Detailed and Dependable

When Dennis Kounnas of Green Pest Solutions, headquartered in West Chester, Pa., found out he was named PCT’s Termite Technician of the Year, he was honored and humbled. He’s been working hard to become the best in the field for over a decade.

Like many pest control professionals, Kounnas fell into the industry. He started at Green Lawn Fertilizing in 2008 as a lawn care technician.

GROWING INTO THE JOB. An occasional perimeter spray was the extent of Kounnas’ pest control experience. But the company was growing. Green entered the pest control sector in 2012, and Kounnas jumped at the opportunity to work in outside pest control sales. For him it was an easy career choice, offering more stability. Lawn care is seasonal, but customers need pest control all year round. The only catch? He wasn’t particularly excited about his new proximity to pests.

“I’m not your ordinary pest control technician. I don’t like bugs,” joked Kounnas. “When I’m at someone’s house and they’re telling me about their issue, I’m also saying, ‘Ew.’”

His dedication to learning new things and stepping outside of his comfort zone won out over his distaste for insects. He immersed himself in pest control. “It was a huge learning curve,” Kounnas said. “I didn’t know anything about insect diets, their habitats or conducive conditions.”

He was ready to learn it all — and fast.

“From day one, he stood out for his positive attitude, approachable personality and passion for helping others,” said Jim Carnelli, vice president of Pest Control at Green Pest Solutions.

Over the years that drive led him to complete the company’s internal Leadership Development Program, a year-long journey designed to push participants out of their comfort zone and help them grow both professionally and personally.

He also earned Tier 4 status in Green’s internal Technician Advancement Program, which requires holding multiple state pesticide categories, completing NPMA classes, training new hires, leading team trainings and earning ESA’s Associate Certified Entomologist designation.

“What truly sets him apart is how he applies that knowledge in the field. He’s methodical, precise and deeply committed to protecting homes the right way, never cutting corners,” said Carnelli.

WHAT SEPARATES HIM. As someone who learns on the job, Kounnas has always sought hands-on experience too.

When he entered the industry, he went door-to-door selling services, joined networking groups, and began reaching out to Realtors and home inspectors looking for opportunities. Each new structure, infestation and treatment he encountered built his knowledge base.

“I think the key to being a great termite technician is not just being detail-oriented but having your feet to the ground see as much as you can,” said Kounnas. “Whether it’s shadowing another employee who’s seen more than you or if it’s just getting into more houses — the more you get into a property, the better you know.”

Kounnas found that Realtors and home inspectors were particularly helpful in building his termite acumen. They often needed reports on wood- destroying insects, and he was happy to be the go-to source. They also were familiar with the basic construction of a home, and they shared that expertise with Kounnas.

“I think that was the ultimate game changer for me, in becoming the best inspector or termite technician I could be,” he said. “You can learn about termites, but you also need to know how a house is laid out from the inside, what’s underneath, and what lines are coming in and where.”

That’s why, for Kounnas, inspections start before he’s even on site. He checks an overhead view of the structure and its surroundings. Is it by a heavily wooded area? Is there a well nearby? What does the grading look like? What type of soil is on the property?

“The information is going to tell me if there are conducive conditions or not,” he said.

Walking up to the front door, his attention is on the foundation. Kounnas is looking for pressure cracks, drill holes in the concrete up against the house and old bait stations.

“From inside the home, I want to see where certain parts of the house butt up against each other,” he added. “This will all tell me a little story, and it will dictate where my inspection will go.”

A SKILLED COMMUNICATOR. But the inspection is only part of the job. Once it’s complete, it’s time to communicate the findings to the customer. Like many of the best pest control technicians, Kounnas is a people person.

“I like the interactions with all of the people I get to meet,” he said. “I’m meeting 10 people on any given day. Everyone has a story, and there’s something I can relate to with every one of them.”

While he loves the social aspect, he understands that a termite inspection can be a stressful time. So, he arms his customers with information. His honest approach has a high close rate.

“It’s important to educate them about the biology of termites. How they’re eating the wood, how long it takes to be destructive,” said Kounnas. “I want to put their mind at ease any way I can. It gives people time to ask questions and get comfortable with their decision.”

When he entered the industry in 2012, Kounnas was focused on inspections and sales, but in 2022 he started treatments as well.

After finding evidence of termites during an inspection and getting the go ahead from the customer, he’ll place bait stations based on evidence of termite activity, obstructions and potential entry points. He reminds the customer that covering the stations with mulch or stone isn’t an issue, because he always provides a detailed diagram showing exactly where they are, along with various features of the property. One copy goes to the customer, and the other lives in company records.

They’re just another tool for successful treatment. And like any pest control technician, Kounnas loves a success story.

“I don’t give up on the job until I know myself that the problem has been solved,” he said. “Figuring out where they’re coming from, how they’re getting in the house, which direction they’re traveling in and how to get rid of them is what I’m trying to do every single time.”

Clocking hours on the road each day, Kounnas has had countless success stories. He’s one of the only technicians in the company to service Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey.

Much like his own career, Green Pest Control has taken off too. When Kounnas joined the team in 2008, there were about 25 employees. Today there are well over 300. But according to Kounnas, the company consistently felt like a family the whole time.

Carnelli adds that Kounnas had a hand in that growth and culture.

“Beyond his technical expertise, Dennis has played a huge part in mentoring others, training new team members, and helping us uphold our commitment to doing what’s right for both our customers and our people,” he said. “His influence can be seen in the quality of our termite program and the strong reputation we’ve built over the years.” //

The author is a frequent PCT contributor.