Performing a Bid – Small Ants

Review paperwork, both on your phone and on your service route log at the beginning of your day
and before you travel to the bid location. Pay attention to COW notifications, client concerns, or any other special remarks.

1. Park with the flow of traffic on the street. Do not block driveways when possible.
2. Review the Order Instructions and Location Instructions. Review your route log for hand-written notes.
3. Confirm the street address to make sure you are at the correct building(s).
4. Time into this account via mobile or on the paperwork.
5. Bring your paperwork and inspection gear to the door. Do not cross over grass or landscape on your way if avoidable.
6. Ring the doorbell or knock; step back to give personal space.
7. Greet them, introduce yourself, and identify that you are with Good Earth Pest Company.
8. Speak with the customer regarding their issues with SA. Ask about their history and in what locations they have issues, past and present. Also, ask if they have done any treatment themselves. This could be pesticide treatments like sprays, baits, or granules, or home remedies like cleaners, essential oils, etc.
9. If they have done any self-treatment with a residual repellant around the perimeter of the home we will need to postpone our treatment until the repellant has worn out. If they are dealing with ants trapped inside we can start their baiting program to help relieve things a bit, but you have to inform them that they will be billed the full amount if we do any treatment. We will return to finish the service at a later date.
10. Inspect the problem areas and the rest of the interior looking for ant trails and the areas that they originate. You will also keep an eye out for anything that may be attracting the ants indoors. These could be things like food and water sources or potential nesting areas.
11. Note all the information you gather inside on your field sheet.
12. Inspect the exterior of the house.
    1. With your measuring wheel, measure the perimeter of the home.
    2. Create a map of the footprint of the structure, including details like decks, doors, and fences. Make sure to include treatment obstacles such as ponds, edible plants, beehives, and other livestock.
    3. Inspect the eves, walls, foundations, and perimeter for pest activity. Look for ants trafficking, wasp nests, and spider web accumulation.
    4. Inspect the exterior for conducive conditions and any prep and maintenance that the client may need to take care of before treatment can be done. This can include storage, trimming, firewood, food sources, possible entry points, moisture damage, etc.
    5. Log all the information you have gathered on the exterior in your notes on the field sheet.
13. With small ants, it is important to get a positive ID. The differences between different species regarding their behavior and biology will determine your treatment plan. There is a wealth of resources available to you including many reference books back at the office, identification keys, as well as the NPMA field guide on your phone. Also, always remember that you can call field management or a seasoned technician for guidance as well. Gather as much information as you can and we can always email a bid to the client after you have done adequate research.
14. Using your knowledge of the account construct a bid for AGP service. For the current pricing guide, you can consult Pricing and warranty guide in the documents section of the Bamboo HR app.
15. Reconvene with the client and present them the bid. Thoroughly explain the service and what it covers, how much it costs, and the warranty. Detail your findings outside and tell them what they need to do to prepare for the service and reduce pest pressure in general. Always set realistic expectations with the client. We don’t want to make any promises we can’t deliver on.
16. If the client decides to sign on right away, collect the proper signatures and leave them the pink copy of the service agreement. If the weather permits and there isn’t any crucial prep to be done, you can perform the initial on the spot. (See PS.192 Initial or 1x service – Small Ants)
17. If the client doesn’t want to start right away, leave them the pink and yellow copies of the service agreement so they can return the yellow copy when they decide to sign on.
18. Return to your vehicle when done and secure all equipment and make sure it is safe to travel.
19. Enter all required information on the material applied into PestPac Mobile. Also, enter notes on the service provided today as well as any client concerns, observations you made, or necessary environmental changes (see PS.102 Entering material information and notes into PestPac Mobile). You are the first tech to be servicing at this account, be sure that you update the location instructions with any pertinent information that other techs should know. Remember: Clients have access to your notes so they should always be professional and appropriate.
20. If it was a particularly pleasant interaction be sure to send a review invite via the Podium app (see PS.150 Sending a review invite using Podium Mobile).
21. Check off the account on your service route log.