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Writer's pictureChelle Hartzer

I Play with Real Bugs (AKA: Benevolent computer overlords)




At PestWorld this last week, there were lots of cool things that I took back with me. No, not just swag (though I did score four pairs of fun socks!). One thing I noticed at the exhibit hall was tons of technology companies for everything from route management (that’s been around for a while), to online tipping platforms (not sure how I feel about that). I write quite a bit for my job, everything from this weekly blog to journal articles, from SOP’s to facility assessments, even presentations. A number of you asked me if I have started using AI for anything. Is it faster? Does it write better? Can you use it as a PCO?


I have used AI, but only a little.


Like any good scientist, I figured I would try asking AI to write the blog post this week. Here’s what you can learn from my trials.


First, my ask: Write a blog post about Norway rats in commercial sites in the same style as blog posts on: https://www.chellehartzer.com/blog





With AI, I know it’s better to be as specific as possible with what you want it to do so you get a better result. Since I am giving a presentation on Norway rats this week (come see me in NYC!) that was top of mind and I wanted to focus it a bit so I picked commercial. And I didn’t want a generic rodent blog, therefore I told it to look through my old blogs.


Here’s the result with my thoughts in blue:

 

Norway Rats: A Big Problem for Businesses (and How to Stop Them!)

(This title is a bit long for what I would write. I don’t aim for anything “click-bait”ish, but I do try for something funny or somewhat tongue-in-cheek. I almost never put the pest I’m doing in the headline. Overall, not terrible though.)

Norway rats. Just the name sends shivers down the spine of any business owner. These rodents aren't just a nuisance; they're a serious threat to your reputation, your bottom line, and even the health of your employees and customers.

(Pretty good opening. I often start with a story or a reason why I’m writing this particular blog this week.)


Why Norway Rats Love Your Business

Think of your business as a giant buffet for these opportunistic pests. Restaurants, grocery stores, warehouses – they all offer easy access to food, water, and shelter. Cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, and loading docks are like open invitations for these resourceful rodents.

(I know I’ve used the word “buffet” often! All of this is true and we even have some alliteration which you all know I am prone to. I’m happy with this.)

The High Cost of a Rat Infestation

Ignoring a rat problem can cost you dearly. Here's why:

  • Damaged Goods: Norway rats gnaw on everything – packaging, wiring, even structural elements. This leads to costly repairs and product loss.

  • Disease: These rodents carry a host of diseases, including salmonellosis, leptospirosis, and hantavirus. A single outbreak can damage your reputation and lead to legal issues.

  • Customer Complaints: No one wants to see a rat scurrying across the floor of their favorite restaurant or store. Rat sightings can lead to negative reviews and lost business.

(All accurate, but a little basic for what I tend to write. Since almost all of you have some connection to pests and pest control, I like to get past the basics and provide more in depth info and examples. For the first bullet, I would have referenced the most recent Family Dollar saga and talked about recalls. I would have added in the second bullet about the plague still being present in the US. For the third bullet, I would have expanded into hospitality and some examples of those costs.)


Don't Let Rats Run Your Business

So, how do you keep Norway rats at bay? Here are some key strategies:

  • Exclusion: Seal up any cracks and holes in your building's exterior. Pay close attention to areas where pipes and wires enter.

  • Sanitation: Keep your premises clean and clutter-free. Store food in airtight containers and dispose of trash properly.

  • Baits and Traps: Strategically place bait stations and traps in areas where rats are active.

  • Professional Help: For serious infestations, it's best to call in the professionals. A qualified pest control company can develop a customized plan to eliminate rats and prevent future infestations.


(Perfectly accurate, way too basic for me. This is 101 stuff you can find anywhere. I want to give you the next level up, I want to assume you already know this and are looking to level up your game. Under exclusion, I’m going to be giving you the less well thought of points. You know I can create entire blog posts about sanitation! I have written entire blog posts on trapping and baiting. As for professional help (we all know I need some of that but that’s a different story…) I’d be telling you what to look for and how to set up a program and how the client and PCO should be working together. I'd have put in links to provide further info and you know I like pictures!)

Chelle Hartzer Can Help!

(Nope, this is way too over the top for me! I’m low-key)

Don't let Norway rats take a bite out of your business. Contact Chelle Hartzer today for a free inspection and a customized pest control plan. We'll help you protect your property, your reputation, and your peace of mind.

(Pretty decent ending, though you know I go with the simple “contact us”. I would have replaced “customized pest control plan” with “an independent assessment of your plan”.)


Can you use AI instead of hiring a fractional entomologist? Sure. Will it be correct? Mostly. Will it be valuable, interesting, well researched, and targeted (maybe even humorous)? Probably not. Like anything, you get what you pay for. Paying a super low price on regular pest control service doesn’t get you the same level of service when you are paying more, for professionals with training, Paying for a fractional entomologist gets you so much more than using AI. So contact us, we can help. Until then, I will keep providing the same high-quality, human-written pieces.

 

Lagniappe – I did have a lot of fun getting it to come up with some cool images for me.



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