By Ethan Ready

De-contaminating COVID

Local pest control business puts best foot forward in fight against COVID-19

Apr 26, 2020 | 12:21 PM

PRINCE GEORGE – In a world where fear has compounded the re-opening of restaurants, businesses and schools, a local company has come up with a solution to reduce anxiety.

First Defence Pest Control has started to use industry fogging technology combined with Hospital grade Virucide and Disinfectant, implementing a program for homeowners and businesses that will allow them to protect themselves and workers from any lingering Covid-19 contamination.

“People are worried about going back into work or sending their kids to schools that have not been properly cleaned,” said Gerald Manson, founder of First Defence Pest Control. “We believe that we have a cost-effective all-encompassing solution that will allow customers, parents and employees peace of mind when re-entering spaces that have been closed as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown”

While similar antibacterial Fogging Technology has been used for years in larger communities to ensure the safety of people, Manson believes that this is the first time this has been brought to Northern BC.

The hospital-grade disinfectant is fogged into rooms, disinfecting all surfaces including the air in a matter of minutes and leaves a lasting barrier against viruses and bacteria.

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The disinfectant has been proven safe for use in homes, vehicles and businesses and is approved by the EPA in the United States.

Manson said while offering this service does increase operating costs for the business, he is a stern believer in the concept of community and supporting each other at a time such as this.

“First Defence was created because of that, actually. I was in the pest control business for 30 years working for some really large companies, and the community aspect of it wasn’t there. So when I created First Defence, that was the whole idea behind it; a small local company, hiring local people, shopping in Prince George, doing as much business in Prince George because they’re helping me.”

He adds that the cost of supplies needed for the de-contamination of the coronavirus service is what customers would be paying as well.

“It’s not a money-maker for the company. It’s a service to the community, it’s a service to the people.”

The fogging isn’t a one-and-done service according to Manson, suggesting that it works best when it’s done as a program service.