Residential Customers More Aware of Green Products/Services, Poll Finds

CLEVELAND – There was a time when green pest control products were used mostly by a small segment of PCOs, and oftentimes times they were by customer request. Hence, awareness of these products was low. But as these products have gained greater acceptance among PCOs (and customers), awareness is on the rise. In fact, results from PCT’s recent reader poll found that 55 percent of PCOs said residential customers are more aware of green pest control products/services today than five years ago.

Twenty-eight percent of respondents said residential customers are equally aware of green/products, while 15 percent said they were less aware.

“I think homeowners are more aware just because people do so much research these days,” Stephen Wheeler, Pest Pro, Cookeville, Tenn., told PCT.

The amount of green/natural products Pest Pro uses today, Wheeler said, is “about the same” as it was five years ago.  Wheeler said he does not have many customers who request green/natural products, but he will use them when appropriate. For example, Wheeler will use green aerosol products indoors.

Jack Starry, retired pest control professional and host of Tales from the Crawlspace podcast, wrote on PCT’s LinkedIn page: I think they’re more aware, but I think they aren’t as educated about them as they think they are. Green doesn’t necessarily mean safe. “Green” pesticides are still engineered to eliminate pests, yet many homeowners believe they are completely safe to be around. I think PCOs need to do a better job of educating their customers.

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