When we started P.E.S.T. Inc. we knew that we wanted to provide better than average products and services, spend time on relationship development with our employees and customers. Our goal was to have a solid group of happy customers that would never want to work with another pest control company. We knew we would have to provide a higher level of service than any other pest control company to achieve this goal.

After 11 years in business, we have achieved much of the above. Today we have 14 employees, a great reputation and spend energy, time and money making sure our employees are certified and well trained. Years ago when we started offering Termite Letters in Nashville and the surrounding areas, we made an effort to offer the most comprehensive service and most professional termite letter delivery of anyone in pest control. The ‘Termite Letter’ is the number 1 liability in our business. We can be held responsible for not finding termites if termites exist, so it’s important to get this right. Because of our commitment to excellence, here is what we did:

Our Employees:

• Are Background checked
• Are drug Screened
• Show up on Time
• Have over 30 years of combined experience
• Are very professional

With our Termite Letters:

• You can schedule the inspection online
• We can give you a printed Termite Letter on the spot, the same day of service.
• We can email the letter to you or the closing company.
• Our termite letters are printed, legible and we have an electronic copy

We thought that this solid service was worth the “extra $20″ that we charged. (Many of our competitors charge $45, we charged $65). However, we are finding that if we don’t get a chance to show you we can “wow you” we can’t “wow you!“  Now we have not only the best service for our customers, but at an extremely competitive price.  This is by far the Best Value Termite Letter in the business.

So, please give us a call or fill out the form below to schedule a termite inspection on our new pricing structure and see the difference for yourself!

Julie + Andy Yant

You are just a few steps away from enjoying your backyard again! Fill out the form below:

More information on our P.E.S.T. Inc. Mosquito Management Program and a few pro-tips on mosquito management.

I can’t believe it’s already April! This year has flown by. But now that April is here, it’s time to begin our P.E.S.T., Inc, Mosquito Management Program (PMMP). PMMP operates from April through October each year and is one of only a few programs that we offer where we recommend monthly treatment to achieve desired results. PMMP is also one of our most highly retained programs due to customer satisfaction. We can provide an 80-90% reduction in the mosquito population around your property.

This is what one of our customers has to say about PMMP.

Kathy Gunn of Springfield writes: “When you step outside for 15 minutes and get 15 mosquito bites on your legs, it somewhat discourages you from going outside.  Now, when you have 3 children who get cabin fever in the summer and you really want them to go outside, you have a problem.  You can either let them go outside then deal with them itching for days and getting scabs all over their little arms and legs OR keep them inside while they ask every 20 minutes “can we go outside to play”.  This is probably normal to all households but we live on a farm…we don’t have to worry about traffic or the noisy neighbors…open air!  Because of that, I thought there was nothing I could do about the masses of mosquitoes we had in our yard.  I tried to get rid of all standing water and use the dunks but it never helped much.  My pest company told me that they offered mosquito service and my thoughts were…we are a farm…you won’t be able to get all of them, they will just move 100 yards away.  WELL…I tried it and whatever they did allowed us to spend the entire summer outside and I don’t even remember getting more than 2-3 bites ALL SUMMER!  It works..it works..it works!” Kathy has used PMMP for 4 years now and we’re so thrilled her family can enjoy the outdoors again!

In addition to PMMP, there are some things you can do to help limit your exposure. They are as follows:
• Throw out old tires.

• Throw out tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any water holding containers.

• Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts) in yard.

• Keep drains, ditches, and culverts clean of weeds and trash, so water will drain
properly.

• Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater, and drill holes in bottom of trash
containers so any water can drain out.

• Repair leaky pipes and outdoor faucets.

• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week or store in a position that water
will drain.

• Make sure your backyard pool is maintained properly.

• Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete.

• Change water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week.

• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house, so adult
mosquitoes will not hide there.

• Keep gutters clean and free of debris and leaves.

Remember since we don’t require contracts there is no penalty for skipping a service however it will greatly diminish the positive affect of our PMMP if you do not have this service performed monthly.

We can’t guarantee that you won’t get any mosquito bites but our PMMP significantly reduces your exposure and allows you the freedom to enjoy your yard again whether for gardening or playing outside with your family.

If you are interested in scheduling this service or have more questions, please call the office at 615.851.4912 or fill out this form.

-Julie Yant

Let’s get the bad news out of the way – National reports state that West Nile Virus cases are up by 40% since last week! There have been 66 deaths so far this year, and 2012 is already on records as the worst year since the virus made its debut.

Now for the good news – only about 1% of infected individuals become severely ill, and only about 20% of cases have symptoms at all. Four out of 5 infected individuals experience no symptoms at all.

Even better news – there was very simple ways you can protect your family and dramatically reduce your loved ones’ exposure to West Nile Virus! It all starts at home. Begin with personal preventive measures, such as:
*Wear a barrier layer of clothing, reducing the amount of exposed skin with outdoors
*Young mosquitoes require a water source, so remove stagnant water options like bird baths,
and other places water can “pool” in your yard
*Eliminate or cover containers like kiddie pools, trash cans, wheelbarrows with
water can collect
*Call P.E.S.T., Inc. today and ask about PMMP – P.E.S.T., Inc. Mosquito Management Program.

We can reduce the mosquitoes near your home by 80-90%, increasing your family’s level of protection from West Nile  Virus!

To schedule a service, ask questions, or for more information call is at 615-382-9774 or fill out the contact form on our website.

We had the privilege of learning about the most recent research regarding the latest Environmental Protection Agency’s updates on rodenticides from Steve Sullivan of Bell Laboratories. Dr. Karen Vail from the University of Tennessee also provided information on the up-to-the-minute ant research. We even brushed up on the value of industry insurance.

In our general membership meeting, Andy had the opportunity to address the membership, thanking them for their support throughout the year as he served as the TPCA’s President. After honoring the Lifetime Achievement awards, Andy passed the gavel to the new President, Ken Richards Jr. of East Tennessee Pest Control. We congratulate him and know that he will serve the membership well!

Passing the gavel to Ken Richards Jr. of East Tennessee Pest Control

Transparent’s Managing Partner, Jason Elkins, delivered the keynote speech at Thursday evening’s Bar-B-Que. His “7 Steps to Empowering Others Through Leadership in the New Economy” was timely and right on point!

It wasn’t all business, though! Between the golf and mini-golf tournaments, dessert reception, and a little Yant family fun in Gatlinburg, we had a wonderful couple of days in East Tennessee. Camren even mastered the waves on the surf machine at the water park We are already looking forward to next year!

A little Yant family fun!

Often times homeowners don’t realize they have a problem on their hands until it is too late and an infestation is already well underway. By then the only option is damage control and deal with the outbreak, when steps could have been taken to prevent the invasion in the first place. Why not spare yourself the headache down the road, by implementing preemptive measures to protect your home and your wallet?

Here are a few tips to save your investment:

1. Make sure all entry points to your home are properly sealed – think beyond doors and window to check any cracks in seals.

2. Landscaping, including trees and scrubs, should stay well manicured and away from your house.

3. Take a look at your roof! Any rotten shingles need to be removed and replaced.

4. Got firewood? Rule of thumb: 20/5 (20 feet from your home, 5 inches off the ground)

5. Do you have a basement or crawlspace? Ensure that they are dry and ventilated.

6. Check foundations, windows, and weather-stripping for damage. Replacing these will help keep your home sealed properly.

7. Call the professionals! Don’t wait until the damage is done – P.E.S.T., Inc. offers FREE inspections and our certified technicians bring years of knowledge and experience to every job!

Remember, just because you haven’t yet seen physical evidence does not mean termites haven’t made their nest in your home Also, termites doesn’t just destroy wood! Subterranean termites can destroy heavy plastics and even swimming pool liners!

A great majority of home insurance policies do not cover termite damage, so don’t let termites ruin your home! Call P.E.S.T., Inc. at (615) 382-9774 or go to www.pestinc.net and fill out a contact form today.

If you have been encountering those pesky, itchy mosquito bites you would probably love to know how you can reduce the mosquitoes near your home by 80-90%! We can manage those summer time irritations with PMMP – P.E.S.T., Inc. Mosquito Management Program.

From April to October, we can dramatically reduce the population of mosquitos near you, so you and your family can enjoy the outdoors as much as possible!

Here is what a few mosquito-free clients have to say:

“Huge shout out to P.E.S.T., Inc. ….Home was sprayed for mosquitoes this week and it’s the first time in three years that I’ve been able to sit outside without getting bit…..Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!” – Ms FixIt (Natalie Burdette)

“I tried it and whatever they did allowed us to spend the entire summer outside and I don’t even remember getting more than 2-3 bites ALL SUMMER! It works..it works..it works!” Kathy of Springfield, TN

As always there are steps you can take to reduce the propensity of mosquitoes and other pests in your area. See if any of these suggestions can help!

• Throw out old tires.
• Throw out tin cans, buckets, drums, bottles, or any water holding containers.
• Fill in or drain any low places (puddles, ruts) in yard.
• Keep drains, ditches, and culverts clean of weeds and trash, so water will drain properly.
• Cover trash containers to keep out rainwater, and drill holes in bottom of trash containers so any water can drain out.
• Repair leaky pipes and outdoor faucets.
• Empty plastic wading pools at least once a week or store in a position that water will drain.
• Make sure your backyard pool is maintained properly.
• Fill in tree rot holes and hollow stumps that hold water with sand or concrete.
• Change water in bird baths and plant pots or drip trays at least once a week.
• Keep grass cut short and shrubbery well trimmed around the house, so adult mosquitoes will not hide there.
• Keep gutters clean and free of debris and leaves.

Finally, remember that we never require a contract! You won’t be charged for a missed monthly treatments, but skipping a service will decrease the positive results of P.E.S.T., Inc. Mosquito Management Program.

To schedule a service, ask a question, or for more information call P.E.S.T., Inc. today at 615.382.9774

Baby Andrew comes from a family of fighters, and his parents Keith and Christy have already created a legacy for Andrew by creating awareness of organ donation to help other families. As of March 2012, there were more than 113,000 people on the organ donation waiting list, 1800 of them being pediatric patients like Baby Andrew. You can learn more and register to become a donor at http://donatelife.net/.

There is also something you can do NOW! We will be at the annual Strawberry Festival in Portland this Saturday, May 19th with “Have a Heart for Andrew” t-shirts and onesies available for $10 and up. Music City Screen Printers was generous enough to donate the screens, ink and labor, and all proceeds will go directly to the Hagewood family.

You can also send a note of encouragement to Keith, Christy and the rest of their family on Christy’s Facebook Page.

For more information, directions, and event details, click here

See you in Portland on Saturday!

Naturally, we want to be there for you when you find yourself with a pest problem, but we also want to help you keep your home or business as pest-free as possible. These simple tips can help you keep unwanted visitors away:

1) Keep food in your home in tight, sealed containers. Where there’s food and water, bugs will happily make themselves at home. Do all you can to keep your kitchen clean, which leads to the next tip.

2) Keep food off the floor and sweep often to remove crumbs. Wipe up crumbs, sweep or vacuum the floor, and clean up spills right away. Don’t leave dishes in the sink overnight. Clean out the toaster and microwave regularly. Scrub down your stovetop every day. Throw away food scraps and packages, and be sure trash bags are securely sealed.

3) Mulch, leaves, and garden debris can all make perfect homes for insects. Try to keep wood chips away from your home’s foundation, and clean up any organic matter. Mow your lawn regularly, and keep it short near your house. Pull annuals out at the end of the growing season, and trim back perennials as appropriate in the fall.

4) Make sure your home is properly sealed on the outside. Replace torn window and door screens. Seal cracks in your siding, windows, doors, utility pipes, and any other openings with a high quality silicone caulk. Install screens on attic vents, and chimney flues. Inspect crawl space openings and make sure they are properly sealed .

5) Fix or caulk leaky faucets to avoid excess water. Many insects thrive in environments with certain amounts of humidity, so sources of moisture can attract them. Repair plumbing issues, no matter how minor promptly. Inspect basements and crawl spaces extra carefully for leaks.

Already have some home invaders? Call P.E.S.T. Inc at 615-382-9774 for a home inspection or more expert advice!

Since we were able to answer so many great questions in person at the Women’s Show, we decided to list, and of course answer, some of those most frequently asked.

Question: How often should I have my home inspected for termites?
Answer: Every home (especially in this area) should be inspected at least once a year. Doing so will help to avoid the possibility of major damage and also help avoid surprises with termites.

Question: What areas do you service?
Answer: We proudly provide pest control services to the following counties: Cheatham, Davidson, Dickson, Montgomery, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, and Wilson.

Question: Will your mosquito service really help with my mosquito problem?
Answer: It will absolutely make a big difference! The feedback that we receive from customers who have received mosquito service is phenomenal. 80-90% reduction of mosquitos is our researched result.

Question: Do you require me to sign a contract?
Answer: We do not require any type of contract. There are certain pests that may require more than one visit to eliminate, but we only want to service your home when you want us there, not because you need to have us there.

Question: Can you do my pest control for less than the $40 per month I am currently paying?
Answer: The honest answer is no for two reasons – we cannot offer a great service for that price, and we do not compete on price alone. We do encourage you to call us for a quote though!

Didn’t answer your question? Call us anytime at 615-382-9774. You can also visit www.pestinc.net for a $15 off coupon for first time customers!

Two incredibly common Spring pests are ants and termites. It is best to maintain routine pest control throughout the year, but here are a few helpful hints to keep them at bay for Spring.

ANTS

Because they are such a common house-infecting insect, ants are often thought to be the biggest irritating pest. To keep ants out of your home as much as possible, the first thing to do is eliminate their food source. Be sure to always utilize proper food storage and clean up spills quickly and thoroughly. These preventative measures will help ward off typical ants; however, carpenter ants can cause extensive structural damage to your home and property. Carpenter ants create nests in decaying wood and can multiply into colonies. They can enter your home through window frames, utility lines and plumbing. They are extremely difficult to eradicate, so let P.E.S.T., Inc provide a full interior and exterior inspection.

TERMITES

These little critters can cause very costly structural damage, so keeping your eyes open to the tell-tale signs of their presence could save you tons of money in home repairs!

Termites are not typically a pest that many people have success eradicating successfully on their own. Call P.E.S.T., Inc immediately if you suspect a problem, so we can begin Sentricon® Termite Colony Elimination Systems (by Dow AgroSciences) as quickly as possible. We ensure proven colony eradication, environmental responsibility, and a manufacturer commitment, so termite concerns will be a thing of the past.

If you have questions about this service or would like to schedule a complimentary termite inspection, please contact us at 615-382-9774 or schedule a service with us here!