Employee Spotlight: Phil D

Phil D: Here to protect you from pests!

Phil is a Pest Control technician for Suburban Exterminating who truly enjoys his job.   He knows Suburban as group of “team players who work together.”  Phil is not only thankful to be a Suburban employee, but he is thankful to have met his “his better half”, Barbara, a customer service representative at Suburban!  Phil says “Barbara knows her pest control stuff, too!”

Q: What is your earliest pest memory?

A: My dad was the hero at my house in Huntington Station. He captured a rat!

Q: What is your most surprising pest encounter?

A: At a Glen Head home, a squirrel was running around in an attic. The squirrel kept popping his head up to see me!

Q: What is the pest you secretly love?

A: The rat, because it is very curious

Q: What do you find most fascinating about insects?

A: They are biologically interesting and, this may seem crazy, but I think they are cute.

Q: How do you reassure someone who is frightened of a rodent or insect?

A: I remind them that Suburban is here to take care of the problem, which means no more worrying.  Not only do we offer great services, but Suburban is a great company to work for!

Q: What are your interests outside of work?

A: I like to go surf fishing and spending time with my family.

Phil, your customers are lucky to have such a dedicated employee at their homes!

How Green Pest Control Works

 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is Suburban Exterminating’s green solution. IPM includes inspection, monitoring and prevention, before applying pesticides. In addition, our customers can choose certified green pesticides.  


Suburban Exterminating technicians inspect a person’s home before making treatment decisions. Inspection is the 1st step of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) solutions.   Suburban stops trouble before it happens by  blocking the common entrances pests use to enter, like cracks in foundations, garage doors and broken screens


Suburban technicians are specially trained in applying Green Certified pesticides and all pesticides.  If there is a need for treatment, our technicians know to treat “smart”, using pesticides that reduce the chance of people, kids and pets being exposed.  We are always looking for new technology and methods with constant training and a wide range of problem solving skills. Call (516) or (631) 864-6900 to learn about Suburban Exterminating’s wide variety of green methods of pest control. 


As one of the  first “Green Shield” certified company in New York State. We constantly improve our “green” methods of pest control.  Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is pest control’s green solution. IPM includes inspection, monitoring and prevention, before applying  pesticides.  We have been a member of the Long Island business community for over 50 years, and aim to make this part of New York a safe and inviting one.  Call Suburban if you have any questions about our Green Services, or visit http://www.greenexterminating.com for an in depth description of our green mission for Long Island.

Suburban Exterminating Technicians on the Job

It’s time to show our Technicians some Appreciation!  Suburban Exterminating built a reputation as experts in all phases of pest control on Long Island, in part, based on the feedback we receive from our customers!  Feedback on all levels helps us customize our services to better meet the needs of our clients.


 Employee of the Month for August, Andy K. was praised by a Stony Brook client, saying that he was wonderful, great and “[That] Calling Suburban was the best investment [she] ever made.”   Responses like these make us proud of the work the technicians do.  


Techs come to a customer’s home when they are either scared or angry at the pest infestation and the first impression the technician makes is a reflection of the entire company of Suburban Exterminating.  A St. James customer reported that Dave S. “Explained to me what he was doing every step of the way and made me feel comfortable that the problem was being taken care of.  He was also very courteous to me and my wife.”  Tony A. was complimented for his work at a Holbrook home, being called a “real gentleman”.  Rich S. was complimented by a Muttontown client for doing a wonderful job.  The customer followed up by saying “He is the only one I want coming here.”   Most recently, Rich was written a note by a Huntington customer, complimenting him on his personal service.  She wrote, “…Thank you for so much for always getting back to me quickly and always answering my questions.”


Similar remarks of professional, knowledgeable and thorough techs are common. One of the best ways customers can show their appreciation of Suburban Exterminating’s technicians is voting for us as the best extermination company on Long Island!  Go to http://vote.longislandpress.com/engine/YourSubmission.aspx?contestid=40968 to vote!


Suburban Exterminating technicians go through extensive certification and training.  At a recent training session, the techs and managers gathered to learn new methods of pest control and brush up on their skills. Topics covered were rodent control in the winter months, new bed bug detection devices and mold sampling.  These sessions are a useful way to also comment on any issues or concerns the technicians face out on the road every day. Way to go to all of our technicians for their hard work and dedication!

Suburban Technicians, Trained to be the Best in the Business

On October 31, 2011, a technician training was held for Suburban Technicians, managers and supervisors. This training is held to keep the techs “in the know” of all innovations, safety requirements and to give credits towards their certifications. This month, the focus was pest control issues that arise in the fall and early winter. The techs, managers and supervisors gathered for a day full of informative speakers and material.

The training began with a review of safety instructions and truck inspections. Each technician is the face of Suburban Exterminating and must present himself as a knowledgeable professional. Following this, there were three speakers, addressing various issues and topics. Mike C. spoke for an hour in further detail on safety requirements and truck inspections. Ben N. covered Rodent Control and Servicing Issues. Rodents searching for warm places to nest for the winter are a major issue for customers this time of year. Finally, Billy S. led an important session on CO2, mold sampling, FMC Traps and Plant Bugs. Each technician is required a certain number of credits beyond their initial certification, and these training classes fulfill those requirements.

All training sessions cover customer service, pest identification, and home inspections, making for the most expertly trained pest control technicians on Long Island. Customer satisfaction is the top priority for all Suburban employees. Training sessions are a helpful tool in creating the best possible team. All attendees learned something new in science of pest control.

UPDATE: Pictures of training

Suburban Exterminating Technicians Pass Safety True or False Questions! Can You?

Safety training is an important part of Suburban Exterminating continuing education program. Below are just a few of the safety questions. 

While some of these questions are “easy”, they remind our employees to continue to “Be Safe”.  See if you can answer them correctly.

True or False:  Inspect all power tools and cords prior to use.

True or False:  When carrying any objects, make sure you balance the load properly and watch where you step.

True or False: A ladder should always be placed on a solid base.

True or False: Bend your knees and use your thigh muscles to help lift.

Click here for answers

William Somerville earns ACE Certification

Smithtown, NY. — William Somerville,

Assistant General Manager of  Suburban Exterminating, successfully earned the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) certification from the Entomological Society of America (ESA). Entomology is the study of insects’ identification, life cycles, habits and pest management programs.

The ESA is the largest organization in the world serving the professional and technical needs of entomologists and people in the Pest Control industry. The ACE certification was launched in 2004 and is designed to benefit the practicing Pest Management Professionals. To be eligible to take the ACE exam, candidates must have a current pesticide applicators license, a minimum of seven years of verifiable pest management experience, and a willingness to adhere to the ACE code of ethics.

Somerville has over 11 years experience in pest control – Starting as a technician in the Termite department and moving up through the ranks of technicians and Supervisors. In 2009 he was named Field Manager, supervising all field personnel and in 2010 he assumed the duties of Assistant General Manager.

Somerville joins fellow ACE, Robert Wiemer, General Manager on Suburban’s staff and Technical Director Lynn Frank, BCE who holds the highest entomologist certification given by the Entomological Society, Board Certified Entomologist.

Winning Team

Here are some recent customer testimonials for Suburban Exterminating’s service team. Let other Long Islanders tell you about the best Pest Control company!

Amagansett homeowner Mrs. W complimented our technicians “Joe and John did a great job yesterday!” We’re glad to help Mrs. W!!!

Merrick homeowner Mrs. K says “I would like to express my appreciation for the great work that one of your field specialists, Phil, did today in my home. Having noticed that my mouse problem was not being solved by the traps and bait, he proceeded to clean and vacuum hidden areas of my garage. Phil moved boxes and tools, cleaned up old insulation and vacuumed corners and "passage-ways." He is determined to find how the mice are entering my home and I am sure that he will be successful in solving the problem. I just want to let the company know about the great job he is doing. “

Here's to Rob, one of our technicians - Syosset homeowner Mrs. T says, "what a pleasure it is to have Rob in my home. He is very good and I would like him to come back as much as possible"

Glen Cove homeowner, Mrs. D. said this about our technician- “Rich was very thorough and a professional serviceman.” Mrs. D, thank you for choosing Suburban Exterminating for your pest control needs!

Wantagh homeowner Mr. G complimented our technician: “Rob was great, very thorough and explained everything to him. Rob also made me at ease about the situation at my house.” Whatever the situation, Suburban Exterminating is here to help!

Huntington Mrs. A says: “Joe spent so much time there setting traps and inspecting for entrance points she could not compliment him enough. Nate was such a nice young man – respectful and professional.” Way to go techs Joe & Nate !!!!!

Commack customer Mrs. D called she “wanted to compliment Andrew.” She is “happy with all of the techs. He was great!” Andrew is another outstanding technician at Suburban Exterminating!

Kings Park Mrs. N “I would like to thank your staff – Bob, Rob, Ron for their professional job they did at our house. We will recommend your company to all of our friends”

Education at Suburban Exterminating

Our goal at Suburban Exterminating is for all pest professionals to have advanced credentials.   All technicians receive training classes several times per year. Pictured are new employees who have completed apprentice training.  Training includes customer service, pest identification, home inspections, pest biology & control and many other pest control related topics. These hard working employees are now preparing for the New York State Commercial Certified Technician exam. This certification is issued by the Department of Environmental Conservation.  
  
Good luck to our new technicians for a successful career at Suburban Exterminating!!