While I was performing my normal pest control duties for a neighbor up the road, the neighbor next to them walked up and started talking to me about ants in the yard. At this time, I was applying some granules to some ant beds in the front yard. He asked me if I charge extra for that since I just finished applying a liquid pest treatment around the perimeter of the outside of the home. I said no, Sir. I do this as an extra for my customers to help prevent a larger ant problem down the road. He said that he uses another company, which is a large national chain, to do his pest control, and when he asked them about treating his ant piles, they wanted $35 extra per visit, to his already $119 per quarter. I said, well, they have to pay for them big ads, new trucks, employees and office buildings across the US. At CPS, it is only me and I charge between $60 to $75 every two months, and somewhere between $75 to $90 quarterly, depending on how far out I have to drive, and I help kill the ants. Plus, I don't make you sign a contract, unless you are commercial. He has to wait until his contract is up before he can change and save money.
     Moral of the story (true story) that is. We, as a small business owner, can only survive with the customers around us, locally. We are not a national chain. Small business owners work harder to earn and maintain your business whereas larger chain companies hire employees who usually not not share in the same customer service ideology. If you have issues with them, you have to go through several people just to be heard. As a small business owner, you go to the owner directly and the problem is solved, else I risk losing a customer. It is that simple. You get more bang for your buck using small businesses for your needs. You save more money and you get more service. Plus, you get treated with respect since you are our boss when it comes to working for you. 
     Give us, or any small business a try and see for yourself. I am not a multi-million dollar company...I am a small business owner, living month to month to survive in the economy. I depend on you to survive...you depend on me to keep that relationship going. Thank you for your time to read this. Clark Frady, Owner of Central Pest Solutions LLC.

 
 Hello Midlands!
       It has been a while since I wrote a blog. While I have been busy, I have also been working on increasing my knowledge of Entomology. Understanding the insect's life cycles and behaviors, it helps to learn how to provide proper pest control techniques using the Integrated Pest Management System (IPM.) This and an understanding of scheduled pest management helps to improve pest control.
        I have a customer who thinks that an occasional spraying is all that in necessary (like once every 6 months maybe, and none in the winter time.) The truth is, the average home pest life cycle can produce a new generation every three to six months. Also, pests no dot completely disappear in the winter. Some do die; some go underground; and most continue to eat and survive. Outside pests such as mosquitos, fleas and ticks (and some ants) do slow down to almost unnoticed, however, your average home pests, such as the German Cockroach and some spiders, are thriving in your home. That is why it is very important to have your pest control technician to come out at least once every three months. My recommendation is every two months. It is not that much more expensive and you get more treatment and more services, especially when you factor in some ant treatment during the warm seasons. Stay on top of the life cycles of the pests and keep them from reproducing. Let me help achieve this goal.
         I do have contracts for monthly, bi-monthly, etc. However, most of my residential customers do not sign a contract. I look at it this way, if I keep my rates very affordable (which I am cheaper than most of my competitors) while providing honest and professional pest control services, I will maintain these customers without having them to sign a contract. I also provide extra little incentives such as putting ant granules on ant mounds in the yard when I see them. No extra charge, but my customers appreciate getting something extra, especially in today's economic climate. My customers tell their friends who likewise want that same service.
        The bottom line is, it is a tough time these days. Everything is increasing in price it seems. My prices and rates have not increased. The consumer is beat up enough already without having their pest control services go up. I understand your frustration. I have low overhead so I can afford to be cheaper than the national chains. You also deal with me, the owner, and not an hourly paid employee who is trying to simply get the day over with. I will always strive to provide the best pest control service that I can. Even if you want only an occasional treatment, maybe something specific like fleas, ants etc., I can and will help. Please, give me a chance to win your confidence. These days, you cant afford to gamble on poor quality services. 
       I hope to hear from you soon! 
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Clark Frady