Certified Sentricon Specialist^™ Mark Galeazzi says his formula for success with commercial properties is a result of excellent service, a superior product and unwavering perseverance. That winning combination has helped Western Pest Services secure Washington Pond, a 14-unit private condominium complex, as a premier commercial termite account.

Galeazzi, the company’s service supervisor, says keeping the communication lines open has been critical, as the business had to be earned in stages.

Western’s involvement began in 2004 when its Paramus, N.J., branch was awarded the contract to install the Sentricon^® System around just a single unit. Galeazzi says the condo structures all were built on concrete slabs that contained air ducts, which made them ideal candidates for Sentricon.

“If the building managers wanted a liquid treatment, they would have had to disconnect the hot air ducts and resort to an alternate form of heating,” he says. “That would have become extremely costly and time-consuming on their part.”

The termites attacking the unit were quickly eliminated with Sentricon, so Galeazzi began his campaign to win the entire 35,000-linear-foot complex — no simple task as he faced multiple decision-makers and budgets that fluctuated from year to year. In addition, some units were already under contract with another pest control company, even though building managers continued to face termite problems.

“Each building has its own manager,” Galeazzi says, “and it was up to each manager to decide how to treat the problem in their building while doing what was right for the residents.”

Three years after Western Pest Services had eliminated termites from the first unit, all 14 building managers met with the company to discuss servicing the entire complex with the Sentricon System. Galeazzi’s goal was not yet accomplished, however, as the Washington Pond managers could not come to an agreement over the budget decision.

In 2009, Western Pest Services received a call from Washington Pond — the managers were ready to schedule installation of the Sentricon System for the entire complex. Unused snow removal funds helped pay for the installation, which took place in May 2009. Approximately 350 Sentricon^® stations were installed around the 13 additional buildings. Termites had been swarming in six buildings, and Western technicians installed Recruit^® AG termite bait inside buildings where termite activity was identified.

“The units that were installed with Recruit AG termite bait saw colony elimination by the fall,” Galeazzi says. Termite activity also was noted in some Sentricon stations. Bait was placed in those stations, and the termites were eliminated.

Having a knowledgeable representative from Dow AgroSciences on-site during the installation was a plus, Galeazzi says.

“Our sales rep, J.R. Lofton, assisted us throughout the entire installation,” he says. “He brought experience from a wide variety of jobs and situations to help with the Washington Pond job.”

Western Pest Services continues to monitor Washington Pond, and all 14 buildings remain termite-free.

In the end, Western Pest Services provided great service to a highly satisfied customer.

“The Washington Pond installation was a team effort,” Galeazzi says. “Thanks to everyone involved, this job was a huge success.”

Western Pest Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rollins Inc., has been providing termite and pest control solutions to New Jersey homes and businesses since 1928.