Some of you have asked where in the heck does one find 25 identical blue trucks in the first place? Actually, they’re Ford Rangers that we purchased, painted, and detailed with our signage. We’ve been using Ford Rangers as our official company truck for over 25 years! But guess what? Ford just announced that they’re no longer going to make the Ranger. We were so stunned by this news that we immediately went out and bought the last few brand new Rangers we could find.

But then what happens after all our trucks have run their course? Usually, we buy two to three new trucks a year, driving each truck for six to seven years (that’s about 150,000 miles per truck). Then we sell them to people in the community, replacing the retired trucks with new Ford Rangers. But now there aren’t anymore new Rangers to restock the fleet.

Obviously, we had to make some changes. Being that this is Admiral Pest Control’s 65^th anniversary, we concluded it was the perfect time to go green and lean. After much consideration we decided our new official company transit will be…The Ford Transit. More fuel-efficient than the Ranger, with more protected cargo space and a greater advertising effect, we’re so excited about the Transit that we recently bought two new ones. And instead of painting them we wrapped them in a vinyl covering that both changes the color of the truck AND adds all our custom signage. Our first customized Transit was officially added to our fleet on April 20^th, 2012, and the second one is being prepped for release date in June.

What do you think? Doesn’t it look great?

I know it’s a big change from what the community is used to seeing when one of trucks motors through their neighborhood, but not to worry. We’ll still have those 25 Ford Rangers that we’ll be phasing out over the next 10 to 15 years. As each one goes, we’ll replace it with a new Transit, just like the one you see here.

This is a historic occasion for Admiral Pest Control, because the last time we changed our fleet was over 25 years ago when we switched from the Ford Courier to the Ford Ranger. Since then the Ford Ranger has been a staple of our business, but as with everything there comes a time for change. And because Ford stopped making the Ranger the same year as our 65^th anniversary, we thought switching to the Transit was just one more innovative change we could make to celebrate being one of the longest, continuously-run family businesses around!

Although they primarily nest outside stinging insects are just as happy to take up residence inside your house in places like your walls or attic. And let me tell you, there’s nothing worse than having a swarm of self-centered hornets invading your living space just because they think they can.

That’s the thing about these buzzing bullies, they just won’t take no for an answer. When they feel threatened (which is whenever anyone gets within a few feet of them) they’d just as soon sting you as play leapfrog. And if anyone in your home is allergic to bee stings this can be a potentially life-threatening situation.

The best way to deal with stinging insects is to make your home uninviting as far as they’re concerned. Start your prevention in the early summer using these handy tips:

Identify potential “wasp neighborhoods”

No, I’m not talking about where white, Anglo Saxon, Protestants hang out. But rather pre-treat areas where stinging insects might like to build their nests: under porches and decks, in thick bushes, underneath exposed tree roots, in covered patios, inside the garage, under eaves, or any place where a paper nest might hang nicely.

Seal off all holes and cracks

Inspect the exterior of your house for cracked seals, rodent holes, or even gaps that are created from the natural settling of your home. A wise goal is to plug all unwanted openings by the first day of summer.

Invest in good window and door screens

Open a window and you might as well put up a VACANCY sign for any stinging insects that happen to buzz by. If you like fresh air in your home when the thermometer rises, get yourself some good screens.

Don’t leave food lying around outside

In addition to being gross and tacky it invites a multitude of pests, including all breeds of stinging insects. Unfortunately, they love a good barbecued steak just as much as you do (hornets and wasps are carnivorous!). So after any al fresco dining, be sure to immediately clean up your mess.

Make sure your garbage can lids are tight

This also keeps out rodents, cats, and coyotes, as well that annoying neighborhood dog.

Use diffusers, candles, and plants

Stinging insects are very sensitive to smells and therefore won’t nest where they think it’s stinky. Some say dryer sheets are a deterrent, but rather than hang what looks like tissues all over your home check with your local nursery for which plants, candles, and natural oils ward off anything that buzzes and has a stinger.

Even with all these precautions, you still can end up with a wasp’s nest near your favorite shady spot. If this is the case feel free to call Admiral Pest Control (at 888.739.7771 for L.A. County residents and 866-349-9211 for Orange County residents) to come assess the situation. Procrastination is NOT your friend when it comes to stinging insects. The longer you let them go, the bigger their nest becomes, the more territorial they get, and the harder they are to get rid of. As soon as you see a nest forming please call! We’d be happy to help you nip your stinging insect problem in the buzz, er, uh, I mean bud.

Few companies last longer than a fashion trend, let alone make it to their golden anniversary. Admiral Pest Control is one of those rare family-owned businesses that has been running for 65 consecutive years and is still going strong. How is that possible, you might ask?

“It’s the people who work here,” says Peter Godinez, a 17-year devoted Admiral Pest Control employee. “Even though it’s a family-owned business it’s like a family in and of itself.”

I caught up with Peter to get the inside scoop on what makes Admiral Pest Control tick (pun intended) and to get a little insight on the people who work there.

Seventeen years ago Peter started at Admiral as a pest technician, but it didn’t take long for his bosses to see that he was an asset they wanted to keep. Within two years he was promoted to a supervisory position, and then a couple of years after that he became the manager of the Pest Department. Today he works in the L.A. County office in Bellflower as the branch manager of both the Pest and Termite Departments.

I asked him, what’s the most note-worthy thing about your job?

“It’s definitely the people I get to work with,” he replies. “There’s always something new and interesting in the industry to learn, however I love that we hire different types of people, each bringing in their various backgrounds. But because the working environment at Admiral is so supportive this diverse bunch always successfully comes together as a team.”

Peter would know, since he’s felt that way since day one. “Personally, I can say that the owners of Admiral Pest Control have always treated me like family. And I know others who work here feel the same way. In fact, in the past there have been a few employees who’ve left, but then eventually come back because they soon find out that other companies were not nearly as nice to work for.”

That’s not to say Peter doesn’t have time for his own family. A single dad of a teenage son and daughter, Peter’s free time is devoted to his children. “My main purpose in life now is to get my kids through high school and into college,” he says. “But being teenagers they always have a lot going on. My 14-year daughter sings in the choir, so we go to her concerts. And my 17-year-old son used to play baseball and football, but now he’s focused on his studies in preparation for college. Occasionally my son tries to get the best of me if we play a little basketball together,” Peter lightheartedly adds, “but I try to stay in shape to not let that happen.”

And when Peter has that rare moment to himself?

“I play in a men’s softball league twice a week and participate in tournaments sometimes on weekends.”

With people like Peter working at Admiral Pest Control it’s no wonder the company has lasted well over half a century. Admiral has obviously figured out what often eludes so many other businesses; that being loyal to your employees and customers makes them loyal to you. Don’t believe me? Just ask Peter Godinez. He’s planning on being around for quite a while—at least long enough to help make Admiral Pest Control’s next 65 years equally successful!

Question:

How many friends or family members do you know that has cancer or had cancer?  Would you be willing to donate a dollar or two for each one?

Send a check to Admiral Pest Control but make Payable to the American Cancer Society.

or click here to donate with a credit card. You will be taken to the Relay for Life website.

Thank you for helping us reach our $15,000 goal for the Bellflower Relay for Life this year.