In-Field Feedback

Are ant control services wrapped into a general pest control fee structure, stand-alone or does cost depend on classification? (Carpenter ants are often an add-on.) What service frequency is necessary to maintain control?

PMPs share their thoughts on these and more.

SERVICE SEPARATION. Depending on the ants involved, some PMPs treat ants as an add-on or separate service from general pest control. “Odorous house ants require a lot of attention, so I know it’s not a one-and-done service,” said Mark Peterson, Absolute Pest Control, Vassar, Kan. “I know it will require attention, so we sell ant control as a separate service because of extra visits.”

Jason Dimick, owner, PAH Weed and Pest, Eugene, Ore., treats carpenter ants as an add-on service. “It takes a lot more time and investigation to figure out their trails,” he said. “Because they are so time intensive, I am selective in when I choose to do those services.”

SERVICE FREQUENCY. “While many companies offer quarterly service, we do bimonthly and it includes ants — along with carpenter and fire ants,” said Howard Hatzfeld, Hill Country Pest Solutions in Spring Branch, Texas. “If I am going to charge additionally, it would only be on the initial service and after that, ant control is part of general pest control.”

Joe Pfaff, president, Joey’s Elite Pest Control in Harvest, Ala., bases frequency on product efficacy. “We perform monthly and bimonthly services because the product efficacy usually doesn’t exceed 60 days and that way, we are not getting callbacks,” he said.

SERVICE COSTS. Jeff Litten, Acorn Pest Control, Hemet, Calif., treats all ants as part of general pest control. “I see a lot of companies charge more for wood-destroying insects, but I do both carpenter and velvety tree ants under general pest,” he said.