Whether it’s hot or cold, wet or dry, Cliff Stephens stresses that bugs don’t have an off-season.
For example, even though the past summer’s weather was abnormally hot and dry, thus limiting the mosquito population, the cracked earth forced the emergence of ground beetles.
“There’s always something to contend with,” said Stephens, owner and proprietor of Stephens Pest Control in Iola.
Stephens and his wife, Kate, have purchased the former Bug Lady & Co. business from his stepmother, Debra Stephens, who is retiring after 18 years of serving the Iola area.
“Bug Lady has developed a reputation as being a dependable exterminator through the years,” Stephens said. “It’s up to us to maintain that reputation.’
Stephens, 32, has worked with his stepmother exclusively since 2007. He brings eight years’ experience in all to the table.
He is licensed to handle structural pest and termite control and is working to acquire his turf license in order to treat pests while outdoors.
Stephens serves a wide radius, with clients from as far away as Hartford and Burlington to Parsons and Oswego.
He works alone for the time being, except the occasions when his wife assists him on some jobs. She, too, is qualified for structural pest control under his license. Kate Stephens also serves as receptionist.
He will continue his monthly services with businesses, schools, hospitals and other public buildings.
His residential services will change, somewhat, going from bimonthly to quarterly treatments.
Much of that, he said, is because of manpower.
“It takes quite a bit of training to work for an exterminator, and you have to have the right employees, the ones people trust,” he said. “Remember, these are people you are letting into your home.”
For that reason, he will be selective in hiring additional workers.
KATE Stephens noted they are willing to work with residents with limited incomes, often the ones most plagued by pests.
