The Three-Step System to Getting Started with Closed Crawlspaces

Service expansion is a big part of pest control, but in many cases adding to your current portfolio might not be easy. In addition, it can be costly to start working in a new market segment from a manpower or technology standpoint, or both.

For PMPs interested in tapping into the closed crawlspace market, this service addition is a fairly simple process, and it’s also relatively inexpensive, experts say. Billy Tesh, president of Crawlspace Depot, has been working in the market for more than 20 years and is generally considered a pioneer in the closed crawlspace field.

Tesh says there’s a great three-step plan for all professionals who want to start offering closed crawlspace work.

#1 Training

Evaluating your workforce and deciding who will be performing the services and ensuring that they are properly trained is the place to start. But this doesn’t mean that PMPs need to hire new staff and train them.

“Sometimes you can basically start doing closed crawlspaces with your existing employee base,” Tesh says. “If you already do termite work, you can get started with that part of your staff. And when the season slows down on termite work, first and foremost, you need to get them trained.”

#2 Understand the Science

This is where Tesh says PMPs need to “learn the science” behind closed crawlspaces and vented crawlspaces to know how to inspect and what needs to be done. The science is important because technicians need to be able to explain their work and why they’re doing it to customers.

“This part is really important; it’s the difference between getting hired and not getting hired,” Tesh says.

#3 Techniques & ToolS

While it seems similar to training, this third step is an extension of that education, rather than a duplication. After PMPs learn about closed crawlspaces and what the science recommends, training on good techniques so that jobs are always utilizing best practices is vital, Tesh says.

“What you’re doing now is learning the techniques on how to do a job properly and effectively, always with the science-based facts in mind,” Tesh says.

He adds it’s critical when performing such work to make sure that all technicians are aware of proper processes and procedures so they are followed appropriately. To learn more, he suggests PMPs visit www.crawlspacedepot.com.