Bugs, beware!

Ants, spiders, fleas, bed bugs and roaches. These are some of the insects that are pesky or can send shivers down people’s spines.

But, Gary Palmer is unfazed by the creepy crawlers as he makes his way through attics, crawl spaces and basements working as a pest control operator with Son Equity.

“You get used to it. ... After 15 years, you just take it in stride,” he said.

Palmer does general sprays for “occasional invaders” such as spiders; species-specific sprays for pests such as ants and roaches; and baits for rodents such as mice. He typically completes eight jobs a day.

Palmer said other insects he crosses include box elder beetles and hackberry psyllids that infest the trees and poisonous brown recluse spiders.

People typically want general sprays in the spring and fall. Others want more frequent visits from Palmer.

“Some people say they just don’t want to see any bugs,” he said.

On a recent general spray, Palmer applied a liquid insecticide around door frames, light fixtures and windows. Then, he took a larger hose connected to a tank in the back of his pickup truck and circled the home again, spraying the foundation, gardens, under decks and around a swimming pool.

“It kills out a barrier around the house, and it takes them a while to rebuild,” Palmer said of the bugs.

Ants and bed bugs are among the insects most difficult to control, Palmer said. He had a hard time recalling the worst infestation of any bug he’s come across.

“Every time I think I’ve seen the worse I can see, I’ll be surprised again,” he said.

The pest control industry has come a long way since Palmer started in the business, he said. The treatments have become more environmentally friendly and are without strong odors.

The bugspert said he’s noticed changes in clients, too. Palmer said before he arrives, some people will often identify what bugs have invaded their homes.

“Most of my clients are pretty well educated today by the Internet,” he said.

Palmer’s wife saw an advertisement for the position. Palmer, who is also a pastor at Mount Olive Baptist Church in Florence, thought it was a good way to make a living.

“It’s a good company, and I’ve enjoyed working for (owner) Ron (Jobe),” he said.

Palmer described himself as a “people person,” and said he enjoys interacting with clients.

“Many of them I’ve known for years now,” he said. “They treat me like I’m part of the family.”

Gary Noland, of Sedalia, shares the same affection for Palmer.

“He’s taken good care of us for many years,” Noland said.

snail@sedaliademocrat.com