Late-Night Pest Control "Salesman" Raises Alarm in Pleasant Valley
Pleasant Valley, MO – Week of June 1, 2025
Residents in the Hunters Glen neighborhood of Pleasant Valley are voicing concerns after a suspicious and persistent “salesman” made late-night visits to homes under the guise of offering pest control services.
According to reports, a white male in a small car, wearing a hat and carrying an iPad, was seen approaching residents around 10 p.m., attempting to convince them to sign up for services. One resident shared that the man, seemingly desperate, asked if they “knew anybody that needs my services that I could knock on their door without me getting shot?”
Others described similar unsettling encounters. Victor, a Hunters Glen resident, said the man blatantly ignored “No Trespassing” signs, returned after 9 p.m., and was “very disrespectful and pushy.” Allegedly, individuals associated with the same operation have been seen watching children, taking photos of property, and even entering garages without permission. Residents also reported that the company name appears to change frequently, fueling suspicions of scam behavior or potential casing for theft.
When these solicitors insist that they are violating no laws, they're often technically right. Door-to-door reps often sidestep “no soliciting” rules by simply informing you about a product—encouraging you to sign up online or over the phone later. Since they’re not asking for cash or closing a sale at your doorstep, it doesn’t legally qualify as soliciting. And even if they were violating a no soliciting ordinance, the worst consequence is usually just a small fine.
“No trespassing” signs might seem more serious—and in some ways, they are. Violating one can be considered a felony with real legal consequences, including prison time. But there’s a loophole: Missouri law treats a walkway from your driveway to your front door as an implied invitation to knock. That means even if a “no trespassing” sign is posted, it doesn’t apply unless the property has a physical barrier, like a fence with a closed gate. Without that, the law won’t back you up.
While the identity and legitimacy of the operation remain unclear, residents are urging neighbors to remain vigilant, report suspicious behavior, and consider notifying police of any further encounters.
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