| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Iain |
Posted - 13 Sep 2006 : 13:54:34
Following on from a 'string' in the general Forum, here is a go at some suggestions for an equipment 'starter kit' for new pest controllers. feel free to add your own.
Insect Control
A 5 litre pneumatic sprayer - the 'work horse'
The "Gloria" seems to be the most popular and for the extra �13 I would go for the stainless steel version: �158.43
A seal kit would be useful �7.73
I would also suggest a crack & crevice nozzle �6.90
A 1 litre sprayer for those little jobs
once again, "Gloria" is a good bet �35.72
or alternatively the "Spray Matic" �15.50
A Dust Applicator is essential for wasp nests
Personally I would go for the "Duststick" kit as this comes in a kit with 4 sturdy extension lances, to reach up to 20' away. The dust is kept at the top, so when you finish, you don't have 20' of dust to empty out of the lances. �137.50
A lot of people use the DR5 pressure duster, though, with additional lances to get the reach: �79.50
1.5m extension lances, each: �28.45
A Space Spray applicator. Only really of use if you have house flies or cluster flies, or possibly stored product moths to deal with on a regular basis and then the size of the area you are treating will dictate which machine you get. I am not a believer in the use of 'ULV' for fleas or bedbugs or other crawling insects, except in rare circumstances.
A Decent Torch
loads to choose from, but I would prefer a rechargeable
The "Unilite UK240 Lightweight Rechargeable" �37.31
Personal Protective Equipment
Again, loads to choose from, depending on what work you do.
Several sets of overalls, preferally 'badged'.
1/2 face respirator + A1P3 filters (make sure it fits properly)
Suitable gloves for the work you do.
Safety goggles, hard hat, high vis jacket , safety boots etc etc
Decent 'Wasp Suit', for protection and image.
Suggest either a "Sherrif" all-in-one: �104.91
or "Sherrif" jacket & veil �76.78
Chemical Storage boxes, either for van and or store. There are a few to choose from. I would suggest metal and of a size suitable for your needs: �120 - �200+
Pesticide carry bags or carry cases, to take on site. There are several to choose from. �16 - �70
Personally, I like the B & G case, as you can sit on it when tired!
There are also various plastic tubs and storage jars to keep 'prep' in, rather than lugging 20kg sacks around.
I would also suggest a 25 litre water carrier (with a tap fitted) in case you cannot get a source of water on site. Also useful for washing hands after job done. Alternatively you could use hand wipes or "No Water Required" soap �2.95 - �18.01
If you have liquid pesticides, a small van spillage kit might be advisable: �19.44
A litter picker is useful for picking up dead rodents �11.81
I'm told an "Aspivenin Bite & Sting Reliever" does what it says on the tin. �10.87
...and don't forget a First Aid Kit �7.84
Rodent Control
Wherever possible you should be baiting burrows, so you'll need a good, long Baiting Spoon �23.40
You'll need to decide on which bait stations for mice and rats - of which there are many to choose from. Why not look at the 'Protecta' range as there are lots of different sizes, for all sorts of uses - and they all use the same key to open them!
Paperwork
In time you will want to have your own, but as a starter:
"Treatment Report Pads" 2 part NCR pads, for you to keep 1 and leave 1 with the client, 75 sets per pad �2.95
"COSHH Assessment" sheets and Guidelines FREE
"Risk Assessment" sheets and Guidelines FREE
"Insect Field Guide Book" for help with IDs FREE
I'm sure I've forgotten something, so suggestions welcome.
And then of course, there's the 'prep'. But that's another story...
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| 7 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Iain |
Posted - 01 Oct 2006 : 15:05:52
Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this list. We hope that it will form an invaluable tool for anyone starting out in pest control. |
| Gamekeeper |
Posted - 19 Sep 2006 : 09:38:49
Always handy to have an air pistol. For fiddly jobs I have a head mounted torch so you are hands free. No good obviously for wasps in an attic !
Fid Def |
| NickA |
Posted - 15 Sep 2006 : 10:25:23
Hilti foam gun.. wire wool, netting.. simple caulking rather than pesticides does the job.
Inspection mirror, artists spatula, Knee pads.
Pesticide spill kit, First Aid Kit if things go wrong.
Working for co-operation ,not division between OUR Associations. |
| Gamekeeper |
Posted - 15 Sep 2006 : 09:23:45
I find binoculars very handy especially when trying to identify / locate exactly wasp nests etc I also get a great deal of pleasure and use out of my digi-cam
Fid Def |
| Dusty |
Posted - 15 Sep 2006 : 08:52:35
Unless you call a name I am not familar with, a bulb, hand puffer/duster
I always carry an illuminated magnifier plus a x10 magnifying glass.
A box of surgical gloves are also handy
Don't feed them, get Rid of them |
| Bob Newey |
Posted - 14 Sep 2006 : 23:47:54
I can't off the top of my head think of anything particularly important that you've missed off, except for maybe some insect monitors. I found when I started that it was difficult to balance trying to keep the costs down with ensuring that I had sufficient gear (and the right stuff) to be able to carry out the work.
Once I was up and running I just added things as and when I needed them for specific jobs. That way I was to a certain extent able to finance much of it from the businesses earnings, e.g my pigeon cages when a job came up when I needed some. |
| Paulf |
Posted - 13 Sep 2006 : 18:05:18
ian, you forgot ladders, a surveyers sectional ladder for inside use and an industrial 3.8m double extension for outside.
Practicly every job requires use of ladders, admitidly I could do a lot of my wasp work from the ground but I prefer to get in close with the dr5 and one extension at most!
I recomend a rojak ladder stopper as well. |
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