After working as a customer service representative, writing about and advertising for a popular Calgary-based pest control company, the main thing I’ve learned over the last four years is how incredibly hard pest control technicians work!
These guys (and gals) are on the road for long hours every day, climbing on and off of roofs and squeezing themselves into tiny attic crawlspaces.
And if you’re here, you’re probably looking for a good birthday, Christmas, Father’s Day or Mother’s Day gift that the IPM professional in your life will get a lot of daily use out of.
So, here are a few good tools and accessories to get you started in no particular order.
This post contains affiliate links. While we only recommend products we would use ourselves, we may earn a small commission on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
So, if you do end up buying something, thanks!
TOP 10 GIFTS FOR IPM PROFESSIONALS
1. A High-Output Rechargeable Flashlight
Flashlights are one of those tools pest control technicians use on every job, and a quality one can make all the difference in the world.
Popular options include the Streamlight Stinger or a sturdy headlamp to light up those tight crawlspaces.
2. An Extendable Mirror
If you’re looking for a cheap and straightforward stocking stuffer or a side gift, extendable dental mirrors like this can be a MIRACLE for checking those awkward spaces.
However, it’s a pretty popular lifehack, so you might want to check and see if your tech has one already.
3. Chemical Safe Water-Proof Workboots
Pest control technicians are on their feet every day.
A pair of comfortable, quality waterproof work boots can be an excellent ‘big’ Christmas or birthday gift. And, if they’re suitable for working with chemicals (preferably not leather), your technician friend will be able to get a LOT of use out of them.
4. A large Insulated Water Bottle or Coffee Mug
A day in the life of a pest control technician is lengthy and labour-intensive.
And the summer months are even worse. You have two to three times as many jobs as usual, you’re on the road all day, and it’s usually sweltering.
Something as simple as an insulated stainless steel water bottle to keep your drinks cold can feel like a luxury.
Likewise, an insulated coffee mug or a pack of hand warmers can be a godsend in the winter months.
5. A Good Tool Belt or a Handy Multi-Tool
At any time, a hammer, a screwdriver or a good multi-tool might be the perfect thing to access a hard-to-reach area that needs servicing.
And you usually don’t know you’ll need an ‘extra’ tool like that until you’re in a situation where you don’t have it.
So, if they’re already building a collection, it may be time to splurge on a good tool belt or a rolling tool bag that will save your pest control technician a lot of trips back to the truck.
6. Better PPE Equipment
All pest control companies provide safety equipment, but most don’t have the resources to offer every technician brand-new PPE.
And, you’re usually sharing with other technicians who do 15-20 jobs a day each.
This can lead to those minor inconveniences and frustrations when you get the B&G tank that keeps sticking or the itchy work gloves.
So, a new set of kneepads, a pressurized B&G tank topper or a personal respirator mask are all lovely things to get as a present.
Nobody likes spending money on work equipment.
7. A Sturdy Two-Step Ladder
Ladders are one of those things you end up kicking yourself for forgetting when you find yourself on a job where you need one.
But they take up so much space in the truck, and most pest control companies only have 3-5 to share between multiple technicians.
Enter the two-step ladder.
Short, foldable aluminum ladders are easier to fit in a work truck, allow you to reach those high awkward areas, and if it’s a personal purchase (or a present), you don’t need to share it with anybody.
You could even go for a lightweight four-step ladder.
8. Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
Aside from interacting with clients, technicians spend a lot of time alone or on the phone.
So, a good pair of wireless Bluetooth headphones they can use to listen to a podcast or music can be a great way to break up a long workday.
And in-ear headphones make it much easier to hear calls while driving through spotty areas.
Bonus points if they are easy to recharge while driving.
9. A Sturdy GPS or Phone Car Mount
Pest control technicians are on the road every day, often driving from one end of their assigned area to the other.
Sometimes there are repeat addresses and neighbourhoods they know well, but most of the time, they rely on GPS or Google Maps to find a new address.
So, if you know what kind of device they are using to access these services (Ipad, Samsung Smart Phone etc.), you might be able to hook them up with a sturdy car mount.
It’s a small thing.
But not having your phone sliding around on your dashboard or shoved into a cup holder can be one less thing to worry about during the day.
10. Gift Cards for a Quick Pick Me Up
Unless you’re an excellent meal prepper, it can be tough to remember to pack yourself healthy, nutritious lunches every day on a technician’s work schedule.
There are also not enough hours to sit down at a restaurant for a big lunch.
So, if there is a drive-through or a gas station chain they pass by a lot for work, a gift card with enough money to buy a quick pick-me-up could be a lifesaver on a day they forget to pack a good lunch.
MORE ON FINDING THE PERFECT GIFT
As with any stressful, high-intensity job, the things your friend, partner or parent might need or want won’t necessarily be related to their job.
Quality time, something to encourage a hobby they are passionate about or just listening to the things they say are a great way to find the perfect gift.
But if you’re really stuck, you could always send them a link to a list like this and see if anything stands out to them.
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