I spend a lot of time conducting client business by myself. I do the best I can to have fruitful, professional conversations with customers. I have always been shy by nature, but in the pest control industry, it’s required that a PCO have some really great communication skills.
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I’ve had to break out of my shell and MAKE it my nature to talk to people. So…..I talk to people – and pets – and insects. Yes, I talk to bugs.
I have learned that the way I get treated is the way I converse. I always give people the benefit of the doubt. Pets, too. But when it comes to bugs or other pests …… that’s a big NOPE. Oh, I know I’ll always get some strange looks when I’m on that eradicating mission, talking to the pests.
“Little Buddy, you know I don’t like you. I know this is your home, but here are your eviction papers,” I say as I’m waving my service report in the air. Que the trigger on my handheld sprayer. Que the jaws on those rodent snap traps.
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I was training a new hire in rodent control. This employee came to tell me that a mouse was “in a trap over there.” I asked, “Why didn’t you take it out?” “It’s alive! How do I kill it?” Come on. Let’s go get that cutie.
I picked up the trap, gave it a good shake. Opened the lid slowly. WHACK! With the back of my hand, I had knocked that precious little mouse unconscious. I took it out of the rodent device and held it gently, showing it to the trainee. “Look how cute”, as I am petting its head. I was immediately told I was weird.
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To those of you that aren’t licensed PCOs, I know you are shaking your head. Those of you who know me, are smiling because you know that’s the humor in me. I spend many hours doing what I love. This journey better make me smile. I hope it made you smile, too
Pest Control Chatter 