How COVID Changed Our Business: Five Years On

It’s hard to believe that five years have passed since the pandemic first changed the way we live and work. At GippsPest, we had to navigate lockdowns, adapt to restrictions, and rethink how we operate. But beyond the immediate challenges, COVID has had a lasting impact on our business and the way we service our clients today.

🏡 Population Growth & The Impact on Pest Control 🐜🐀

One of the most noticeable changes has been the population shift. Many people moved away from cities to country areas after lockdowns, seeking more space and a different lifestyle. With this influx of new residents, we’ve seen a significant increase in clientele and a growing demand for pest control services.
At the same time, rapid urban development has reshaped many regional areas. As new housing estates are built and expand, land that was once home to ants, spiders, rodents, and other pests is being disturbed. This displacement has led to an increase in pests seeking shelter in and around homes, making pest management more important than ever.

💻 The Rise of Work from Home & Its Impact on Service 🏠

Another long-term change is the rise of working from home. This shift has had a unique impact on pest control, it has made it easier for clients to schedule treatments, as someone is often home to provide access. However, it has also required us to be more mindful of working around home offices and ensuring that treatments are carried out safely and efficiently while people are inside.

Adapting to a New Normal 🔄

As stated above, with more people moving to regional areas combined with the increase in people working from home and pest population on the rise, pest activity in and around your home or business has become more noticeable than ever.
We recognise that for many people, pests are unwelcome in homes and businesses, yet the reality is they are a natural part of the ecosystem. At GippsPest, we also understand that people experience fear and discomfort towards pest, so our goal is to create a balanced approach—reducing populations of pests while keeping you and your family safe.

To help our clients, we share prevention tips across our blog and social media.
These tips focus on making your home less inviting to pests and include:
🫙 Keep food covered: Store all food, including pet food, in sealed containers, preferably glass or metal, to prevent attracting pests.
🧹 Regularly clean and reduce clutter: Wipe down surfaces, vacuum floors, and empty bins frequently. Keeping your home, garage, and shed clean and clutter-free minimizes hiding spots for pests.
🌿 Maintain a tidy garden: Trim back trees and shrubs around your home, and clear away excess leaf matter to reduce potential nesting areas for pests.
🚪 Proof entry points: Seal gaps around doors, windows, and piping using caulk or steel wool. However, keep in mind that some pests can still squeeze through tiny gaps needed for ventilation or structural integrity.

Even with your best efforts, pests can still find their way in, they are simply looking for shelter away from the elements. Because of this, treatment is recommended when you have an active pest population or want to take preventative action.
🛒 Our shop, Squish’Em Pest Supplies, offers DIY solutions for those who want to take pest management into their own hands.
🔧 Need professional help? We are always here to provide expert treatments for ants, spiders, rodents, and more for your home and business.

A Heartfelt Thank You ❤️
We also want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to both our long-time clients and those who have recently joined us. Your support throughout this transitional period has been invaluable. We are always learning, growing, and improving as a company, and your feedback plays a crucial role in that journey.

As we move forward, we remain committed to delivering effective, professional pest control services, adapting to the ever-changing environment, and providing the best solutions for your homes and businesses.

If you have any questions, want to book a service, or purchase DIY solutions, feel free to reach out. We’re here to help!