Case Study: Implementing an Integrated Cockroach Treatment Plan

Editor’s note: July was PCT’s annual cockroach control issue, featuring the latest research findings and technical tips for controlling this longtime industry nemesis. In the following case study, submitted by BASF Pest Control Solutions, learn how San Antonio, Texas-based Spider Man Pest Control uses an integrated cockroach management plan to solve cockroach problems in multifamily dwellings

 Multifamily housing is a common place where pest management professionals (PMPs) treat for cockroaches. They are one of the most challenging sites to treat — not because of the roaches per se, but because of the varied groups a PMP interacts with while executing the plan.

 “Tenants have different lifestyles and at times, we get little cooperation from them,” said Dan Oliver, general manager at Spider Man Pest Control in San Antonio, Texas. “I would say every pest control company has this same problem.”

 “Many tenants don’t properly prepare or allow access for the treatments,” said Patrick Ferry, Service Manager with Absolute Pest Management in Austin, Texas. “Because multifamily are renters versus homeowners, some tenants show less concern for the property which can make executing a plan difficult.”

Education is key
Customer education is a critical part of any PMP’s success, no matter the pest. For Spider Man and Absolute, it is an aspect of the job they enjoy most and a process that helps them with the most difficult accounts.

Particularly for cockroaches, educating customers, such as property and building management, on the different species and treatment methods is important for a program’s overall success. For customers, the education should extend to tenants as well, since proper sanitation and knowledge of what not to do after the PMP has left is important.

“The biggest problem is when a tenant or management applies a store-bought product after we’ve gone,” Ferry said. “To avoid this, we let them know that those actions can contaminate what we’ve we put out. Some feel home-made remedies are the solution. We help customers understand why a treatment program is needed and what products we’re using.”

For Oliver and Ferry, treatment plans include a complete inspection of the facility before choosing a treatment plan of action. They explain to customers why a liquid, bait or combination of the two is used.

Oliver also highlights areas that will be treated such as cracks, crevices, in and around cabinet door hinges and exterior areas, and walks though the follow up action plan. If it is a heavy roach infestation, for example, Spider Man Pest Control provides a 21-day follow-up to evaluate the effectiveness of the application.

Ferry walks though the use of flushing agents, vacuuming, and product applications, as well as the follow-up steps which for Absolute Pest Management include a two-week follow-up on bait applications and a second visit with additional baiting as needed.

Spider Man Pest Control and Absolute Pest Management use Prescription Treatment® brand Alpine® Cockroach Gel Bait as part of their integrated programs.

“Alpine has provided a quick knock-out of roach populations in our multifamily units,” Oliver said.  “At our 21-day evaluations, most of the population has died. We’ve also experienced reduced call backs and that makes us more profitable.”

“Alpine has worked for us in heavily-infested areas and what I like about the Alpine formulation is the consistency that it has. It doesn’t drip and has good placement,” Ferry said. “Because it doesn’t run, there’s less product usage so there’s a cost-savings there.”

Another benefit to Alpine is that the active ingredient, dinotefuran, is Reduced Risk* and the formulation is free from the Big 8 Allergens, making it ideal for use in sensitive environments.

“The fact that Alpine can be applied in many sensitive accounts gives Spider Man Pest Control a great tool to ensure our customers’ satisfaction,” Oliver said.

“Austin is pretty green making Alpine products a beneficial offering for our business,” said Ferry.

Education works
“We had a resident, considered difficult by the apartment staff, who was applying her own products. She’d been living with the cockroach problem for so long that it was difficult for her to get on board with our program. We went in, were patient and explained how the process was going to work. The result was not only total elimination with Alpine, but a happy customer who appreciated the time we took to understand her situation and educate her on our program,” Ferry said.

“Challenges happen every day in the pest control industry. Solving the insect problem and keeping our customers happy is our business,” Oliver said.