A Bayer case study showing Amicus embracing technology as part of an integrated pest control approach.
Technology is currently the missing piece of the puzzle in many integrated pest control approaches, but it can play a fundamental role in improving the efficiency, efficacy and sustainability of professional pest control.
Amicus Environmental Services was established in 2019 by John Tomes and Adam Hillan, the school friends had a vision to put technology at the heart of their pest control firm.
John Tomes, director at Amicus Environmental Services, explains that he and Adam returned to the UK looking for a new business venture after following two very different career paths.
“Following a lot of research, we decided to set up our own pest control business. Our unique selling point was to focus on incorporating technology within an integrated approach to pest control to drive efficiencies. This way we could provide a professional high-quality service that would appeal to commercial businesses,” says John.
He explains that the family-run business prides itself on providing a personal but consistent, high-level service that is effective and affordable.
“Initially we were concerned that there could be some reluctance from pest technicians to adopt technology within the sector, due to a misconception that this would replace jobs. However, what we’ve discovered is that many technicians have found it’s a tool to support them and something that customers are crying out for.
Digital tools allow pest controllers to have their eyes on the prize when it comes to controlling any pest. 24/7 monitoring provides them with a high level of detail, from a distance, meaning site visits can be made as and when required.
“On large sites, it’s not uncommon to see 60-80 control points, of which a pest technician would spend half a day manually checking, but that’s not how they should be spending their time. They’re very talented, highly skilled people and therefore they should be using this to their full advantage,” says John.
How can technology support rodent control?
Amicus Environmental Services were one of the first companies to use Bayer’s rodent focused Digital Pest Management system commercially on-site when it launched last year.
“The rodent Digital Pest Management system is one tool that’s really helped us take pest control to the next level for our customers. It’s an efficient tool that really adds value to our clients, as it allows us to be more efficient, while providing them with greater insight on rodent activity.
“Since using the rodent system, we’ve worked closely with the team at Bayer on proposals and pitches. Taking this joined up approach and working closely with the manufacturers, is brilliant for us. It means you can ask questions about the product, but also discuss what works well and also any areas for improvement,” says John.
“Customers have been very interested in our offering, particularly large commercial businesses, as this technology really helps provide them with traceability and transparency and therefore ticks their compliance boxes.
“One site we’re currently working with is a large shopping centre,” explains John. “They’re very happy with the level of detail this solution is providing them and also how it’s helping them to keep on top of rodents.”
How does it work?
Adam Hillan, director at Amicus Environmental Science says Digital Pest Management allows 24/7 rodent monitoring, providing real-time data and insights which they and their customers can access. It also provides them with a better, more efficient service, making this a cost-effective solution for many.
"The system involves strategically placing sensor traps around a facility, which work by sending a notification to the pest controller within three seconds of a rodent entering the smart trap,” he says.
“The Internet of Things (IoT) traps are similar in appearance to the widely used traditional break back traps, the difference being that the smart technology contained within the traps allows them to connect with the on-site gateways. The gateway acts as the interface to transmit the information to the Bayer cloud software, which in turn sends real-time notifications to users via email and text message,” adds Adam.
This system can provide pest controllers with the ability to monitor facilities, without physically checking each individual trap.
“We totally appreciate that Digital Pest Management is not viable for all rodent control situations. The system was initially developed by Bayer with larger sites in mind, particularly food industry facilities. However, due to the flexibility of the system, many other applications have since been identified such as, shopping centres and retail parks, office complexes, education facilities and healthcare sites.
“The solution works well in any site or facility where access is restricted or difficult. It’s also particularly beneficial on sites where technician safety and lone or remote working is of paramount importance,” says Adam.
He explains that empty premises can also benefit from this technology, providing alerts of a rodent problem to pest controllers or facility managers, without the cost of regular site visits.
“Effective pest control is very important for many commercial businesses. Therefore, as pest technicians it’s important we try new technology which is out there to support us in our role, as it can provide many benefits for us and our customers,” concludes Adam.
Learn more about Bayer's Digital Pest Management
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