Performing a bid – Moles, Gophers, or Voles

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. Remember: We are not salespersons; we are problem solvers.

1. Confirm the street address to make sure you are at the correct building(s).
2. Time into this account via mobile or on the paperwork. Review the Order Instructions and Location Instructions. Review your route log for hand-written notes.
3. Ring the doorbell or knock; step back to give personal space. Greet the client, introduce yourself, and identify that you are with Good Earth Pest Company.
4. Ask about their problem. Be an active listener and hear their concerns. Pay attention to where the problem is observed and collect as much information as you can. If they want to show you something, then go look at it whether it helps or not it will validate their concern.

First, you want to identify the creature that is causing the damage:

Moles will build a conical mound and push dirt straight up, creating a volcano like structure.

Gophers throw dirt in much larger chunks in a kidney bean like shape around the hole. They will plug the hole back up as well.

Voles will live in abandoned tunnels made by gophers and moles. They make many small access holes to the surface and also trails through grass.

Solutions for the Mole infestations:

• We almost exclusively trap for moles. Determine the severity of the problem by evaluating the number of mounds and the size of area they cover.
• Most residential yards with under 10 mounds will be the minimum – average trapping fee.
• For severe problems or oversized areas, then bid on an hourly basis.

Solutions for Gopher infestations:

• The Burrow RX device is used for most gopher infestations. Determine the severity of the problem by evaluating the number of mounds and the size of area they cover.
• For most average sized residential yards with under 10 mounds would be done at the minimum fee.
• For larger areas or areas of higher activity, raise the price accordingly.
• We can also set gopher traps for areas along a property line or areas of prolonged activity where the Burrow RX may not be effective.

Solutions for Vole infestations:

• Determine the severity of the problem by evaluating the number of holes and trails plus the size of area they cover.
• For smaller residential yards, use the minimum fee and increase it as necessary.
• If it is a large area, then bit out for hourly.
• For any situation that will take more than 2 bags of sand, make sure to add a per bag fee. Make sure to include notes on the amount of sand needed for the job.
• For large areas that are inundated with tunnels, you may recommend that the client has the area rototilled. This will destroy all the tunnels and offer a better and more cost-effective solution.

5. Price the service according to the Warranty and Pricing Guide.
6. Fill out the Wildlife Agreement accordingly.
7. Reconvene with the customer and review your findings. Explain our process and make sure to answer any questions and leave the bid folder with them.
8. If they decide to go forward and sign the agreement, give them the pink copy.
9. Return to your vehicle and clip all paperwork together with the Service Slip on top. Secure all equipment and make sure your vehicle is safe to travel.
10. You are the first tech to be servicing 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.
11. 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).
12. Check off the account on your service route log.