AdobeStock/Irina Shatilova
In late March, when Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the New York State on PAUSE Executive Order to help curtail the coronavirus pandemic, many non-essential businesses were faced with unimaginable challenges, lost business, furloughs, or temporary (and, in worst cases, permanent) closure.
When COVID-19 threatened his business, James McHale, President of JP McHale Pest Management in Buchanan, knew there was a need to adapt quickly. “Obviously there was a demand for disinfecting businesses and homes,” says McHale. “It was a natural pivot for us to bring our disinfecting services to new markets. We were pretty prepared for this because all of our team members are trained in OSHA-related gear and the PPE that goes along with that.”
In March, JP McHale began offering ViroClean Disinfection Service, which includes disinfecting environmental surfaces like floors, walls, structures, ventilation, and other equipment.
During the service, the JP McHale team safely works through the whole area, performing a variety of sterilization techniques. One of these is bio-fogging, which employs mist to get rid of pathogens that cannot be reached through ordinary cleaning measures. The company uses Disinfectant, Sanitizer, Virucide (DSV), a product the EPA has determined is effective against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, and which is a part of the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation’s list of approved sanitizing products.
McHale notes their home service has been particularly popular for city dwellers, who have moved to a secondary residence upstate to weather the pandemic.
“It’s peace of mind, protection of health and property,” says McHale. “People want to feel safe and comfortable in their own home.”
