Terminix Gets in on the Pokémon GO Craze

When Nintendo released the Pokémon GOapp for iPhone and Android in early July, the world split into two parts: those who loathe the game and those who are utterly obsessed with catching these virtual creatures. Some public spaces and neighborhoods are even advocates for an “anti-Pokémon GO” campaign. A handful of businesses, however, are cashing in on the craze.

Terminix released a job application on Facebook calling all Pokémon GOusers to apply for Terminix’s new “Pokémon Control Unit” to help capture these virtual pests that are taking over the world and people’s yards. 

The game uses GPS, letting users walk to find Pokémon nearby and catch them and depending how many there are in one area, it can lead to flocks of people in random front yards, public parks and even inside of buildings. Terminix’s new “Pokémon Control Unit” will specialize in helping homeowners’ augmented-reality pest infestations in and around their homes, just like Terminix technicians do with physical pests.

“We’re in the business of capturing pests,” the Terminix Facebook post said. “Right now it seems like the type of pest the world is obsessed with capturing is virtual, and that’s why we’re putting out a call for applicants for our newest service: #PokemonGO Control. If you’ve got what it takes to resolve the biggest residential and commercial augmented reality infestations in the U.S., fill out the application below and send it our way via a direct message on Facebook.”

To go with the company's jokey tone, Terminix is even offering a negotiable salary – with Pokémon coins, of course. The application leaves room for brag-worthy skills and examples of captured Pokémon. To encourage the best, it’s preferred to have more than five days of experience.

The company is aware the Pokémon don’t disappear after one person collects it, but was a concept to help the company join in on the fun of the fad.

“The type of bug doesn’t matter – if our customers want it removed from their property, we’ll do the job,” the post said.