Passion for Safety Spurs PCOs’ Invention

ROSEBURG, Ore. — For family-owned Chytka Pest Control, Roseburg, Ore., employee safety has been a top priority, beginning with founder Steve Chytka (age 53) and continuing today with sons Brandon (30) and Chris (28).

Pesticide safety is of particular concern for the Chytkas. “With so many different products, often it is easy to forget what was mixed in the tanks,” said Chris Chytka. “In the past the only way to tell was to open the tank and smell and that is something that shouldn't be done. Today with so many odorless products and companies with several employees, nearly every applicator has been faced with the question, ‘What is inside this sprayer?’’”

Finding a better solution for the “What’s-inside-the-tank dilemma” has been a longtime goal of 30-year industry veteran Steve Chytka, and it has provided Brandon and Chris with the germ of the idea for their invention: Cantags.

Cantags are easy on/off, weatherproof PVC tags that are attached to pesticide sprayers with chemical name, EPA# and QR code, which applicators can scan on a smart phone to download a product’s label/MSDS. (Visit http://www.cantags.com/ to watch a video demo).

In addition to helping technicians better distinguish/manage their products, Cantags can help PCOs limit their liability should a spill occur because first responders (e.g., firemen, haz-mat workers) can more easily asses the hazard and threat to the public.

Chris Chytka added that they are just rolling out the product – providing samples to colleagues in both the pest control and landscape industries – but they have received incredible, positive feedback, thus far.

For more information about Cantags visit www.cantags.com, or contact ordercantags@gmail.com.