GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — It may yet be some time before we can invite human guests over to our homes due to the government's stay-at-home mandate. But with the warmer weather, uninvited house guests like ants and other pests may be visiting regardless.
Thankfully, pest control businesses like Smitter Pest Control were deemed essential during the pandemic and are open for business.
"Springtime through summer is really busy," owner John Kroval said. "Especially dealing with the carpenter ants and termites."
While the ability to call a pest control business is good news for residential customers looking to rid their homes of the unwanted pests, it's even better news for local supermarkets and medical facilities.
"We do medical facilities ... food plants and grocery stores," Kroval said. "Roaches, mice and rats carry a lot of deadly diseases."
With the closing of many restaurants and bars his company would typically service, Kroval said his business has dropped over 40%, and he's eager to have more work for his staff.
While they've always worn gloves, they are now taking extra precautions by also wearing masks upon request and can do some of the work via smartphone and video chat.
"We ask our customers to have the doors open for us, so we don't touch doorknobs," Kroval said. "Also, we do have a great product ... approved by the EPA that will kill the coronavirus that we use to spray our vehicles and equipment off with."
You can contact Smitter Pest Control, 1650 Division Ave. S, at 616-245-7215.
Do you run or work for a local business that is staying open and is in need of customers? Tell us about it. You can fill out a simple online form, so your business can be considered for a future “We’re Open West Michigan” story.
Don't forget, you can support local restaurants by getting takeout or delivery every Tuesday until West Michigan businesses are back up to full speed. Share photos of your food on social media using the hashtag: #TakeoutTuesday.