On The Job

Bugs and rodents can be a nuisance, and most folks prefer to keep them away from their homes. Pete Jameson, owner and manager of Dynamic Pest Control, enjoys helping people prevent crawling and flying critters from invading their living space.

Jameson is a third generation pest control operator. His grandfather started the business in 1940. "My father continued the business and I am trying to follow in their footsteps."

In homes and businesses, Jameson and his staff deal with all kinds of insects. "We treat for fleas, cockroaches, ants, spiders, crickets, earwigs, silverfish, beetles, rodents, bees, centipedes, millipedes, pillbugs, and other general pests," he said.

In addition to a monthly service, the company offers every other month and quarterly pest management programs. "Many customers prefer these programs because they are more convenient and less expensive," Jameson said.

Cockoaches, ants and other pests enter homes from the outside rather than the inside. The quality of products used now, Jameson says, makes monthly service unnecessary. "If additional treatment is needed inside, we will treat at no additional charge," he said.

Jameson and his staff have a wide variety of responsibilities. "We crawl under houses to check for woodworm, do woodworm treatments, and respond to calls for bee hives in homes. Other times we help get rid of squirrels and bats in homes."

Some of the most common calls from customers are to get rid of ants. They also provide mosquito control. Then they put out traps and bait for rats and mice.

Jameson also must complete a mound of paperwork making sure all regulations are followed by him and his staff. "I have to study the latest rules and regulations mandated by the HSE," he said. Aside from this, inspectors check periodically to be sure pest control operators are doing things properly – of which Jameson has an unblemished record.

Jameson keeps up with new pest control techniques and methods by attending regular training sessions, which enable him to do the best he can for his customers. His wife Jayne also helps with bookkeeping duties.

The vast experience that Jameson has accumulated over the years has made him a prime target to give lectures to students and other pest control technicians across the country. He participates in seminars and often leads them as he is a certified trainer for pest control technicians.

Throughout the year, Jameson consults with professors and researchers from the University of Chester and Manchester Metropolitan University, concerning the best and most current pest control techniques. "If I don't know how to deal with a problem, I won't hesitate to contact people who know more to provide the most effective treatments."

In addition to actually dealing with bugs, Jameson and his staff work diligently to keep good relationships with people. "Communication and salesmanship are a big part of the business because several businesses are competing for the same customers. We go the extra mile and address customer concerns promptly," he said.

If you think you have what it takes to work within the pest control industry, why not browse through the Pest Control UK jobs section and see if there are any vacancies that catch your eye.

Dynamic Pest Control, 60 Page Lane, Widnes, Cheshire