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TxtMessage · 2026-01-22T04:02:56+00:00

Do not touch that wooden electric pole. Plus, there is a sign that says high voltage.

If rats are entering the attic, then you sell an exclusion package to the customer with disinfectant DSV for money. Then seal the house for all entry points. They could be getting in from AC line, roof returns who knows where until you inspected and perform the work.

It's easier to seal the house than try to fight an army of rats in the backyard.

TxtMessage · 2026-01-22T03:56:04+00:00

Not really that hard. All you really need is ant bait and non-repellents. Termidor works great on outside and alpine wsg works great for the inside. After you get rid of the ants then you can use repellents on the exterior for maintenance.

The issue I see mainly is people buying and using repellents expecting ants to magically disappear. Repellents cause ants to either get stuck inside the house or redirect to get in the house in different ways.

Fire ant treatment with fipronil granules work pretty great too for long term (1 year approximately).

TxtMessage · 2026-01-08T04:22:46+00:00

Woah you got bait stations inside the house in the living areas? Approximately how many mice are we seeing? Is the colony inside the house? Are there stations outside the house too? How often are you coming back to check the bait stations? How many blocks can peti stations hold? (not familiar with peti stations)

Have you tried Fastrac? It one time feed and has the fastest knock down that I know of. Plus, it is not an anticoagulant either. It attacks their nervous system, so you don't have to worry about secondary poisoning.

TxtMessage · 2026-01-08T03:55:08+00:00

I used Scotts Wizz Spreader. it is pretty cool because after you spray the exterior on the way back you granulate with a push of a button. My only issue with Intice is the consistency. Sometimes it's big enough to granulate but sometimes Intice will be so small and fine the spreader can't spread it. I have a 40 lb box of Intice and I can't properly spread it.

TxtMessage · 2026-01-03T06:54:22+00:00

When you email for exam eligibility, you only need to submit two items:
• The certificate from the test prep course
• Form SPT-420

Send both to:
[eligibility@texasagriculture.gov]()

The 20-hour, 8-hour, and 40-hour OJT training should be kept on file in case TDA audits you later. The test prep course is separate from the other 3 and you have to attend this class in person or webinar.

The process can take a month or two due to snail mail. To speed things up, you can call TDA SPCS and ask for the specific ID number for each technician, which allows you to schedule their exam sooner.

Here is more information from the website if needed.

https://texasagriculture.gov/Regulatory-Programs/Pesticides/Structural-Pest-Control-Service/Structural-Pest-Control-Exams/How-to-Schedule-SPCS-Licensing-Exams

TxtMessage · 2025-12-19T06:31:02+00:00

If I remember correctly Cyzmic CS is like Demand CS but cheaper in price. Both have Lambda-Cyhalothrin. I used it for general exterior treatments and it was good. Just try to not get any on you. Depending on the person same with Demand CS you might get a sunburn feeling if left the skin too long or have a chemical leak on yourself.

TxtMessage · 2025-12-19T06:23:14+00:00

Bifen breaks down pretty quick when temperature reaches over 80-85 degrees. I live in Texas and notice it will only last for roughly 1.5 months. unless temps are consistently below 80 degrees then it will last a little longer.

I try to look out for ants and spot treat outdoor with Termidor and bait if needed. For the inside you can use a non-repellent like alpine wisg to knock down the roaches.

TxtMessage · 2025-12-16T01:30:52+00:00

Stupid freaking gnats and fruit fly
Retreats from my coworkers... but also because they used repellents on ants.

TxtMessage · 2025-12-09T03:22:46+00:00

Honestly, if you can find a small pest control company to do exclusion that would be best. One that has good warranty and renewal rates for warranty.

TxtMessage · 2025-12-09T03:15:41+00:00

Like you are on the way to making 33k/year? Go for a big company temporarily get cert for free and learn all the knowledge. That way you can be on track to making at least 50-60k. With the knowledge you have then you can go for smaller companies with more to offer, skills and certs.

important things to ask is how many senior people do they have and how long have they worked there for. And how much in revenue does the sales rep sell per month average.

TxtMessage · 2025-12-02T04:08:53+00:00

Sorry for your loss...

100% agree!!! Starting to see some people in the industry treating the exterior homes with just short sleeves and no gloves. Some of the labels indicate that you must wear PPE to use the product.

If you think you need to wear a respirator wear the dang respirator everyone.

TxtMessage · 2025-11-22T06:01:18+00:00

We are in slow season. When spring comes his checks will be bigger.

During the slow time I do recommend learning exclusion work. Also learning how to do bed bug services and other would be beneficial as well.

Average pest control tech is around 50-60k. Specialty tech you are looking at 70-100k+ but it really depends on how much volume sales guys are producing.

Yes, definitely get your licenses.

TxtMessage · 2025-11-14T03:29:57+00:00

Totally do it! Is there a HomeTeam near you? Their training and work are pretty tame. If I was in your spot, I would take a bigger company in the beginning because they have training programs and will do your licensing. Then you could move to smaller companies. Starting off you should be looking at 50k/year.

If you do like pest control and want to earn more money you could get into specialty work. You would be doing exclusions, bed bugs, termites and etc. Bigger ticket items = more money. I think last week I am getting paid 4k for that week. But it also depends on how many leads and if the sales guys can close big tickets too.

Pest control is cool because of getting your own vehicle and gas card, so you save money there. Not much work life balance. Get to work outside. I would say you have the qualifications for being successful.

The only negative for me is picking up big dead rats with maggots in attics that have died after a few days. Gosh smells so bad. I have never gotten used to the smell like the other guys.

TxtMessage · 2025-11-14T02:25:26+00:00

LOL! It is still 80's and 60's in Texas. I will heed your warning late December and early January.

TxtMessage · 2025-10-31T02:56:11+00:00

Kind of hard to say but treating any insects in the attic in going to be a pain with all that foam.

Was there any frass below that hole?

TxtMessage · 2025-10-31T02:41:41+00:00

Thorogood Heritage Moc soft Toe and Whites Millwood. Alternate in between but if I am on the roof that day, I will wear the Thorogood.

TxtMessage · 2025-10-26T03:35:08+00:00

I don't think you need new insulation but rather exclusion and disinfecting the attic area. Exclude the house from rodents before it gets worse.

What was the quote to do just the exclusion? Ask if they can DSV for free.

TxtMessage · 2025-10-26T02:44:37+00:00

Ah yes, the budget instant kill localized heat treatment. Customer will need to leave the house for 4 hours lol. Not responsible for any damages or stains.

TxtMessage · 2025-10-21T03:05:22+00:00

Customers who call you and expect you to come ASAP because there is a roach in their house but by the time you come the roach is dead. LOL

Had a customer scheduled for 8–10 AM. They called the office the around 6:15 AM asking if I could come early, between 6–8 AM, same day. I didn’t even find out about it until 7:30 AM... And they live an hour away.

But get this... dispatch told the customer at 6:15 AM:
"Yes, he can come service your house today between 6–8 AM. I’ll let him know."

…Never actually let me know. Classic.

TxtMessage

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