As an expert in pest control, I have witnessed the transformation of this field over time. Pest control has been a necessary practice for centuries, and while there are many companies that have been in the business for decades, there is only one that holds the title of the oldest pest control company in the country. Founded in 1860, Rose Pest Solutions existed before the Civil War and has since become a household name in the industry. Another well-known American pest control company is Orkin, founded in 1901 by Otto Orkin. Since 1964, it has been owned by Rollins Inc and has become a leader in the industry.
Orkin has conducted research collaborations with universities and organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) since 1990, focusing on pest biology and diseases. This shows their dedication and commitment to constantly improving their techniques and services. The history of pest control dates back to 1695 when the first registered official pest control company, Tiffon and Son, was founded. By the 19th century, rat hunters and exterminators had become a flourishing profession, equipped with better techniques. The importance of pest control became evident, leading to the use of chemicals and dogs to hunt rats and eliminate rodent activity in cities. After the Black Death, sanitation became a crucial part of pest control.
In the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth decreed that public areas should be clean and free from dirt. This marked a significant shift in how pest control was approached. In the 1970s, regulations were established to protect the public, environment, and employees who used pest control chemicals. This was known as the golden era of pest control, and companies like Assured Environments emerged as leaders in the industry. As the largest and oldest pest control company in New York, Assured Environments has built its business based on superior service and word of mouth advertising.
This has led to them being regularly contracted to manage pests in LEED certified buildings. Their success is a testament to their expertise and commitment to providing top-notch services. The introduction of new, more effective pest control chemicals led to the expansion of Orkin's termitation and fumigation services. They found that it was more practical and economical to perform a single cleaning service and then return regularly to ensure that pests could no longer infest a building. This approach has proven to be highly effective and has set Orkin apart from its competitors. Assured Environments, on the other hand, has differentiated itself in the market not only by its service but also by its experience.
They take pride in being New York's premier pest control company without aggressively promoting themselves. Their reputation speaks for itself, and they have become a trusted name in the industry. In addition to their services, Orkin also sponsors and conducts educational programs for K-6 students, focusing on pest identification, entomology, and science. They are also the title sponsor of the National Pest Control Association's Excellent Women's Award. This shows their commitment to not only providing top-notch services but also educating the public about pest control. Over time, pest control techniques have evolved significantly.
The second generation of pesticides began to appear in the 1930s and 1940s, which were more effective compared to older chemicals. This allowed companies like Assured Environments to offer more efficient pest control without the use of unnecessary pesticides. In the past, different methods were used to control pests, such as using plant chemicals to repel rodents and employing the use of felines to control mice. Even barbers played a crucial role in controlling pests, as they were one of the most diverse occupations, including alleviating insect bites. However, with advancements in technology and research, modern techniques have proven to be more effective and efficient.
