How long have you been in business?

We are in our 10th year of business

What do you love most about what you do?

The thing I love most about this job and this industry is that we are able to help people live better lives by providing a more comfortable and enjoyable home without pests, keep their business free of pests so their clients are happy, and we help stop diseases from spreading by eradicating pests. Many people have fears and phobias of pests, and it feels good to be able to provide them peace. Through our termite control, we’re also protecting people's biggest investment - their home.

What’s a piece of advice you tell to your clients or customers that will save them time, money, or both?

We focus on Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which is something homeowners and businesses alike can participate in. Through this practice, it will also reduce pesticide usage and pest-entry. Trimming trees away from the roof line, installing door sweeps to doors with gaps at the bottom, fixing damaged or old vent screens, sealing gaps around plumbing, picking up fruit that falls from the trees, good lids on trash cans, getting rid of clutter around the structure and having good screens on doors and windows are all great ways to reduce pest activity and exclude pests from entering your home or business. 

Tell us about a moment when you knew you chose the right career.

I often think of this when I am around my team members and when I meet other people in the industry. There is never a boring day in this field, so we all have stories to share when we get together. It’s not uncommon for me to talk to my competitors, share tools and tips, eat lunch together or hang out at different seminars. I feel very lucky to be surrounded by good people. I am very thankful to the many customers we meet and share time with. We have many customers who have been with us since the beginning and we’ve seen their families and lives change. It’s special to be part of that. I love when I’m driving in the neighborhood and I hear kids yelling “Doug’s Bugs!!” and point at my truck. It feels good knowing we are helping people in the neighborhood. 

Which part of your job will AI never be able to do?

I welcome Ai into the industry if it helps our customers or team members.  We are knowledgeable professionals with a specialized skill that cannot be easily duplicated. We offer in-person services that require detailed inspections, experience and application that artificial intelligence can’t duplicate. We’ll be protecting homes, businesses, families and the environment for the foreseeable future!

PART 2: OFFICE VIBES

What makes your work environment somewhere you enjoy being?

We are a small company so all of the team fits into a small room at the office when we have meetings. We all have different backgrounds and hobbies, so I enjoy listening to the stories that each person shares and I like getting to know our team better on a more personal level. We are a business that works year-round, so it’s nice when we can take time to hang out.

What’s your favorite object or item in your workspace — and what’s the story behind it?

Have you ever seen an ant farm? How about a termite farm!? When I was a kid, I had an ant farm in my room that I enjoyed watching and caring for. I found it so fascinating to watch them work and care for their colony as one. Fast forward all these years later, I now have a termite farm. While different from ants, it’s similar that I care for them and watch them work and grow their colony - from eggs, workers, adults and swarmers, it’s really interesting. It’s not a common species of termite here in San Diego, so it’s cool to see something different. They’re basically secured in a plastic frame with a large piece of wood inside. I give them water and be sure they don’t freeze or get too hot, and they do the rest. They’re about four years old now.

What’s your go-to music while you work?

I love all types of music when I am working and I also listen to a lot of podcasts. From rock to rap, country to jazz. I will even listen to music in other languages to keep it fresh. I mostly listen to business and comedy podcasts. We drive a lot and often work alone, so we have a lot of time to listen to music and podcasts. This is one of my favorite parts of the job.

 PART 3: LOCAL FLAVOR

What’s your favorite local spot for a client lunch?

One of my favorite spots for a client lunch is “The Joint” in OB. The service and food are great and it’s easy to have a conversation. It’s good for a quick bite or indulging and sharing various sushi rolls. A good happy hour, too!

Where’s your go-to spot in Point Loma when you need to think, recharge, or celebrate?

Cabrillo National Monument is my go-to when I need some peace or time to reflect and think. I love the views, the natural beauty and the ocean breeze. I can get in a short hike or walk and soak it all in. I find great value in the annual pass, so I can enjoy this special place regularly.

PART 4: FUNNY BUSINESS

What did you want to be when you grew up — and if it’s not what you do now, why did you give up on that?

When I was young, I was heavily into sports including baseball, soccer and football. My dream was to play baseball for the Chicago Cubs and have 11 kids!! After high school, I became more dedicated to martial arts and focused my energy and time into various aspects of that. I don’t have kids yet, but I would be ok with one or two instead of 11!

What’s a fun or interesting skill or talent you have outside of work?

When I was a teenager, I fell in love with martial arts and boxing. After high school, I started training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. I stopped playing other sports and focused on martial arts. When I was 20 years old, I had my first professional mixed martial arts fight. I achieved a goal of mine and spent several years pursuing that career. I even got a full scholarship to a sports-focused college. I stopped competing in 2010 and that’s when I got into pest control and decided to take the fight to the bugs instead. 

(Self-written question)

What’s a local business that you think others should check out?

Legacy Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is family-owned and newly established in Point Loma right by Point Loma High School. I have been to many different martial arts gyms over the years, and I can tell you that this gym is creating something special in the community. They embrace the family atmosphere where everyone is welcome and equal, they take pride in supporting the community and its members and the instruction and classes are top-notch. It’s great seeing the kids build confidence, learn a skill and make friends. It’s inspiring to see adults of all ages and skill levels dedicate their time and effort into making each other better and healthier.  

(Self-written question)

What else are you passionate about?

I have always had a soft-spot for animals. I was volunteering at a cat shelter in Point Loma (through Petsmart) until it recently closed. Through that, I became a “foster failure” and adopted a four year old Russian Blue cat. In the past, I’ve had dogs, cats, fish, scorpions, ant and termite farms. I would carry dog and cat food around in my car and feed strays when I’d see them, including taking trips to Tijuana, Mexico to feed the animals. If I ever won the lottery, I’d open animal shelters around the world to help animals in need.

What’s a TV show or movie that accurately or inaccurately portrays your profession and why? 

Arachnophobia does NOT accurately portray us or our industry, but it’s pretty entertaining! 

Do you have a furry office assistant or workplace mascot?

When I started this business, I had a certified bed bug detection dog named Hunter. I adopted him when he was just under one year old, and sent him to school with other canines who would be trained in their specialized scent detection - humans, money, drugs, bombs - or bed bugs! He was a beagle with a high food drive, and he loved a good game of “find your bugs”! I was also certified as a handler, so we were quite the bed bug detection team. Unfortunately, he’s since passed, but he made a great team member and family member.