CLEVELAND — Drones are more than a fun toy to break out at the beach or BBQ. Some pest control operators have found them to be useful tools, particularly when it comes to inspecting difficult-to-access areas like rooftops.
Results from PCT’s most recent reader poll showed that 21 percent use drones while another 79 percent do not.
Bill Kirchner, president of Cleveland Chemical Pest Control, said his company used them in the past (before commercial certification requirements). “We used them to view areas where a ladder or a lift was necessary to inspect it (e.g., looking at the top of a chimney for a cap).”
Kirchner said he found drones to be very helpful and a major time-saver, “but it’s hard to find training for commercial verification.”
Buck Hempel, owner of Wingman Pest Control, Lyon, Mich., uses smaller drones that are under the size needed for an FAA license. "We use them them to inspect high or steep or dangerous parts of buildings for animal entry points," he said.
Hempel said drones have proven extremely useful. "We use them often to keep our people safe, especially if inspecting a structure alone. They reduce ladder and roof time, which increases safety and they do have limitations in the wind, rain, snow, etc."
Another PCO who benefits from using drones is Billy Tesh, president of Pest Management Systems (PMi), Greensboro, N.C., who said drones have reduced inspection costs. “We also have been able to reduce our inspection liability,” said Tesh, citing fewer ladder incidents.
Richard Christner, president of Whitmore Pest & Wildlife, Sedalia, Colo., is among the 79 percent who have NOT used drones. He sees both potential and drawbacks with the use of drones. “One of the challenges I anticipate is whether a drone can get detailed enough," he said. "One of the big benefits I can see is possibly keeping our inspection team off ladders in most situations.”
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