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Pest Control Spray Rigs - Do it Yourself Works, Sometimes

When it comes to pest control sprayers, some of our clients are skilled enough to buy the components from us and do the assembly themselves. We are happy to do this. It saves the client money and allows us to make a little money.

Like anything else however, it is critical to know one's limitations.

This photo shows a pest control spray rig that was assembled by the client. The client purchased the heavy duty steel reel lift from us. This component makes it easy to reach the hose reel to wind up the hose. The client not only improperly installed the lift (no washers under the bed), didn't paint the lift (rust) and ignored the problem. When the weight of the reel started bending the truck bed, he should have noticed and taken action (or asked for help).

Eventually the bolts pulled through the bed. (See photo). The client only came to us for help when his green garde spray gun fell through the hole and was destroyed. He came to us for a new gun (not to fix the real problem).

When it comes to pest control equipment:

1. know your limitations
2. don't ignore problems.
3. ask for help.

Pest Control Professionals:  More B&G tips to reduce downtime & extend equipment life http://bit.ly/LcOg73

B&G Pest Control Sprayers

B&G Pest Control Sprayers, here is my advice:
-          Clean it out
-          Don’t overpressurize it
-          Release the pressure after each stop
-          Keep it well lubricated
-          Perform preventative maintenance.

These are still good ideas.  Unfortunately we see lots of damage to B&G from negligence.   Here are some key points:

1. B&G Sprayer wand is NOT a crowbar.  Don’t use it to open gates, cabinet doors, etc.  
2. Store your B&G Sprayer securely in your vehicle.  Just because it’s in the truck, doesn’t mean it’s secure.  Lots of damage occurs from B&G Sprayers rolling around the back of the vehicle.
3. Don’t clean the tip with your knife, a nail, a pin, etc. These will damage the tip and pattern and cost you more in chemical usage.   Use an old toothbrush and gentle soap.  If you can’t clean it out this way, get a new tip.
4. Don’t expose the sprayer to freezing temperatures. 
5. If you are the boss, inspect your tech’s B&G’s to make sure they are complying with your maintenance guidelines.
6. Keep spare parts readily available so you don’t have expensive downtime because of a $3 part.
7. Your B&G spray tip wears out.  Every year it puts out about 10% more chemical then the year before.  A new tip is cheaper than 10% more chemical. Replace tips annually.  If you don't use all of the 4 options on the B&G 4-way tip, you can replace it with a much cheaper Spraying Systems tip.

Pest Control / Weed Control Pros- law says you must use PPE when handling chemicals. Exceptions?  Be safe. Read post http://bit.ly/Ldvpqx

Pest Control Sprayers - PPE Required

When using pest control spray equipment or weed control sprayers to apply chemicals, the law says you must use personal protective equipment. I believe most spray techs use PPE when spraying.

The issue I see is all the other time. Anytime you are in contact with your sprayer equipment, you should be using PPE. I don't think this is what is actually happening out there.

Some examples:

1. Spray Tech brings his leaking gun into our shop for repairs. He is NOT wearing PPE.
2. Spray Tech shows us a leak in his spray hose. While unwinding the hose to find the leak, he is NOT wearing PPE.
3. Spray tech needs a replacement part. He does not know the name of the part so he sends us this photo. He is NOT wearing PPE.                

Everyone we talk to says they use PPE all the time.  Our own eyes tell us that is not the case.

Pest control & weed control technicians - you only have 1 body and 1 life.  Don't risk it.  Use your PPE anytime you are touching your power spray equipment.

Termite Professionals - We now offer termite drill bits - available at www.TermiteCentral.com

Termite Professionals - We now offer termite drill bits - available at www.TermiteCentral.com

Weed Control Sprayers - Sometimes We Pass!

I used to chase every job. I have finally learned my lesson that some work is not worth having. We were recently asked to quote a weed control sprayer.  Because the specs were not tight, I wrote the prospect declining to quote.  I thought he would be pissed.  He was not.  Here is the communication (names and product names changed or deleted):

Joe,
Thank you for including us on your bid list for the Weed Control Spray trailer.
 The specs provided are not sufficient to ensure the sprayer purchased will do what the client expects.
For example:
-        What type of herbicides, liquid or granular?  Granular products are tough on pumps and would suggest a more expensive pump.
-        Is agitation required?  With granular products, agitation is probably is required.
-        Not specifying the pump on a project like this is not a good idea, especially if you are not a pump expert.  The wrong pump will cause problems for client and you.
-        Is trailer for on road or off road?
-        Any specs on the trailer?  There are good trailers and cheap trailers.  Example: we use 6” rectangular tube steel on many of our trailers to make them virtually indestructible.
-         (Brand Name) Spray Head.  There are multiple options available per their website.
o   Which option?
o   Which tip pattern?
o   Does the client want to be able to spray on both sides of the trailer?
o   How will the (brand name) sprayer be controlled?  It appears they have a control box option.  Is this what the client wants?
o    Does the client expect the (brand name) control wiring to be run through the trailer wire harness?  If so, the flat 4 may not be the way to go.
§  The downside of wiring through the trailer harness is that it can be difficult to wire the trailer without having the tractor present.
§  Also, will multiple tractors be pulling this trailer, if so, there are wiring issues that must be considered.

Joe, I am not trying to be difficult.   I have been doing this long enough and we are busy enough that I have to spend my time on projects that I know we can be successful on.  We have no desire to get paid for a sprayer the client is unhappy with (please google Andrew Greess or Quality Equipment & Spray to check our reputation).
I am happy to discuss this with you Tuesday in more detail.  With the current specs and the May 30 deadline we will have to pass.   I hope you will consider Quality Equipment & Spray for future sprayer projects.

Thanks.
Andrew Greess, etc.


Here is the surprising response I received:
Thank you, Andrew, for your thoughtful response and questions.  You are exactly right that it is much better for all concerned to zero in on the correct usage and requirements rather than building the easiest and cheapest possible.
I will contact the client and seek out the answers and get back with you as soon as I can.   As you can probably determine, the customer did not have a spec, but I wrote the spec up based on a discussion with the client.
What they wanted, was a replacement for a XYZ spray trailer with 200 gal. tank.  The XYZ sprayer had a model number of ABC123 which indicated a government spec., but I could not find any info on that on the internet.   
I will get back as soon as I  have the information.     Thank you.   Joe Smith