Feb 12, 2016, 09:18 AM by Fred Speer

The technology revolution has changed virtually every face of how we live our lives. That revolution also has spread across the professional pest management industry, where handheld mobile devices, body cameras, and even drones have entered the battle against pests.

At Clark Pest Control, we’re always looking to use the latest technological advances to help keep unwanted pests out of our customers’ homes. We work hard to make it as easy as possible to do business with us.

We know that the impact of technology is growing – from online scheduling of appointments, including via text messaging, to our service specialists who use mobile handheld technology to track pest activity and pest-conducive conditions in and around your home. But there’s more to come.

The Clark Man recently attended the National Pest Management Association’s PesTech 3.0 Conference in San Jose, where pest professionals from across the United States gathered to learn how to incorporate the latest technological trends into their daily operations.

What’s the next big thing in technology that will help pest management professionals control rodents, ants, termites, and other pests in and around your home?

How about infrared cameras that can tell if a certain pest is hiding in a wall void in your living room or kitchen, or in a drop ceiling? Being able to locate pest harborage locations without tearing open a wall not only can lead to a faster diagnosis, but also allows more targeted treatments that leave a smaller environmental footprint.

Another topic discussed was wearables for service technicians – body cameras, Google-like glasses and Apple-like watches – that can record data, take pictures or videos of pests for immediate identification, and connect with customers by voice command.

These devices can improve communication with customers, and they can make a technician more accountable for doing the job right the first time. Would a homeowner feel better if they could watch a live video stream of a technician moving through a crawlspace while showing them in real time that there’s no termite damage to their home? Of course.

The pest management industry is also exploring how to use one of the hottest technological crazes on the market: drones. Would it be preferable to use a drone to inspect the roof or exterior of your home for signs of damage that could allow pests – including roof rats, ants, drywood termites, and wildlife – from gaining access, instead of having a technician climb a ladder and walk across your roof?

While you may not see your Clark Pest Control service professional use these specific tools on your next service call, you can be assured the Clark Man is researching and tinkering with the latest technology to help keep pests out of your home.  

If you’re having a problem with pests in your home, call or text the Clark Man at (800) WE-NEED-YOU (936-3339) or send an email to clarkcares@clarkpest.com. One of our residential pest control experts will follow up to answer any questions you may have. 

Until next time I’m the Clark Man, and thanks for helping me keep unwanted pests out of your home.