If there is one thing we have learned it is that there are many misconceptions about women in the pest control industry! So while we could write a blog post about the pest control industry and why women are a good fit for Mosquito Joe, we thought there were a few people who could do a better job. In our blog series the Women of Mosquito Joe, we highlight the incredible women that are a part of the MoJo family and why it is no longer a man’s world!
This month we chatted with Marla Carruth of Mosquito Joe of Baton Rouge. Marla is a music teacher who was ready for a change, so she and her fiancée Howard took the leap and opened their local Mosquito Joe. She oversees the day to day operations of the business and even sprays with her technicians! The services provided by Marla and Howard make sure their customers are not only itch free, but also help protect them from these mosquito transmitted diseases like Zika virus which is making big headlines in Louisiana this year.
What is your role in the Mosquito Joe business?
A little bit of everything: co-owner, office manager, technician—I am woman! Hear me roar!
There are often misconceptions around the pest control industry and in particular with women working in that industry (that it’s dirty, etc.); what are your thoughts on those? Do you find them to be true or untrue?
Being in the pest-control industry is about learning as you would anything else. As a teacher, I was trained to begin with the end in mind. It’s the same in the pest-control industry, or any other industry for that matter. Learn all you can and work toward pleasing your customers. We as women do not have to fit into one type of box.
How do you balance this with your family or home life?
My children are older so they too, are involved which makes it a fun, family business! My son is a technician and my daughter helps me in the office. Howard fills in wherever is necessary.
What advice would you give a woman considering opening a Mosquito Joe business?
Mosquito Joe is empowering me as a woman to do something I never would have believed I would/could do, so I say be fearless! Have patience and be persistent.
Who is your inspiration and why?
My great aunt, whom we called “Big Sister.” She was born in 1895 and became a college professor. She had courage and determination to be educated and successful at a time women were not expected to work outside the home.
