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Women in Pest Management
By Marillian Missiti
It was 1991 and I was with my uncle (Jimmy) in
East Boston at an apartment that was vacant. We were
there to treat for German roaches. The building manager
opened the door and approximately 20 roaches crossed
over the threshold to greet us. I looked at my uncle and
said, “I will be waiting for you in the truck.” His reply,
“Marillian, you have to go in there so in the future you
will know what to do”. Well I went in with him and since
that day I have really never come across an infestation
of that kind. You know, when you open the cabinets and
can’t see the back of them. What great training! I thank
him for that push because that situation gave me the
confidence I have used throughout my career. I believe
when you have the confidence and someone believes in
you (as a few are mentioned in this article), you carry
that in so many ways to help you with not only solving a
pest problem, but with other challenges in the workplace.
Starting in a somewhat; negative industry and not
looking like the stereo typical pest control operator
was a challenge in the beginning, but as the industry
grew and the education of our consumers grew (I.P.M.),
it became easier to rise above certain obstacles. For
me, when I understood the behavior and biology of
the insect, everything else fell into place. It wasn’t
so much of doing a “dirty job”, but of taking my
knowledge and professionalism to another level.
This led to my curiosity of other female technicians
and how they adapted in a male dominated field.
As these answers are very familiar to me, there is
something in common with all of these women including
myself a sense of values, pride, and accomplishment.
What made you decide to get involved in pest
management?
Jennifer: I “fell into” pest management and got stuck!
I started out looking for part time office work on my
way to becoming an accountant and ended up staying in
pest management after I graduated. I find the field very
interesting and as with my previous background in the
service industry, I find it rewarding to help people solve
their problems. I love not spending all of my time
behind a desk, working in a hands-on
Jennifer Howard
GreenHow, Inc.
Manager
6 years in the industry
Julie Heincelman
JP Pest Services
Commercial Pest Technician
1 year in the industry
problem solving capacity, and learning something new
every day.
Julie: Change careers – something different, work with
people, problem solve.
Judith: I worked as a lawn care technician for
approximately ten years and wanted to explore pest
control.
Janet: Pest management was something I kind of fell
into. I was laid off, looking for work and saw a job ad
for Braman in the newspaper. I was intrigued because I
had no idea what “bug people” did. I figured I’d go talk
to someone there and see what it entailed. After talking
with someone there and knowing that I like a job that’s
different each day, I knew I’d like it.
Melissa: I liked meeting new people and facing the
different situations/problems that you get to solve.
Deidre: I saw an ad at the career center and thought it
might be an interesting field to get into…meeting people,
learning new things, using your mind (thinking like
the pests)
What challenges do you have being a woman in the
industry?
Jennifer: I suppose that some people have doubts when
the “exterminator” shows up and it’s me but I find that
after talking to homeowners and business managers, they
acknowledge me for the knowledgeable professional
that I am. If that doesn’t work, I am happy to throw out
phrases like “chitin-synthesis inhibitors” or sometimes
just settle for being called the “bug lady”! As a plus,
when we are at industry seminars, my line for the
restroom is always shorter!
Julie: Most customers do not expect to see a “female
technician”. Question, “Why do you do this?” “What
made you decide this job/career?”
Judith: The work is relatively easy, with the exception of
using ladders. 24 ft ladders can be physically challenging
when placing on structures.
Janet: It’s sad to say, but old stereotypes still exist. I
often get funny looks when I go somewhere for the first
time. People are expecting a man to show up and in I
walk. All 120 lbs of me. I have to prove myself with
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my performance and knowledge, often going above and
beyond expectations.
Melissa: Sometimes customers don’t believe that you
can properly treat their home/business.
Deidre: I don’t have any major challenges except maybe
lifting my 24 foot-ladder alone.
Are you treated equally in the workplace?
Jennifer: Yes.
Julie: Yes.
Judith: Yes.
Janet: Within my company, I would say yes. In the field
is another story. I’ve been out with male trainees and
customers have directed questions to them instead of
to me. This after having introduced myself as the lead
person. It’s very frustrating.
Melissa: Yes.
Deidre: Yes, I am treated equally.
What discourages you in this profession?
Jennifer: I am not easily discouraged in general.
Julie: Customers who do not understand that small
structure/sanitation changes can help them more than
repeated chemical applications (in most instances).
Judith: Not enough advancement opportunities.
Janet: When I document or explain to customers exact
steps to be taken for rodent or insect exclusion and they
don’t take my advice. Many unnecessary problems occur
because the advice is not heeded. Another thing is how
misguided people are regarding pest control. There are
so many old wives tales that people still believe even
after receiving the correct information. For example,
when asked whether ultrasonic pest devices work, I often
show them a study by a university agriculture department
proving that they’re bunk. The customer says, “Well, it
worked for my Aunt Ida.” My response is usually that if
they did work, I wouldn’t be.
Melissa: People who don’t think I can properly treat
their home/business.
Judith Wagner
Watch-All Pest Management
Technician
5 years in the industry
Deidre Strout
Atlantic Pest Solutions
Technician
3 Years in the industry
Deidre: Not be able to figure out a particular pest problem
at an account.
What encourages you in this profession?
Jennifer: Meeting other professionals that have a sense of
camaraderie about maintaining a level of professionalism,
training, and customer service standards in the industry.
Julie: To be able to educate and help people solve
problems. Meeting new people. Not the same challenge
every day.
Judith: That there will always be a need for pest control.
Continuing education.
Janet: A few things. The look of relief when I show up
somewhere where the person is terrified of whatever I’m
there to get rid of. The rapport I have with my regular
customers and knowing that they hate when I go on
vacation and have to suffer with a replacement. Also,
I’m encouraged when I complete a job and the customer
is satisfied.
Melissa: The people that realize how good of a service I
do provide and ask for me as their tech.
Deidre: My supervisors and co-workers. They are very
positive and motivating. You don’t need to look for help
or support.
Do you feel your customers perceive you the way
you want to be perceived?
Jennifer: Yes.
Julie: Yes, for the most part.
Judith: Yes. If you are professional, you will be treated
as a professional. If you provide excellent customer
service, the customers appreciate it and respect you.
Janet: Not always. I feel some people think service
workers must be uneducated and lacking sophistication.
I’ve shocked customers by being eloquent, polite and
knowledgeable.
Melissa: 99% of them.
Deidre: Most do. Women often say “ How can you do
this type of work?” “ Aren’t you scared?”
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Was it a challenge when you first started to work?
Jennifer: As with anything in life, the more you know
and the more experience you have to draw on, the easier
something becomes. I have been very lucky, as I hope
most newcomers to the profession will be, to have a
great support network of people within the industry –
coworkers, entomologists, NEPMA members, NPMA
members, manufacturers, and yes, even competitors!
Julie: Yes, somewhat – building confidence with myself
and my customers, developing rapport.
Judith: No, coming from the lawn care industry, the
pest control industry is very similar and it was an easy
transition for me.
Janet: Absolutely! I’d never had a job with such erratic
work hours. I had to get used to getting up at all different
hours. Those first few times of getting up at 3:30am were
brutal. My body has learned to adapt.
Melissa: Yes.
Deidre: A little challenging at first; there is a lot to learn.
The behaviors of the pests we deal with. I still learn
things almost daily.
Describe a negative situation and how you turned
it into a positive one on the job.
Julie: I recently a had customer “happy” to smell dead
mice – first time I was congratulated for that. Have had
a couple of situations where exclusion has helped with
ant issues. Initially people are very upset about ants –
especially in the spring.
Judith: I had a customer who was unhappy with his
mouse control service. He had an ongoing problem
with mice and would constantly have odor problems.
He was on the verge of canceling the service and
asked me if there was anything more that I could do to
help solve his problem. I said that I could and would
solve his problem. Using Integrated Pest Management
techniques, I managed the account as I promised and he
was very happy with the results of my efforts and is still
a customer today.
Janet: We have a particular customer who is very hard
to please. Prior to my taking the account, they often told
technicians to leave just because they didn’t like them.
Janet Brassard
Braman Terimite & Pest Elimination
Pest Control Technician
6 Years in the industry
Melissa Petruzzelli
New England Pest Control
Service Technician
4 years in the industry
I was sent to the account because the upper echelon
thought I could win them over. I did. Recently, I
had to take some time off and that customer was
upset that I wasn’t there and asked the technician
to get out and send the supervisor in my place.
Deidre: A residential home was infested with mice. I
worked hard to remedy the situation and the clients were
thrilled and so appreciative when I achieved the goal.
Would you encourage young females into this
profession? Why?
Jennifer: Absolutely. I would encourage young people
of both genders to enter this profession. Pest control is a
job that you can really turn into a career. You can work
in the field, be your own boss on many levels, spend a
lot of face time with your customers, and help people
solve their problems. Both technicians and sales people
can usually write their own paychecks thanks to the
commission structures that are common in the industry.
Julie: Yes, it is challenging and rewarding. You feel a
real sense of accomplishment when you solve a problem
and help customers. It feels good to educate people.
Judith: Yes, it would be good experience for them and I
would strongly recommend them going into business for
themselves.
Janet: Of course. There is something wonderful about
going to work not knowing what you’re going to
encounter. You learn something new each day, meet
new people and foster relationships with your regular
customers. I also think it’s a great profession because
there will always be a need for our services. I know if
I were a homeowner with roaches or rats, getting rid of
them would be a priority. I’d sooner skip a meal than
live with them. I think that mentality is widespread, thus
ensuring job security.
Melissa: Yes, because it’s a great experience and if you
like solving problems, it is perfect.
Deidre: Absolutely. It’s a great field to work in. We need
more women in the field.
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Have any industry role models helped you?
Jennifer: As above, I have been lucky to have several
role models in the industry from coworkers, supervisors,
vendors, etc. My primary role model/mentors have
been Sean Greenhow and his wife Lauren. Sean and
I first met when he hired me for my first job in the
pest control industry. As my manager for my first
year, Sean was very supportive of me and my work,
constantly giving me opportunities for more training
and more personal and professional growth. We both
took other positions in the company in different cities
and divisions, but over the years, Sean was always
someone I could go to for advice, both bug-related and
life/career matters. When I decided to leave my job in
NY, Sean and Lauren both helped me to see that there
was something in me that just loves being the “bug
lady”. I am very happy to be working with them now.
Judith: I have really two role models to thank for
helping me to succeed in pest control, Doug Hayes,
Technical Director of Watch-All and Dr. Frishman.
Janet: I can’t think of anyone specific but every single
person I’ve worked with at my company has taught
me something. Industry aside, my greatest role model
was my mom. She was a great salesperson and taught
me that you can gain far more success by being honest
and dependable thus attracting more customers.
Melissa: No.
Deidre: I have to say my supervisors and my co-workers.
What are your plans for the future?
Jennifer: To continue to grow the business, GreenHow,
Inc., and to increase the number of people reporting
directly and the amount of revenue in the business. And
to continue to develop marketing which allows me to be
creative and contribute to the business at the same time.
Julie: Continue as a tech in the short-term. I may seek
to advance to middle management in a couple of years.
Judith: Continue to work for Watch-All and explore the
sales field eventually.
Janet: I’m not sure but I’d really like to hit the lottery.
Melissa: One day to have my own little pest control
company.
Diedre: I hope to be doing this type of work until my
body says “no more.”
www.NEPMA.org
Phenomenal Woman
by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.
I’m not cute or built to suit a fashion model’s size
But when I start to tell them,
They think I’m telling lies.
I say,
It’s in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips,
The stride of my step,
The curl of my lips.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please,
And to a man,
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees.
Then they swarm around me,
A hive of honey bees.
I say,
It’s the fire in my eyes,
And the flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist,
And the joy in my feet.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me.
They try so much
But they can’t touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can’t see.
I say,
It’s in the arch of my back,
The sun of my smile,
The ride of my breasts,
The grace of my style.
I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.
Now you understand
Just why my head’s not bowed.
I don’t shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud.
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say,
It’s in the click of my heels,
The bend of my hair,
the palm of my hand,
The need of my care,
‘Cause I’m a woman
Phenomenally.
Phenomenal woman,
That’s me.