Certus continues California expansion with acquisition

LOGO: CERTUS

Guilford, Conn.-based Certus Pest has acquired Bug Guys Pest Control headquartered in Palm Desert, Calif. Terms of the deal were not disclosed; Paul Giannamore and Franco Villanueva-Meyer of The Potomac Company represented and acted as exclusive financial advisors to Bug Guys.

Founded in 2001 by Tracy Judnich, Bug Guys Pest Control offers pest control services to customers throughout Coachella Valley, Calif.

“In looking to move onto the next chapter in my life, I wanted to make certain that our outstanding customer service and employee focus would be upheld,” Judnich said. “Certus gives me the confidence to retire knowing that our standards will continue to be delivered to both customers and employees.”

This transaction continues Certus’ expansion in California. In 2020, Certus completed its first acquisition in California with Rodent Pest Technologies.

Mike Givlin, CEO and co-founder of Certus, said, “I’m excited to bring Bug Guys into the Certus family. Their history of quick response time and professional service, along with extensive knowledge of Coachella Valley pest control needs, allows us to expand our offering in California delivering our high standard of quality service.”

In 2020, Certus also completed its first acquisition in Florida with Hoskins Pest Control and its first acquisition in Arizona with Responsible Pest & Scorpion Control.

The company most recently purchased Gilbert, Ariz.-based Bryant Pest Control.

Certus now operates in California, Georgia, Washington, Oregon, Florida, Idaho and Arizona. The company expects to continue to grow in its existing markets and enter new markets into 2021.

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.