management.

Top 5 Areas for Exclusion Around the Home - IPM

Does exclusion sound like a great idea but you’re not sure where to start? When looking for areas to perform exclusion keep in mind that rodents enter a home in search of food, water or shelter. Experts say a mice can fit through a hole the size of a dime which is about ¼” in diameter. Rats can fit through an entry the size of a ½”. As a result, copper mesh is an excellent tool to fill in gaps and prevent rodents from entering.

Here are the top five areas to consider when performing exclusion work:

  1. The roofline of the home. Mice are excellent acrobats and can follow utility lines or even climb horizontally to enter via gaps in the roofline or damaged eaves. Consider going into your attic during daylight hours in search of areas where light may enter and secure them.
  2. Areas where plumbing and utilities enter the home. Plumbing, gas lines, damaged ducts and drainage pipes area all very common entryways into a home for rodents. Without a doubt, it is important to inspect these areas from both the inside and outside of the structure to ensure they are sealed tight with no gap larger than ¼”.
  3. Doorways and garage doors. Inspect the rubber sweep and weather strips on exterior doors and garage doors. Over time the rubber may wear down allowing mice an easy entrance right into your home.
  4. Gaps in the foundation, cement or brick. Some holes may accumulate over time as brick or cement break down. Those types of entries can be completely sealed. However, weep holes in brick walls serve a purpose from drainage to allowing a house to breathe. Weep holes should not be sealed tight, but you may use copper mesh to keep rodents and insects out.
  5. Trees, hedges and shrubbery. It is important to keep tree and shrubbery trimmed and away from the home. Branches and other greenery that meet the house offer a highway for rodents and other pests to enter.

Top 5 Areas for Exclusion Around the Home - Trouble Spots

Bonus Professional Tips

  • Don’t forget to check and seal up any cracks or damage around chimneys, dryer vents or attic vent caps.  Also, replace any damaged screens (Thank you to Ryan Ridgley from Hunstman Wildlife)
  • Under the eve where the soffit meets the roof the junction will have a 1/8 to 2 inch gap allowing mice, insects and pests to enter. (Props to Gary Andrews from Prudential Pest Management)
  • HVAC lines in particular can be a trouble spot and should be checked (Shout out to Cody Sandhoff from Sandhoff Services Pest & Termite)
  • Ridge and gable vents can cause problems and so can any  landscaping, particularly if it is against your home (Great tip from Josh McCloud with Hold Fast Enviro Pest  Solutions)

Bobby Kossowicz is a content creator for the Catchmaster® brand, learn more here: https://catchmasterpro.com/blog/bobby-kossowicz/

Top 5 Areas for Exclusion around the Home – additional resources

Get more great content like this in your inbox – sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Learn more about our full line of rodent management products here: https://catchmasterpro.com/collection/rodent-management-tools/

Finally, Learn more about your pest management professional options from the National Pest Management Association here: https://npmapestworld.org/

 

Top 5 Food Rats

By | Rodents | No Comments

2020 is the year of the rat and to celebrate here is our list of the top 5 food rats.  All of our little friends became Internet-famous in one way or another and we hope 2020 brings some additions to our list.  Did we miss your favorite?  Let us know in the comments below!

Top 5 Food Rats - Fun Facts

Top 5 food rats

  • Pizza rat – the Godfather of them all. When this little guy came onto the scene in 2015 we couldn’t help but love the purity of it all.  He was, after all, a rat, in New York, in the Subway, eating pizza – it practically writes itself.

  • Avocado rat – this champion’s efforts emerged in 2017 in Brooklyn. Yes, a rat in Brooklyn with avocado lends itself to hipster jokes, none of which we are going to tell.

  • Pretzel rat – well, if New York is going to get pizza rat then Philly must get pretzel rat. This newcomer emerged in 2019 and we were enthralled.  The clip of this underdog shows him trying to grab not one, but two, soft pretzels.

  • Bagel rat- the satisfying (if you are rooting for the rat, of course) end to this 2015 clip showcases our hero making a clean swipe and getting away with a feast.

  • Donut rat – rounds out our trio of carb-loading New York residents. This guy has a scurry that just won’t stop and succeeds in lugging his catch clear across a subway platform.

So there you have it, our top 5.  Did we miss your favorite?  Chances are we did – let us know in the comments below!  Extra bonus if you can share the whereabouts of the mythical pastrami rat.

Top 5 Food Rats - Pastrami Rat

Top 5 food rats – additional resources

Get more great content like this in your inbox – sign up for our mailing list here: https://catchmasterpro.com/join-email/

Learn more about our full line of rodent management products here: https://catchmasterpro.com/collection/rodent-management-tools/

Finally, Learn more about your pest management professional options from the National Pest Management Association here: https://npmapestworld.org/