LOGO: CERTUS

Guilford, Conn.-based Certus Pest has purchased Puyallup, Wash.-based Whitworth Pest Solutions. Terms were not disclosed, but this acquisition continues Certus’ expansion throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Founded in 1981 by Dr. Terry Whitworth, the company provides pest management services to the Seattle metro area.

Erik Hodson, CEO of Whitworth, commented, “When Certus first approached our ownership team about a possible acquisition, we were hesitant and offered a ‘no thanks.’ After that, we began noticing a Certus presence at virtually every state pest control association event as well as regional and national pest management meetings. It became evident to us that Certus supports our pest control community, not just with money but with true engagement. One of their philosophies is ‘People First,’ and you can tell from their involvement and interactions that they mean it.”

Mike Givlin, CEO and co-founder of Certus, said, “Whitworth has invested heavily in systems, processes, and training to allow them to deliver world class service to their clients consistently. We are excited about integrating Whitworth’s best practices across the Certus family to improve our overall service delivery and help us achieve our goal of being the premier service provider in the markets we serve.”

In recognition of the commitment that Founder Terry and Faye Whitworth have made in promoting education for nearly 40 years, Certus will provide continued funding to support the Terry & Faye Whitworth Systematics Entomology Fund and Washington State University, where Terry continues to be an adjunct professor of entomology.

Earlier this year, Certus completed its first acquisition in Florida with Hoskins Pest Control, its first acquisition in Arizona with Responsible Pest & Scorpion Control, and its first acquisition in California with Rodent Pest Technologies.

The company also purchased Portland, Ore.-based Pioneer Pest Management; Cape Coral, Fla.-based Strategic Pest Control of Southwest Florida; Seattle, Wash.-based Dominion Pest Control; Meridian, Idaho-based Perx Pest Control; and most recently Beaverton, Ore.-based Halt Pest Control.

Certus now operates in Washington, Oregon, Florida, Idaho and Arizona. The company expects to continue to grow in its existing markets and enter new markets in 2020.

Certus entered the pest control market in 2019 in the Pacific Northwest with its first two acquisitions: Mathis Exterminating, Puget Sound, Wash., and Eco Elite Pest Control, Seattle, Wash.