(Note: when people start our service, they sometimes see more bugs in the first week because the chemicals agitate them before they die. We usually get a lot of calls from first time customers freaking out about this, so we have recently asked the techs to explain this to customers so we get less calls.)

Me: “Pest control, how can I help you?”

Customer: “Yes, I’m very concerned. I just started with you and I don’t have any ants.”

Me: “Well, that’s a good thing. That means its working.”

Customer: “But I was told I would see more ants after the treatment! I don’t see any! This is horrible!”

Me: “Ma’am, we have our techs tell all our customers that because sometimes they do. If you don’t, that’s okay, too. Actually, that’s a REALLY good thing.”

Customer: “But I don’t see any ants! I don’t know what to do!”

Me: “I’m not sure that I can help, because you don’t seem to have a problem.”

Customer: “I DO have a problem! NO ANTS!”

Me: “Thank you for calling [pest control] this is [name]. How can I help you?”

Customer: “I just got medicated on Thursday and I am not due in again until next week. However, I have to work the day I am supposed to come in. Can I come in and get medicated today? I know you are closing soon I can get over there soon.”

Me: “Um, I think you have the wrong number.”

Customer: “Oh, this isn’t the methadone clinic?”

Me: “No, ma’am, this is a pest control company.”

Customer: “Oh.” *hangs up*

Me: “This is Alex. How can I help you?”

Customer: “Your name is Alex?”

Me: “Yes.”

Customer: “Oh, that threw me off. I was expecting a man, but I guess your parents were too.”