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Vulcan Termite and Pest Control, Inc. general manager Fred Smith didn’t plan on going into the pest control business, but as a young man in 1979, he needed one thing: a job.
“I needed a job because I was going to get married,” he said, laughing. “My fiancee’ brought me a want-ad for a pest control company that said ‘no experience necessary.’”
He got the job, and while he’s changed companies a couple of times, he’s stayed in the pest control industry for 42 years. Smith has called Vulcan Termite and Pest Control home for the last 22 years.
Vulcan Termite and Pest Control is one of the longest running, family owned pest control companies in the state of Alabama, offering custom pest control services in the Birmingham area for residential and commercial customers since 1965.
“Other pest control companies in Birmingham are cookie cutter, but our services are always custom,” Smith said. “Every technician is certified and highly qualified to handle a variety of pest problems. Our team has had a Board Certified Entomologist that conducts regular training and kept our company at the cutting edge of pest control and prevention.”
The company also specializes in termite treatment and mosquito control, gaining a reputation over the years for offering exceptional and trustworthy termite control.
With a stable list of long-term employees, Smith estimates Vulcan Termite and Pest Control has more than 350 years of combined knowledge, training and hands-on experience with all sorts of pests.
“Our longevity means a whole lot,” Smith said. “And part of that is because we’re always looking for good people to come and work for us.”
Part of the process for Vulcan employees is in-depth training and continuing education so that they can serve their customers better by anticipating their needs.
“In today’s times, our customers know a lot more than they used to,” Smith said. “Our people have to be educated well in pest control techniques and stay on top of their game. We want them to be a step ahead and anticipate questions from our customers. To do that, they have to remember that a big part of our job is to educate our customers.”
Property owners choose to hire a pest control company for many different reasons. Often it’s because they want to ensure an infestation is taken care of quickly. Safety is also a concern. Many people aren’t comfortable with handling pesticides on their own or handling insects. In some cases the insects themselves can be a health hazard. Roaches and mice are just two examples of pests in Alabama that can transmit diseases.
Vulcan Termite and Pest Control also offers services to get rid of other, larger pests. The service, called ‘exclusion’ can help rid homes of mice, rats, squirrels, bats, or even racoons.
“We work to trap these pests and seal them out of people’s homes,” Smith said. “We do it humanely, and that is a little pricier, but today many people are concerned with the animals’ overall welfare and don’t want to put poison out unless it’s absolutely necessary.”
For people who are facing pest problems, treatment options are also limited unless they use a pest control company. Only certified pest control technicians can handle certain pesticides. This means many of the most effective solutions are only available through professional pest control.
Vulcan Termite and Pest Control’s Birmingham-area technicians are trained to identify the cause of the problem and understand the various treatment options that can eliminate the pests
as soon as possible. This can save customers money in the long run by minimizing damage done to the customer’s property.
When an exterminator comes to a client’s home or business, Vulcan Termite and Pest Control visits always start with an inspection to analyze the situation, find out what’s causing the problem and determine the best method of treatment. From there the process is unique for each customer because Vulcan customizes each treatment.
As one of the few local, family-owned pest control companies in Birmingham, Vulcan is heavily invested in keeping the metro area communities and customers safe. The health of a client’s home and family is the company’s top priority.
“We only use pest control chemicals for their approved purposes, target their use and practice safe disposal,” Smith said. “Most pest control chemicals are completely safe to use around a home or business when they’re properly administered. Your pest control technician will make you aware of any precautions that need to be taken, such as keeping pets off the lawn for a specific time period.”
And who knows? Clients may see Smith out among the technicians. Even though his title is ‘general manager,’ he refuses to be chained to a desk.
“The best part of this job is meeting our customers,” Smith said. “I like to get out in the field and help solve our customers’ problems when I can, and you can’t do that from behind a desk.
To set up a termite inspection, insect or spider control services, or larger pest control services, contact Vulcan Termite and Pest Control at 205.663.4200, or visit their website at www.vulcantermite.com.