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Carl's Corner
Are You Ready To Roll?
February 12, 2008
Are You Ready to Roll?
As we sit here waiting for the phone to ring in freezing weather, have we taken the time to prepare for spring? As we all know, this past season and winter has not been all that kind to the pest control industry. Factors such as the housing industry slowdown and droughts are situations that are not under our control. What is under our control is to be certain that we are ready to take advantage of the season when it breaks. The goal is to be as productive as possible when warm weather arrives.
Every year, many PMPs wait until the weather breaks before examining their equipment. This is too late. Anyone who services equipment is swamped and long waits can occur. Here are some things you can do to be “ready to roll”.
B&G Sprayers
The B&G sprayer is once again becoming an important piece of equipment for pest management. This is primarily due to the resurgence of bed bugs and perimeter treatments with Termidor and Phantom.
Invest in a GD-124 Gasket Kit from B&G. This kit contains all of the parts in a sprayer that would normally wear. Literally, a sprayer that has these part installed will work like new. Southern Mill Creek Products of Ohio, Inc. carries all of the parts needed for a sprayer tune up. CDs are available from B&G Equipment Company to talk you through the process.
If you froze a wand over the winter, and it has been patched with solder, epoxy, Jen-Weld, duct tape or some other concoction, do yourself a favor and replace it with a new valve extension. These patches will eventually fail.
Ongoing maintenance should include a periodic flushing with hot soapy water. Do not use bleach, as this will attack the brass and stainless steel. Replace the hose when it starts to get surface cracks or becomes stiff.
Power Sprayers
Power sprayers are a great labor saving device and provide excellent coverage of insecticides on the outside of a structure. They can be a real source of frustration, however, when they are not running or performing poorly. Avoid the spring rush. Having an engine worked on in the spring is difficult because of all the lawnmowers ahead of you in line.
Check now for any freeze damage. Hopefully you have circulated a couple of gallons of RV antifreeze through the pump and hose before putting away the sprayer last fall. Examine hoses for wear and replace. A busted hose while you are on the other side of the house can ruin you day.
Put fresh gas in the engine, put in a new spark plug, and change the oil. Check and clean the filter. Start the engine and check for leaks. Pay particular attention to the pump and pressure regulator. These must work properly. If your pump or regulator is more than two years old, consider having one of each in reserve to save down time at critical times of the year.
For more detailed list on rig maintenance, call your local SMCP office.
Safety and Misc. Equipment
Check your ladders. Are they commercial grade and in good repair? Purchase a new set of cartridges for each respirator. Check the fit and the condition of the respirator face piece.
Check electrical equipment. Put on new cords and plugs if needed. Remember, the electricity needed to light a 100 watt bulb will stop your heart. This is about one amp.
We know that springtime is around the corner. We need to be as productive as possible to maximize our income for the season.
For more information on getting “ready to roll”, contact your local SMCP representative before the rush!
