Quick Tip: How to Inspire Employees in Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

Successful pest management relies on a partnership between the pest management company and the commercial facility – including that of its workers. While you have likely trained your staff on their role in pest control, you may not have educated them. The difference? In general, training focuses on the “what” or “how”; education addresses the “why.” 
For example:

• Training says: Keep doors closed when not in use.
  Education adds: When doors are left open, flies and other pests can enter and will be attracted to food, where they can spread bacteria and make customers sick.
• Training says: Record any pest sightings in the logbook.
  Education adds: A single cockroach or mouse can mean there are more in hiding. If a customer were to see one, they would likely leave immediately – and tell their friends and colleagues.
• Further education states: If any of these occur, it can impact our business due to the foodborne illnesses and health risks that pests bring – potentially putting you and our customers at risk.

The child who is told to not touch the stove “because it is hot and can burn your hand” is more likely to obey (even when Mom is not around) than the child who is told “because I said so.” In the same way, adults who are told why directives are important are more inspired to follow them – even when unsupervised.