Terminix
| File:Terminix logo.svg | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Pest control |
| Founded | 1927 in Memphis, Tennessee, United States |
| Founder | E.L. Bruce |
| Headquarters | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
Area served | Nationwide |
Key people | Brett T Ponton (CEO) |
| Services | Termite & Pest control |
| Revenue | $1.798 billion (2019) |
Number of employees | 10,500 |
| Parent | Rentokil Initial |
| Website | www |
Terminix International Company, L.P. ranks among the foremost pest control enterprises worldwide, with operations spanning 47 states across the U.S. and over 70 countries globally. It functions as a subsidiary under the UK-based firm Rentokil Initial.
History
Established in 1927 by businessman E. L. Bruce in Memphis, Tennessee, Terminix initially focused on safeguarding hardwood flooring from termite infestations. The breakthrough came in 1932 when chemist Frank Lyons formulated the first dedicated termiticide, facilitating the launch of franchising under the Bruce Terminix name. By 1955, Terminix pioneered the industry's inaugural termite protection agreement featuring annual inspections and service guarantees, subsequently broadening its offerings to include both residential and commercial pest management by 1957.
Following its acquisition by Cook Industries in 1968, Terminix pursued expansion both within the United States and internationally, acquiring a pest control company in Mexico and collaborating with Sears to provide services branded as Sears Termite and Pest Control. Reflecting its expanding international footprint, the company adopted the name Terminix International in 1972 before being purchased by ServiceMaster in 1986.
During its tenure under ServiceMaster, Terminix grew rapidly through a series of acquisitions, emerging as the largest pest control company worldwide by 1990. The purchase of British firm Peter Cox PLC in 1994 marked its entry into the European market. In 2001, Terminix further consolidated its U.S. presence by acquiring Sears Termite and Pest Control. ServiceMaster later moved its headquarters to Memphis in 2007.
Starting in 2009, Terminix strategically acquired multiple companies across various U.S. states and expanded into Canada with purchases such as Magical Pest Control (Toronto) and Care Pest & Wildlife Control (Vancouver). These transactions played a significant role in driving revenues beyond $10 million annually by the 2012–2013 period.
ServiceMaster executed an initial public offering in June 2014 before divesting Terminix amid portfolio restructuring efforts. Subsequent Canadian acquisitions included Excel Pest Control (Fredericton), Cabot Pest Control (St. John's), Ace Pest Control (Halifax), Citron Hygiene’s pest division, and Environmental Pest Control (Newmarket).
In October 2020, ServiceMaster Global Holdings divested its ServiceMaster Brands segment to Roark Capital and rebranded itself as Terminix Global Holdings, Inc., trading on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker TMX.
In December 2021, UK-based Rentokil Initial declared a $6.7 billion deal to acquire Terminix, which was finalized on October 12, 2022, establishing a dominant global entity in pest management with expanded market penetration and operational capacity.
Products
Terminix provides pest management solutions to both residential and commercial clients, including treatments for termites, mosquitoes, and bed bugs, as well as insulation services. In 2014, the company launched Attractive Targeted Sugar Bait, an eco-friendly mosquito control product that utilizes garlic oil to reduce mosquito populations by 90% within three weeks. Additionally, Terminix markets AllClear, a mosquito repellent formulated from a natural blend of essential oils.
Legal proceedings
In May 2008, termite inspectors filed a lawsuit against ServiceMaster and its Terminix division, alleging misclassification as outside sales personnel and claiming unpaid overtime and unreimbursed work expenses. By June 2011, the U.S. District Court determined that termite inspections do not constitute sales activities. While the court declined to certify the case as a class action, individual lawsuits continued.
In March 2016, Terminix reached a settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice following an incident in the U.S. Virgin Islands involving the illegal application of methyl bromide pesticide that resulted in poisoning of a family on vacation. Notably, methyl bromide has been prohibited for indoor use since 1984.
An Alabama investigation in 2020 revealed that Terminix collected payments for termite protection plans without providing the agreed-upon services. The company consented to a $60 million settlement aimed at compensating affected consumers.
In popular culture
Terminix’s presence has been noted across various media platforms. In 1971, Stan Freberg received Clio Awards for three radio advertisements created for Terminix. The 1983 movie Mr. Mom included references to Terminix technicians, underscoring the brand’s recognition.
In 2010, Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim announced a collaboration with Terminix for their film "Blues Brothers 2012," which portrayed the Blues Brothers as employees of Terminix.
During June 2015, Terminix sponsored the FedEx St. Jude Classic golf event by deploying its Attractive Targeted Sugar Bait at TPC Southwind to manage mosquito populations. That same month, the company unveiled "Mosquitonado," a parody trailer featuring Sharknado actress Tara Reid, released in conjunction with National Mosquito Control Awareness Week to showcase its creative marketing efforts.
External links
- Pages with broken file links
- American companies established in 1927
- American subsidiaries of foreign companies
- Chemical companies established in 1927
- Business services companies established in 1927
- Pest control companies of the United States
- Companies based in Memphis, Tennessee
- Companies formerly listed on the New York Stock Exchange
- 1927 establishments in Tennessee
- 2022 mergers and acquisitions
- 5
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment