Lesson 7: Exterior GHP Treatments

Objective:

By the end of this training, you will understand how to properly treat the exterior of a home during routine pest control service, including necessary quality standards such as spider wipe-downs and flagging doors.

Procedure for Exterior Pest Control:

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

Once arriving at the home and making contact with the homeowner, you should start by inspecting the exterior of the home to identify any potential pest entry points, breeding sites, and harborage areas.

Step 2: Perimeter Liquid Treatment (4-5 mins)

Remove your electric backpack sprayer from the rear of your vehicle, then apply a liquid barrier treatment around the perimeter of the home, covering up to 3 feet of the foundation wall and 6-10 feet of the surrounding ground. This barrier helps to keep pests from entering the home.

Additional liquid should be applied to the entry ways of the home, including thresholds on the exterior of entrances, window jambs, and areas where plants/ shrubs may be touching up against the structure. Pay extra attention to areas where garbage is stored, such as trash and recycling bins.

Step 3: Perimeter Granular Treatment (4-5 mins)

To use granular insecticide around the perimeter of a home, you will then apply the granular insecticide in a band around the perimeter of the home, usually in a two to three-foot wide strip.

Make sure that you have the right amount of granular bait for the area you need to cover. Adjust the spreader settings to ensure that you are applying the right amount of bait. The settings will vary depending on the type of spreader and the product being used, but you want to ensure that the bait is being applied at the correct rate.

Step 4: Spider Web Removal (3-4 mins)

Web and Nest Removal - Using your extendable spider brush, you should walk around the home and remove any visible spider webs from the eves. Make sure to knock the webs down and discard accordingly. If there are active spiders in the eves, use your electric backpack sprayer to soak down those areas to prevent further breeding. Keep in mind, spider webs are one of the most visible signs of pests that customers can see. Always make an effort to remove these to show value, even if the account does not indicate that they pay extra for this service.

Step 5: Refilling of Rodent Bait Stations (if included)

Put on protective gloves to avoid contact with the bait and any potential diseases. Unlock the bait station by following the instructions specific to the model of the bait station you are using. This usually involves inserting a key or turning a locking mechanism. Open the bait station and remove any old bait blocks that are present. If the old bait is missing or has been partially eaten, it may be an indication of rodent activity. Discard the old bait blocks in a sealed plastic bag to avoid accidental exposure to people or pets. Insert new bait blocks into the bait station. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the specific type and amount of bait to use. Close and lock the bait station to prevent tampering by children or pets.

Step 6: Flagging the Door

Once the treatment is completed, and only if you were unable to meet with the customer, flag the door with a Clements door hanger. Fill out he door hanger with your name, time/date of service, and check off any services that were completed. If you need to leave a specific note for the customer, use the back of the door hanger to include a message.

It is standard protocol to use a door hanger any time you are unable to meet face to face with the customer, except in instances where you are aware that the customer is out of town or specifically has asked not to have a door hanger left following your visit.

Key Points to Remember:

• Always make an effort to announce yourself and engage with the customer if possible. Ask them if  there are any issues they’d like you to address.  

• Properly remove webs and nests to maintain quality standards.

• Ensure you create a strong perimeter barrier by treating entry points and high-activity zones.

• Always flag the door to document your visit and treatment details unless specifically asked not to, or if the customer is out of town for an extended period of time.