Posted on 26 June 2014 by La Habra Journal
By John McMurray
For the La Habra Journal
You’ve seen them in the community, the red cars with black spots on them. Maybe you’ve seen the “ladybug woman” at a community event. Maybe you’ve seen both.
Bug busters: Kim Praster and Diego Hernandez of Lady Bugs pest control stand in front of their decorated vehicles that can be seen around the community,
Regardless of what it was, you have seen Lady Bugs pest control throughout La Habra. Based in La Habra since it opened in 2010, Lady Bugs offers its Integrated Pest Management service to businesses and homeowners in La Habra and neighboring communities. Owner Diego Hernandez said his crews can take care of any problems, from the raccoon in the attic to the dry rot under the house. From the very beginning, Hernandez and his team knew he wanted his business to be seen. So, Lady Bugs has used bright red VW beetles painted up as—what else? lady bugs—as rolling billboards for the company. “It was a natural,” Hernandez said. “We painted the first beetle up to look like a lady bug and drove it around town, just to test the idea. People just instantly made the connection, and we were getting calls before we were even open.” Lady Bugs offers services that cover everything from live animal trapping (the animals are treated humanely before they are released) to environmentally friendly termite control. This means also human friendly controls. “We don’t rely much on tents or super chemicals. Those are relics from the past,” Hernandez said. “In this day and age, most of the time we can get rid of the pests without taking the risk of making the people who live or work in the buildings sick.” Hernandez explained his crews are all highly trained and certified to handle the materials they use. “It only makes good sense to have the best people with the best training,” he added. “All our crews are certified by the county and state agricultural departments. Our company is bonded, licensed, and insured. These departments inspect us at random times, so we have to be on our toes all the time, and have everything current. It’s really in everybody’s best interests.” In addition to its five field technicians, Lady Bugs employs five people in the office to make sure everything is coordinated and runs smoothly. Asked why he chose to locate in La Habra, Hernandez says it was an easy choice. “I’m from here,” he explained. “I grew up when this area was orchards and small farms. La Habra has a small-town attitude, and that’s in a good sense. People know each other and look out for each other. If a business treats its customers well, they tell their friends. You can’t buy references like that; you have to earn them.” As a company, Lady Bugs is very involved in the community. The employees are active in the La Habra Area and Whittier Chambers of Commerce, La Habra Lions, and Elks Clubs. They also help with Hope for a Cure, Operation Santa, Meals on Wheels, and other non-profit groups. In reads to future expansion, Hernandez said they do, but not to more locations. “We need to add some people,” he said, “We do plan to diversify a little; we’re thinking about opening a store front, where customers can walk in and get materials and advice they can use.”
Whatever the future expansion may be for Lady Bugs, there is no doubt that Hernandez and his team will continue to be an active and visible part of the La Habra community.
Jay Seidel contributed to this article
Lady Bugs Environmental
Termite & Pest Control
120 E. La Habra Blvd., #103A
La Habra, CA 90631-2308
Phone (855) 4LADYBUGS (855) 452-3928 (800) 423-3396
(562) 691-6677
E-Mail
[email protected]
FAX
(562) 691-6697
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/LadyBugsTPC
