TUCSON, Ariz. — When it comes to pest control-related apps one of the earliest adaptors — and a company still at the forefront — is Tucson, Ariz.-based Arizona Pest Control.

In 2011, the company launched one of the first-ever pest identification apps called AZPest.com Pest ID Pro. The app helped consumers identify bugs and insects they came across in their home or business. Users simply uploaded a photo of the pest they wanted to identify to the app and an Arizona Pest Control-trained entomologist would ID the insect within a 24-48 hours. Updates in 2012 included an entire pest gallery for people to use to quickly identify pests, incorporation of the company’s blog, http://www.azpest.com/blog, and a version built specifically for iPad users.

Caleb Tennenbaum, marketing director for Arizona Pest Control, recently announced that the app has been re-launched as the Pest Identifier, sponsored by Arizona Pest Control. Users can download the app for free from iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/pest-identifier/id675370471?ls=1&mt=8. From there, they will need to purchase bug ID credits (an in-app purchase) at a cost of $4.99 – good for one bug submission. (The service remains free of charge to Arizona Pest Control customers). Tennenbaum said the new app includes all of the features and functions as the old app; however, functionality has been improved to streamline the identification process for entomologists. One of the entomologists on staff assisting with identification is Carl Olson, former insect curator at the University of Arizona. “He is one of the best insect curators in the world. It’s hard to put a price tag on that kind of knowledge,” Tennenbaum said.

Tennenbaum said Arizona Pest Control is trying to expand the app’s user base and promote it not only to companies, homeowners and entomologists — but to insect enthusiasts. “We think it will be popular for people who have been collecting insects for 20 or more years.”

Since the app was launched in the Apple store in August it has received more than 500 downloads worldwide from the Philippines to Canada.

Pest Identifier is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPhone 5, iPod touch (3rd generation), iPod touch (4th generation), iPod touch (5th generation) and iPad. Requires iOS 6.1 or later. This app is optimized for iPhone 5.

Via: Arizona Pest Control’s App Continues Evolution