Cleveland Chemical Pest Control celebrates 110 years

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July 31, 2013

CLEVELAND—This month, family-owned and -operated Cleveland Chemical Pest Control Inc. will celebrate its 110th year in business. Originally formed in 1903 as a service branch of the Chamberlain-Haber Chemical Co., which specialized in installing ant and roach insecticide, the Kirchner family has owned and operated Cleveland Chemical Pest Control since 1929.

“When the stock market crashed in 1929, the original owner decided to sell,” says Bill Kirchner, a fourth-generation owner of the company. “My great-grandparents bought the company for $2,500 to be paid in $100 installments. Not a bad deal.”

But Cleveland Chemical Pest Control Inc. does not owe the entirety of its staying power to business acumen. From effective commercial fly-proofing systems to exterior power spraying techniques, the company has long provided innovative services to keep them at the top of their field.

“We’ve been around a long time,” says Kirchner, “and we wouldn’t have been able to do it if our company wasn’t willing to adapt and identify new ways that we can meet the needs of our customers. When new regulations caused a decline in pesticide use, we explored new pest management techniques and materials. When things begin to change, you have to keep yourself ahead of the curve.”

From brothers and sisters, to husbands and wives, to sons and daughters — five generations of Kirchner’s have worked at Cleveland Chemical Pest Control, with some playing an active role in local, state, and national trade organizations.

“Four of us have been president of the Greater Cleveland Pest Control Association; three of us have been president of the Ohio Pest Management Association; and two of us have been directors of the National Pest Management Association,” notes Kirchner.  “We keep ourselves active on issues on the national, state and local levels.”

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