Pest Control Sprayer - Spray Tips

Pest control sprayers rely of spray tips for proper application of pesticides.  The correct, well-maintained spray tip in your pest control spray rig gun can contribute to excellent results: both pest control and financial.  The wrong tip, or a worn tip, will have the opposite results.
The spray tip is the main determinate of power sprayer output.  For example, it doesn’t matter if you have a 20 gpm pump and 1” spray hose when the tip is just 1 gpm.
Tip selection determines: output volume, output pattern and droplet size. Each of these factors impacts the quality of the application and the control efforts that you achieve. 

1. Output Volume – usually measured in volume per unit of time (e.g., gallons per minute).  General home pest control sprayer uses lower rates, termite pretreats use higher rates.  Higher output generally suggests faster treatments but higher chemical costs.
2. Output Pattern – The most popular pest control patterns are flat fan tip and cone/stream.   The cone/stream tip allows a more specific targeting of the pesticides.  The flat fan tip generally allows the technician to cover a larger area more quickly.
3. Droplet Size – Mosquito fogging uses very small droplet size to create a fog that hangs in the air.  Smaller droplets can drift to unintended targets: neighbor’s yards, kid’s toys, pet dishes, etc.  Termite pretreats are at the other extreme, using large droplet size so that the water goes and stays exactly where you want it to good.

Two important points about tip selection:

1.  Start with the right tip.  This decision is based upon your application protocol and should be made after considering all the above issues.
2. Replace tips regularly.  We estimate that brass tips wear out at a rate of approximately 10% per year.  This means that every year your tip puts out 10% more chemical.  This is an involuntary increase in your chemical costs.  If the pattern wears out, you may not be putting the chemical wear you intend.  Replacing tips is cheaper than using worn tips.  Plastic tips probably wear out faster; stainless steel tips more slowly.

Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog#ixzz2EVQ3RJ6B

Pest Control Sprayer Filter - Tips to Eliminate Downtime

Pest control sprayers need love too. The best thing you can do to reduce pest sprayer downtime is pay attention to your filter. Would you like to boost productivity, improve service and reduce repair expenses? When it comes to pest industry spray equipment, the single most effective means of achieving these results is proper filtration. Filtration is the removal of suspended foreign material from water. Foreign material can be dirt, sand, rocks, trash or anything else that makes its way into your spray tank, other than the chemical you've added. clean your pest control sprayer filter Filtration is critical to pest management professionals because debris will wreak havoc: damage pumps; clog hoses, guns and tips and starve pumps of water, causing extensive damage. Our service facility estimates that almost 50 percent of sprayer repairs are avoidable if proper filtration design and operation is implemented. While I'm focusing on power sprayers in this column, much of the information also applies to B&G sprayers and Birchmeier backpacks. POWER SPRAYER FILTRATION DESIGN Design includes equipment selection, placement and access. Selection should be based on material being applied, quality of water, technician compliance and the type of pump. Most PMPs can get by with one line strainer between the tank and pump. Note that a line strainer refers to the complete unit, which contains a metal filter. However, the mesh of the filter is important: Too fine, and it will clog quickly; too coarse, and small debris will get through. If your water source is poor, use additional filtration. For example, many termite pretreaters in new home developments rely on water lines filled with debris. For some clients, we've added a line strainer on the hydrant fill line, a filter basket in the tank fillwell and/or two line strainers between the tank and pump. In the last situation, the first filter is coarse and the second is fine — a combination that works well to eliminate most debris. Some pumps require more filtration than others. Roller pumps, for example, are sensitive to debris and require better filtration than diaphragm pumps. It's critical that the filtration device be located for easy technician access. This includes being able to easily reach and check the filter, as well as ensuring the system is plumbed so the filter can be checked without causing a spill. If the tank is bottom-plumbed and the strainer is below the water level in the tank, be sure to install a shut-off valve so the filter can be checked even when the tank is full. Whatever filtration system you and your equipment provider design, try to standardize it across all your vehicles. POWER SPRAYER FILTRATION OPERATION Checking and cleaning the filter is the single most valuable preventative maintenance task you can perform. It's also the easiest. For new equipment, check the filter daily. If there's consistently no debris, consider reducing the frequency. When you determine the appropriate frequency, make it a company policy. Too often is better then too seldom. Reinforce the importance of checking and cleaning the filter. POWER SPRAYER FILTRATION MAINTENANCE Eventually the filter will become too dirty to clean. Replace it. Chemicals will eventually swell the gasket in the line strainer, making it impossible to create an airtight seal and causing the pump to suck air. Replace the gasket. Equip each vehicle with an extra filter and gasket so the technician can perform this repair in the field. If you've standardized your filtration, this is easy. Eventually the line strainer body may crack, causing an air leak. This requires replacement of the entire unit. These steps, if followed, will boost productivity, allow you to provide better service to your customers and reduce repair expenses. Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog#ixzz2Dv04NwzS

Quality Equipment & Spray now offers Telestep Ladders

Phoenix, AZ -- Phoenix spray equipment manufacturer and vendor, Quality Equipment & Spray, announces their new web site www.TelestepLadders.com where they offer a variety of Telestep (Telescopic) Ladders for use wherever a stable, tall, easy-to-transport extension ladder is needed.

 “Many of our current customers work in industries where working on ladders is an integral part of their service. They have been asking for the Telestep ladders because they need a professional grade product. They like the convenience of the telescoping ladders because they fit in a vehicle; no ladder rack required,” explains owner Andrew Greess. “In order to be more of a one-stop-shop to our customers, we have incorporated a complete line of these sturdy ladders in one place. In addition to the ladders themselves, we offer a variety of accessories as well.”

Most ladders can be carried, but TELESTEPS® is portable in the true sense of the word. It weighs only 22 pounds and is compact at just 30 inches. You’ll be able to avoid problems in elevators, stairways, or any tight spaces. No roof racks or vans needed to transport these ladders. Simply store it in the trunk of your car or behind the seat in your truck. Made of strong, aircraft grade aluminum, it is light weight and can be stored almost anywhere. Its easy-to-use one touch release system, makes expanding the ladder simple.

Unlike knockoffs, the manufacturer certifies conformance of Telesteps Ladders to ANSI and OSHA applicable standards. Quality Equipment & Spray is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom pest control spray rigs & weed control power sprayers and other equipment. For more information and a FREE Ladder Safety Report, contact Andrew Greess at 602.371.1993, www.TelestepLadders.com or info@qspray.com.

Quality Equipment & Spray now offers Telestep Ladders

Phoenix spray equipment manufacturer and vendor, Quality Equipment & Spray, announces their new web site www.TelestepLadders.com  where they offer a variety of Telestep (Telescopic) Ladders for use wherever a stable, tall, easy-to-transport extension ladder is needed.                             

“Many of our current customers work in industries where working on ladders is an integral part of their service. They have been asking for the Telestep ladders because they need a professional grade product. They like the convenience of the telescoping ladders because they fit in a vehicle; no ladder rack required,” explains owner Andrew Greess. “In order to be more of a one-stop-shop to our customers, we have incorporated a complete line of these sturdy ladders in one place. In addition to the ladders themselves, we offer a variety of accessories as well.”

Most ladders can be carried, but TELESTEPS^® telescoping ladders are portable in the true sense of the word. It weighs only 22 pounds and is compact at just 30 inches. You’ll be able to avoid problems in elevators, stairways, or any tight spaces.  No roof racks or vans needed to transport these ladders. Simply store it in the trunk of your car or behind the seat in your truck.  Made of strong, aircraft grade aluminum, it is light weight and can be stored almost anywhere. Its easy-to-use one touch release system, makes expanding the ladder simple. Unlike knockoffs, the manufacturer certifies conformance of Telesteps Ladders to ANSI and OSHA applicable standards.

Quality Equipment & Spray is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom pest control spray rigs & weed control power sprayers and other equipment. 

For more information and a FREE Ladder Safety Report, contact Andrew Greess at 602.371.1993, www.TelestepLadders.com  or info@qspray.com.

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Phoenix, AZ -- Phoenix spray equipment manufacturer and vendor, Quality Equipment & Spray, announces their new web site www.TelestepLadders.com  where they offer a variety of Telestep (Telescopic) Ladders for use wherever a stable, tall, easy-to-transport extension ladder is needed.                                                
“Many of our current customers work in industries where working on ladders is an integral part of their service. They have been asking for the Telestep ladders because they need a professional grade product. They like the convenience of the telescoping ladders because they fit in a vehicle; no ladder rack required,” explains owner Andrew Greess. “In order to be more of a one-stop-shop to our customers, we have incorporated a complete line of these sturdy ladders in one place. In addition to the ladders themselves, we offer a variety of accessories as well.”

Most ladders can be carried, but TELESTEPS^® telescoping ladders are portable in the true sense of the word. It weighs only 22 pounds and is compact at just 30 inches. You’ll be able to avoid problems in elevators, stairways, or any tight spaces.  No roof racks or vans needed to transport these ladders. Simply store it in the trunk of your car or behind the seat in your truck.  Made of strong, aircraft grade aluminum, it is light weight and can be stored almost anywhere. Its easy-to-use one touch release system, makes expanding the ladder simple. Unlike knockoffs, the manufacturer certifies conformance of Telesteps Ladders to ANSI and OSHA applicable standards.

Quality Equipment & Spray is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom pest control spray rigs & weed control power sprayers and other equipment.

For more information and a FREE Ladder Safety Report, contact Andrew Greess at 602.371.1993, www.TelestepLadders.com  or info@qspray.com.


Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog/bid/84521/Quality-Equipment-Spray-now-offers-Telestep-Ladders#ixzz2Cct0HyMU

Phoenix, AZ -- Phoenix spray equipment manufacturer and vendor, Quality Equipment & Spray, announces their new web site www.TelestepLadders.com  where they offer a variety of Telestep (Telescopic) Ladders for use wherever a stable, tall, easy-to-transport extension ladder is needed.                                                
“Many of our current customers work in industries where working on ladders is an integral part of their service. They have been asking for the Telestep ladders because they need a professional grade product. They like the convenience of the telescoping ladders because they fit in a vehicle; no ladder rack required,” explains owner Andrew Greess. “In order to be more of a one-stop-shop to our customers, we have incorporated a complete line of these sturdy ladders in one place. In addition to the ladders themselves, we offer a variety of accessories as well.”

Most ladders can be carried, but TELESTEPS^® telescoping ladders are portable in the true sense of the word. It weighs only 22 pounds and is compact at just 30 inches. You’ll be able to avoid problems in elevators, stairways, or any tight spaces.  No roof racks or vans needed to transport these ladders. Simply store it in the trunk of your car or behind the seat in your truck.  Made of strong, aircraft grade aluminum, it is light weight and can be stored almost anywhere. Its easy-to-use one touch release system, makes expanding the ladder simple. Unlike knockoffs, the manufacturer certifies conformance of Telesteps Ladders to ANSI and OSHA applicable standards.

Quality Equipment & Spray is a leading manufacturer of high-quality, custom pest control spray rigs & weed control power sprayers and other equipment.

For more information and a FREE Ladder Safety Report, contact Andrew Greess at 602.371.1993, www.TelestepLadders.com  or info@qspray.com.


Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog/bid/84521/Quality-Equipment-Spray-now-offers-Telestep-Ladders#ixzz2Cct0HyMU

Gator Weed Sprayer - This Damage is Avoidable

Gator Weed Sprayer brought in for service.  We immediately noticed a number of problems with the Gator Sprayer.
You can see one of the problems in this photo.  Spray technician was driving carelessly and continually hitting curbs with the tires. 

The tires on this john deere gator sprayer aren't going to last long if they are treated like this.

I don't view this as a training issue.  This is an attitude issue.  The technician doesn't give a damn about the equipment.  In future posts I will show some of the other issues with this sprayer.

If the tech doesn't care about the tires, he doesn't care about the rest of the equipment.   I don't think it is much of a stretch to say that he doesn't care much about doing a good job either.


Some suggestions:
- Supervisors, managers, owners must periodically inspect equipment to identify issues like this.
- When you find issues like this, use them to train all your technicians.
- If this were my weed control spray company the tech would get exactly 1 more chance to change his ways.  He probably won't and I would probably have to fire him.
- If technicians are responsible for the damage they cause to company equipment, damage WILL decrease significantly.  This saves the company money, downtime, missed appointments, etc.  Ways to hold technicians responsible:  MAKE THEM PAY!  Once the tech buys one tire, he will never again hit the curb.
-  Important note.  If you want to make techs pay for damage, talk to your HR expert about ensuring your company policies are properly set up to make this happen.

Read more: http://www.qspray.com/blog#ixzz2BxUT6j2p

My Electric Power Spray Rig Won’t Pump

Electric Power Spray Rig used for weeds was brought in.  Client reports Shurflo pump won’t spray.  We took the pump apart and decided that was not the problem.                

Photo shows the blue sludge that found at the bottom of the tank, clogging everything.
Some chemicals, in this case herbicides, don’t combine well.  Potential problems: down time, missed appointments, repair expense, over time, wasted gas returning to the job site, etc.

This problem can be easily avoided.  It is critical that you periodically clean out your power sprayer tank to prevent this type of thing from happening. 

Read my post in Spray Equipment Tank Cleanout.

Cox Hose Reels

Cox hose reels are an important part of a pest control sprayer or weed control spray rig.  Like other components, some common sense is required when operating your Cox reel.
One look at these photos will confirm the old adage that common sense is not too common.



The technician was allowing the hose to rub against the vehicle when winding the hose.  2 obvious issues:
1.  Pest control company needs to be inspecting his pest control vehicles.
2.  Pest control tech needs a serious attitude adjustment.
But wait, there's more.....



In this photo, the damage is even worse.  The hose is digging grooves into the pest control vehicle bed liner.  If this is what is happening the hard plastic liner, what's happnening to the hose?  Can you say "chemical spill"?