Editor’s note: Deimira Paa Baidoo, a developer of eco-friendly custom homes in Calgary, submitted the following article to PCT that examines the value of offering pest control services that focus primarily on the use of exclusion strategies.
As the world becomes more and more concerned about the environment, and pest control companies look for ways to stand out from their competitors, these businesses may want to consider offering pesticide-free solutions as part of their menu of services. In my line of work, I am seeing more and more families switch to custom, “green” homes because they're feeling stressed about their own personal impact on environmental health. When speaking with these families, their concern isn't limited to just energy; it's also about the idea of limiting their use of anything that could have an environmental impact.
I believe that pest control companies that focus their services on sealing cracks, adding mesh, and other forms of pest prevention are going to find that customers will be receptive. Pest control companies can still offer traditional pest management services, but they may want to consider the concept of "pesticide free pest control" as an alternative offering.
Frank Fierro, owner of New York and New Jersey Animal Trappers, agrees. He operates his pest control and animal prevention service exclusively pesticide free. "Pesticides will always be effective," says Fierro. "But when your goal is to offer customers something different from other pest control companies, the appeal of a long lasting, one visit, pesticide-free service is hard for people to ignore."
Based on my experience, families are going to be more willing to pay a higher upfront cost for the potential of a longer lasting, pesticide free pest control service if they believe it will reduce their personal environmental impact. This also provides an opportunity for pest control companies to stand out locally and turn a profit.
Chris Ashby, owner of Local Pest in Vancouver, B.C., offers pesticide-free pest control in addition to his traditional pest management services. He found that it's not a popular service yet, but one that appeals to a certain customer segment. "Pesticide-free pest control is always an option for our customers, but to be honest it takes a lot of labor to do it properly, and most people are just not willing to pay for it. Some will, who can afford it, but the majority won't."
I acknowledge the challenges of selling pesticide-free services to customers, but I still thinks it is a valuable offering. I also own and operate a marketing agency, and I believe that pest control companies can still offer and market their traditional seasonal solutions. However, in addition to these services, offering a pesticide-free option will help build trust with consumers, increasing the likelihood they select these companies for their pest control needs.
The author, Deimira Paa Baidoo is a custom home builder and business consultant, with experience marketing and supporting pest control companies and other home services. His custom home building company can be found at https://MelcomHomes.ca, and his marketing agency can be found at http://www.MelcomGroupLTD.com.