Meet Exterminator Tammy

Meet Tammy from Fort Worth, TX, who took her her passion of creating an anti-bug world and turned it into a full-time career.  Tammy jumped straight into the pest control industry right out of high school and currently, at age 34, owns her own exterminator company.  Yup, she puts on a craw suit (coveralls) and gets under houses to kill creepy crawly things. And she loves it:

I am a girl who can. I’m not afraid of bugs. I just don’t like ’em.

GCW: Have you ever been injured or encountered any setbacks while pursuing your dream?

Tammy: I’ve been chased by a raccoon trying to get him trapped.

GCW: That sounds a little frightening.  What is your piece of equipment?

Tammy: A Flashlight.

GCW: I can imagine a flashlight would be good considering the places you might find yourself.  Do you have a favorite event or memory?

Tammy: When I was 18 I first entered the pest control business. I had to get under someone’s house and do an inspection for bugs. A Bullfrog called up my pant legs of the suit I was wearing. I was scared to death I didn’t know what was up my pants.

GCW: LOL – that’s probably the last thing you’d expect to find.  I’m betting every day is an adventure in your field.  What are some of the highlights of your career?

I am now state certified in 8 categories. I provide work for Federal government agencies all across Texas.

GCW: That’s awesome!  What challenges have you faced as a female in the pest control industry and how did you handle them?

Tammy: Great question. A lot of older people are “old school” and so many people think that a pest control job or animal trapping job is best handled by a male not a female.

GCW: So you’ve obviously been told you “can’t” because you are a girl. What did you do about it?

Tammy: In this industry you have to prove yourself not your company. I’ve often told customers, to just give me a chance. If I can’t handle it then they’re welcome to try another company. Many people are impressed that a girl collects bugs for a living.

GCW: Well I am certainly impressed.  What do you think is your greatest accomplishment?

Tammy: Being the only female in the entire state of Texas that is a woman/minority owned company with a 8a contract.

GCW: So you’re outclassing all the men in a male-dominated profession.  How cool is that?  How would you encourage other girls who are interested in your field?

Tammy: It’s ok to be scared of bugs but don’t be afraid to squish them. Follow your dreams and don’t let anybody tell you “no” when it comes to your dreams.

GCW: Amen to that.  What other interests do you have?

Tammy: My daughter is my interest. She is 9 years young and she hates bugs with a passion. I have often told her that the only reason why God made bugs was so mommy could have a job.

You may be right about that one, Tammy.  Thanks so much for taking time to answer our questions.  For more information about Tammy’s pest control business, visit her company website at The Right Call.