If you've seen Roland around your property, there's a good reason. Roland is the pest control contractor HOPE uses to regularly check our properties and help keep ants, spiders, roaches, rodents and other unwanted visitors from making themselves at home.
And according to Roland, keeping pests away isn't just about what happens when he arrives. There are simple things we can all do to help.
A Few Tips from Roland
According to Roland, keeping pests away isn't just about what happens when he arrives. There are simple things we can all do to help:
See something? Say something. Even one ant, roach, fly or other pest can be a sign that others are nearby. Reporting it early can help keep a small problem from becoming a bigger one.
Give your floors some attention. Regularly sweep and vacuum, including corners. Keeping floors clean makes them less inviting to pests and also makes it easier for Roland to spot signs of a problem.
Wipe up spills. Food isn't the only thing pests are looking for. During hot weather, ants may be searching for water, so clean up spills and moisture when you see them.
Keep food off the floor. Put food away and toss empty food containers directly into the trash rather than leaving them on the floor.
Keep doors closed when you can. An open door can be an easy way inside for rodents and other unwanted visitors.
Move recycling away from your door. If possible, keep cans, bottles and other recyclables farther away from the entrance to your home.
Rinse your fruit. Sometimes pests hitch a ride home from the store. Washing fruit when you bring it home can help prevent fruit flies and other tiny unwanted guests.
Small habits can make a big difference. As Roland puts it, pest control and keeping your home clean go hand in hand.
What to Expect When Roland Visits
Roland has been working in pest control since 2007 and has been taking care of HOPE properties since 2022. Some properties receive regular monthly visits, and Roland also responds when a specific pest problem comes up.
When Roland arrives, he'll introduce himself and ask if there's anything bothering you. In fact, residents who have met him before may recognize his usual question:
“Is there anything flying, crawling or slithering that you're not happy with?”
That's your chance to tell him what you've noticed. Even something that seems small can give him a clue about what may be getting inside and where it's coming from.
If Roland comes into your home, you can expect to see him wearing shoe covers and gloves, and sometimes a mask. He'll usually take a look around the kitchen and bathroom, under sinks, inside cabinets and around doors and windows. He may also check behind the washer and dryer or look for leaks, gaps and other openings pests could use to get inside.
And he isn't only looking for bugs. A dripping pipe, standing water, a gap beneath a door or even a tree touching the building can contribute to a pest problem. If Roland notices something HOPE needs to address, he'll let us know.
Roland tries to minimize spraying inside whenever possible. If a problem does require spraying or another treatment that means you need to leave your home, HOPE will coordinate with you beforehand so you'll know what to expect and have time to make arrangements.
You may also see small glue boards around your home. They're not necessarily there to catch pests. Roland often uses them as monitors to help him figure out what is getting inside so he can concentrate on stopping the problem at its source.
There's one thing you can do to help Roland before he arrives: clean your floors. Sweeping, vacuuming and picking up items from the floor gives him a better view of the area and makes it easier to treat a problem if needed.
For Roland, It's About Helping People
After nearly 20 years in pest control, you might expect Roland's favorite part of the job to have something to do with getting rid of bugs.
It doesn't.
“Helping others,” he says.
Sometimes that means taking care of a spider or figuring out where ants are coming from. Other times, it means noticing a maintenance issue that's contributing to the problem. What Roland enjoys is being able to listen to someone who's worried about what's happening in their home, figure out the problem and tell them, “I have a solution.”
That personal approach is also one reason working with HOPE has been meaningful to him.
Roland grew up alongside a first cousin who has a developmental disability. The two aren't just family; they're friends. Over the years they've gone to Lakers games, baseball games and plenty of concerts together. His cousin loves music, and they've seen artists from Usher to Jay-Z.
When Roland talks about their relationship, he puts it simply:
“We're all the same. We just may have something different.”
Growing up with his cousin gave Roland an understanding that he carries into his work today. And working with HOPE residents since 2022 has deepened it.
Roland says his work with HOPE has helped him become more patient and understanding, both professionally and personally. It's also influencing how he's growing his business. As he prepares to hire and train additional technicians, he's developing training based partly on what he's learned working with HOPE. He wants future employees who may visit residents' homes to understand that doing the job well isn't only about knowing pest control. Patience, understanding and compassion matter too.
So, the next time you see Roland walking around your property or hear a knock at your door, you'll know a little more about the person who's there.
And if he asks whether there's anything flying, crawling or slithering around that you're not happy with?
Tell him. That's exactly why he's there.