How Pest Control Has Changed in 60 Years

Thompson Brothers has been in business since 1957. In the past six decades, we’ve seen a lot of changes in the business of pest control, termite control and waterproofing. We thought we’d use this blog to take a look back at the updates and advances that have happened in our industry in the past 60 years.

1. Insects are now easier to find. Decades ago, we could only really treat the insects we could see. Now, modern technology allows us to find termite colonies and insect infestations almost anywhere in your home or yard. Pest control is therefore more precise and more thorough than ever before.
    
2. Safer chemicals. We kill and repel roaches, ants, spiders, bed bugs, beetles and more with strong chemicals. These chemicals were once rather harsh, but now, thanks to advances in technology, they are significantly more environmentally friendly and safe. Now, the chemicals used by our exterminators is safe for families and pets, and is much less harsh on the environment (but still harsh on bugs!).
    
3. Humane animal traps. There was a time where the only way to trap and remove an invasive raccoon or possum was to use a trap that harmed or killed the animal. Now, our wildlife-removal specialists use humane cages that trap the animals without hurting them, so they can be removed from your property humanely.
    
4. More effective against termites. Termites can do incredible damage to homes. Thankfully, over the past several decades, pest control companies and home builders have improved conditions for homeowners and helped in the fight against termites. Specially treated wood used in new home construction, as well as barriers built around foundations, are helping to protect new homes from termites and helping exterminators find them easier when they do appear. Also, now that we offer basement waterproofing, foundation waterproofing, and crawl space moisture control, we’re helping homeowners proactively prevent the conditions that termites seek out. Through these advances, termites may still exist, but they’re less likely to destroy your home investment.
    
5. Professional remains preferable. While there are more at-home remedies for pests on the market than ever before, they’re still not as effective as professional pest control services. In fact, in the past decades, insects and rodents have shown more biochemical resistance (or the ability to overcome/survive pesticides and chemicals in their bodies); thus, stronger chemicals—available only to professionals—are often necessary to kill modern bugs and rodents.

Increase in need/demand for pest control. These days, more people need professional pest control services than ever before. Factors like an increase in urban offices and housing (take the growth of downtown Spartanburg, for example), increased discomfort with insects, growing numbers of rodent populations, and more insects trying to live indoors (usually due to weather changes) have all caused consumers to be more willing and interested to hire professional exterminators. We’re pleased that our business has grown along with these trends, and that customers have trusted us as their pest control service.

Despite these changes in the industry, one thing has never changed at Thompson Brothers – our commitment to top quality customer service and satisfaction. Contact your friendly, local, family-owned pest control and waterproofing service today at www.thompsonexterminating.com/contact-us.