Two-man team exterminates Dyess' pests

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Charles V. Rivezzo
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  On a 6,400 acre base in the middle of West Texas with more than approximately 13,000 residents, a two-man team handles all pest management responsibilities here.

Tech Sgt. Kevin Owen and Staff Sgt. Terri Williams are the tag-team who make up the Dyess Pest Management shop.

Pest Management specialists work to keep bases free of all pests, ranging from insects to rodents. They do everything from conducting surveys for identifying insects, rodents, predatory animals, birds, bats and weeds to applying pest management techniques to control and manage pest populations.

"What's nice is that I don't have a set schedule," Owen said. "I don't know what I'm doing the next day; it's always a different challenge."

As seasoned pest management specialists, Owen and Williams know they don't have the most glamorous job, but are confident they are essential to the Dyess mission.

"A lot of people don't even know we exist, they just call it in and know someone comes and gets it done," Williams said. "However, our job is pretty important; a lot of people rely on us and don't even know it."

With the summer season quickly approaching, these Airmen gear up for the toughest part of the year.

"On average we will get at least one call every night through August; summer is definitely our busiest season," Owen said. "Wildlife is pretty active during the summer months and there are a lot more eyes on the ground with children being out of school."

"Normally we get a call from customer service at the shop or on the standby phone to let us know what the problem is and where it's at," Williams added. "Depending on the call, we assess what steps need to be taken. Our main calls are usually bees or snakes, which are an emergency situation."

With the busiest time of the year on the horizon, being only a two-man shop, can take its toll on even the most motivated of individuals. However, these Airmen have an optimistic view of their situation.

"It has its ups and downs, more ups than downs," Owen said. "We are always on standby and someone is always on duty, which can present its challenges with a two-man shop. But we have a good chemistry both being NCO's and knowing the job. Having the experience we each have really helps make the work environment a better place."

Despite the challenges that go along with a small shop and the added work it entails, they are professionals and the best at what they do.

"No other bases pest management shop in the CONUS can compete with Dyess," Owen said. "We're the best of the best."