Akita’s campaign is in full bloom

Our company, Akita Pest Control, has long taken pride in using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to our residential and commercial accounts, using the lowest-risk materials whenever possible to solve pest problems. We see it as our company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

From left are Akita’s wildflower seed handout and packet, and the laminated wildflower resource page for its technicians. PHOTO: AKITA PEST CONTROL

That responsibility also extends to protecting bee pollinators. We believe it’s possible to protect homes from pests without harming beneficial insects like bees. We train our team to apply treatments responsibly, and we’re proud to promote awareness of how everyone — from pest management professionals to homeowners — can help support pollinator health. In fact, our founder and president, Bobby Leon, created a laminated page of flowering plant photos that every one of our techs carry in their trucks. It’s a reference guide for them, so if they see one of these plants at an account, they know pollinators are likely to visit. They know they need to consider drift and review product labels before treating.

This season, Leon took us to the next level for marketing and education. Our new “Save the Bees” campaign involves giving away free native wildflower seed packets to customers on visits, to potential customers at community events and to anyone who requests them online at our website while our supplies last. We started with 1,000 packets in May, and based on the positive response, ordered another 1,000 packets in June.

Stuffing Akita’s wildflower seed packets are, from left, Manny Mendez, inspector; Matt Leon, director of operations; and the author. PHOTO: AKITA PEST CONTROL

Each packet is branded with our company logo and includes a flyer explaining the importance of pollinators, the threats they face, and practical tips such as:

• Plant native wildflowers that support pollinators.
• Avoid pesticide use near blooming plants.
• Provide fresh water sources for bees.
• Leave small patches of bare soil for ground-nesting bees.

So far, it has been a fun and different way to connect with our customers and soon-to-be customers. We have nearly two dozen technicians, all of whom embraced the idea. We are fortunate because everyone on our team views their work not just as a job but as a career, a profession and a lifestyle. They are empathetic for pollinators, too, which aligns with our company’s core values and commitment to sustainable pest management.

<p>The post Akita’s campaign is in full bloom first appeared on Pest Management Professional.</p>

from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/akitas-campaign-is-in-full-bloom/
Sacramento CA