Lesson 6: Interior GHP Treatments

Objective:
By the end of this training, you will understand how to properly treat the interior of a home for routine pest control service, using techniques like crack and crevice treatment and liquid application. This lesson will also cover how to communicate effectively with customers to ensure their concerns are addressed.

Procedure for Interior Pest Control

Step 1: Brief Inspection of Interior (2-3 mins)

• Purpose: This step helps you understand the customer’s concerns and identify any problem areas within the home.

• What to Do:

• Begin by greeting the customer at the door and asking if they have noticed any pest activity since the last service.

• Put on shoe covers/ booties and perform a quick walkthrough of the home, checking for signs of pest activity such as droppings, damaged food packaging, or pest trails.

• Pay special attention to problem areas like the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry rooms, where pests often thrive.

• Why It Matters:
  Putting on shoe covers signals that you care about the customer’s personal property, and asking them about issues they may be having shows that you are making a personalized effort to address their concerns. 

Step 2: Crack & Crevice Treatment (2-3 mins)

• Purpose: Crack and crevice treatment targets hidden areas where pests are likely to hide or travel, such as along baseboards, in corners, and behind furniture.

• What to Do:

• Use a canister with an extension tube to apply an aerosol pesticide into cracks, crevices, and voids.

• Hold the canister about 12 inches from the area to ensure proper coverage.

• Insert the extension tube into the crack or crevice and apply short bursts of the aerosol while moving the tube back and forth to reach the entire area.

• Utilize a light fan setting on a B&G to prevent run off under cabinets and baseboards.

• Key Tip: Ensure the pesticide reaches the deep interior of cracks and crevices, as this is where pests tend to hide during the day.

• Why It Matters:
  Pests often hide in these hard-to-reach areas, so addressing them directly helps prevent future infestations and delivers long-term pest control.

Step 3: Liquid Treatment with B&G Sprayer (5-6 mins)

• Purpose: Liquid treatments are applied to high-traffic pest areas within the home, targeting visible pests and creating a barrier to prevent future activity.

• What to Do:

• Prepare the B&G Sprayer:

• Fill the canister with the appropriate liquid pesticide.

• Seal the canister and pump it until properly pressurized.

• Adjust the Wand and Nozzle:

• Adjust the nozzle for the appropriate spray width and distance to avoid over-application.

• Apply the Treatment:

• Begin spraying along baseboards, cracks, crevices, and other key areas such as door frames, window sills, and underneath appliances.

• Use a smooth, even motion to ensure even coverage.

• Why It Matters:
  This treatment ensures a thorough interior pest control solution and provides a barrier to protect the home from further infestations.

Customer Communication

• Before Treatment:

• Always discuss any pest concerns or main concerns (from the mobile app) with the customer. If they are not home, review any notes from previous services to see if any issues were flagged.

• During Treatment:

• If the customer has questions, explain what areas you will focus on and why (e.g., “I’ll be treating the kitchen and bathroom since these are the most common areas for pests”).

• After Treatment:

• If the customer is home, update them on what was treated and what they can expect in terms of results.

• Offer additional tips for keeping pests at bay, such as maintaining a clean kitchen and sealing food properly.

Key Points to Remember:

1. Always perform a quick inspection and communicate with the customer before starting any treatment.

2. Crack and crevice treatments target hidden areas where pests live. Ensure the aerosol reaches the deep interiors of cracks.

3. Liquid treatment should be applied evenly along baseboards and other key areas to create a barrier and ensure maximum pest control.

4. Communication with the customer is essential for building trust and ensuring they understand the process and expected results.