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Pest ControlFebruary 25, 2023

The Role of Technology in Modern Pest Control

The Role of Technology in Modern Pest Control


Technology is an integral part of all of our lives. Whether we are in the grocery store, for remote education, or making a contribution to our favorite charity using a QR code. This includes keeping our homes safe and proactively upgrading as necessary.

In the past if there was a concern about insects and possible infestations, a customer would call and schedule an appointment. A receptionist would check a calendar book to schedule a visit. That could mean the client would need to juggle schedules and time away from work for us to come to the property and look at the insects and determine if it was harmless or destructive pest. It might also mean another appointment to complete the treatment necessary to rid the owner of the bugs.

Improved Customer Experience with Quick and Convenient Insect Identification Options

It is so much better now. When a customer has an insect that they need to identify, there are various options. You can take a photo of the critter, and send it to us by text or email, and we can have it identified within five minutes or less. You can also use your cell phone to call us and show us live stream the insect, its habitat and surrounding area. We can then immediately reply to your concerns and offer suggestions.

Texting and Chat Capabilities for Convenient Communication with Customers

Because we realize the convenience of texting, we have arranged for our landline to accept either live calls or texts. This accelerates the process so that we can make arrangements to assure your peace of mind. Our website has a chat capability as well as the ability to schedule a visit from one of our professionals. In fact, we have noticed that an increasing volume of our interactions with customers and others is handled through text messaging, and we are always happy to accommodate convenience measures whenever possible.

Top view of a person reaching for a cup of tea on a wooden table with a camera and phone.

The use of video has been around for quite a while. This is another tool for the pest control company to help the community. With the availability of increased bandwidth, it allows greater access to information. If one of our specialists has a concern, they no longer need to call the office to have another technician come to the property. By using common cell phones, questions can be answered or another remote workmate can be consulted for suggestions or alternate solutions. Manufacturers’ data is only a few clicks away. Another advantage is that if a supervisor needs to sign off on the work, it is handled electronically. All of this translates to a job completed sooner, with more accuracy, and to the satisfaction of all concerned.

Fleet vehicles can be equipped with various devices. In addition to cell phones, GPS units are available to take us directly to the location in question. This can provide accurate directions from the various sites necessary in the ordinary day. Our technicians are happier because it means less time getting lost in subdivisions, and the customer is grateful for a more accurate time for our professionals to complete the work. This also includes courtesy calls from the technician to the owner with updates on arrival time.

Technology can also help record any incidents with the use of dash cams. With recorded information, all parties can have a clear picture of any vehicular accidents, which will keep insurance claims to a minimum and provide lower rates. These savings can be applied to the company in terms of increased personnel and keeping our rates reasonable for all our customers.

In the office, there are so many options to use the technology available today. Instead of large binders or file cabinets full of paper, accurate and reliable data can be held in spreadsheets. For our repeat customers, we can arrange for reminders to notify both our office and the client that a recheck or reapplication is due.

Streamlining Pest Control Processes through Technology and Electronic Communication

If conditions change, the on-site technician has hand-held devices to access records of our treating all previous insect activity as well as the measures taken to control the situation. This includes products and steps applied. With a comprehensive overview of the problem, solutions become apparent.

Using a simple database, with a click of a few keys, we can determine the amounts of pesticides we have on hand and automated reminders for reorders. This creates efficiencies in having sufficient amounts of product on hand for seasonal treatments.

Invoices can be generated and transmitted electronically. This saves our forests and still gets the job done. This increases customer satisfaction and decreases billing and collection time. We recognize that everyone is busy, and we make every attempt to respect the time and effort of our clients.

Many pest control companies are also moving to digital agreements. This can include the generation of a document that will accept an electronic signature and be easily stored by all parties either in digital files or in a cloud storage program. These documents can include a personalized logo and specific terms that are agreeable to the parties. In addition, electronic payments are easily accepted and applied. Ask about our “SmartPay†option, which can extend the time in which the payment is due.

We also have taken advantage of the advances made in pesticides. Our termite control uses a less conventional liquid that still controls termites, and we are proud of our Border-Guard program. This is designed to prevent any pests from entering your home. If you would like, ask for an all-natural option. We use products that have no or very little odor and are safe for both humans and pets. This is just another advantage of the ongoing technological advances in pesticides that we are happy to accommodate for our customers.

Our company keeps apprised of the latest developments in techniques and products. We have had great success with our integrated pest management that provides minimal risk to people, pets and the environment but will still keep your home or other property free of many different types of pests, including insects, spiders, and rodents.

Check out our website when you are looking for the latest in pest control. We have helpful customer service representatives and specialists that are ready to help you with any questions or concerns.

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Why Universal

How We Compare to Other Pest Control Companies

Not every pest control company in Hampton Roads offers the same thing. Here is a straight comparison of what you get with Universal Pest Control and what is common elsewhere in the industry.

Comparison of Universal Pest & Termite, Inc. against common practice among other pest control companies serving Hampton Roads.
UniGuard ProgramExclusive
Universal Pest Control

Termite protection and full pest control combined in one membership for one low monthly payment — from $59/month, with the termite warranty and quarterly pest service included together.

Most pest control companies

Termite protection and pest control are usually sold as two separate agreements, with two renewals and two bills to keep track of.

SmartPay financingExclusive
Universal Pest Control

$0-down payment options on termite treatments, baiting systems, and repairs, so the work can start before payday. Simple, predictable monthly payments.

Most pest control companies

Financing, where it is offered, is commonly arranged separately through a third-party lender.

Pest Guard Attic Insulation™Exclusive
Universal Pest Control

Hampton Roads' only licensed Pest Guard Insulation™ installer, through our sister company Universal Insulation Doctor — insulation manufactured with an EPA-registered pest preventative, so the replacement itself resists the insects that ruined the original.

Most pest control companies

Attic insulation is typically referred out, and standard fiberglass has no pest deterrent built into the material.

Total Home Health Network
Universal Pest Control

Pest and termite control, attic insulation, and duct cleaning coordinated under one roof through the Universal family of companies — one point of contact for the whole job, done in the right order.

Most pest control companies

Pest control only. Insulation and duct work are usually booked with separate vendors on separate timelines.

A+ BBB rating
Universal Pest Control

BBB accredited since 2007 with an A+ rating, earned through consistent, honest work in the same community.

Most pest control companies

Accreditation and ratings vary by company — worth checking before you book anyone.

26+ years in business
Universal Pest Control

Protecting Hampton Roads homes since 2000 — more than 26 years in the same market, with over 100,000+ homes serviced.

Most pest control companies

Tenure in the area varies widely; newer branches and recently opened franchises are common.

Family owned & operated
Universal Pest Control

Owned and run by a family that has lived in Hampton Roads their whole lives. The people who answer the phone and the crews at your door are your neighbors.

Most pest control companies

Ownership varies — many local branches are franchises of national brands, with crews dispatched from outside the area.

Guarantees in writing
Universal Pest Control

Pest-Free Guarantee and Termite-Free Guarantee: if pests come back between scheduled visits, so do we, at no extra charge. Free inspections, plus same-day and next-day service.

Most pest control companies

Retreatment terms, callback windows, and what counts as covered differ from contract to contract.

The highlighted Universal Pest & Termite column reflects services we provide directly or through the Universal family of companies. The “Most pest control companies” column describes common industry practice in general terms and is not a statement about any particular company — some companies may offer services that are similar, so ask any provider exactly what their plan, warranty, and quote include before you sign. Financing on approved credit.