Fridley, Minnesota, August 2023
Plunkett’s Pest Control, Inc. has acquired two companies: Animal Control Specialists in Chicago, IL, and Innovative Pest Solutions in Quincy, IL. Animal Control Specialists is a full-service wildlife control business in Northern Chicago. This acquisition will expand Plunkett’s/Varment Guard’s footprint in the greater Chicagoland. Additionally, Innovative Pest Solutions, which operates in greater Quincy, IL, expands Plunkett’s service capabilities in the territory.
Aly Silva-Mulgrew, president of Plunkett’s Pest Control, commented on the acquisitions: “We are delighted to welcome both Animal Control Specialists and Innovative Pest Solutions into the Plunkett’s/Varment Guard Family. Together, I have no doubt we will achieve even greater success.”
Animal Control Specialists owner John Hagan commented on the merger, “Over the last year, I started feeling ready for retirement. Through some industry contacts, I was given Plunkett’s information at the right time. After careful consideration, I believe that Plunkett’s has similar values to Animal Control Specialists. They value their customers and their employees. It felt like the right fit for my company. I’m confident I’m leaving my employees and customers in good hands.”
Animal Control Specialists was started by owner John Hagan in 1991. They are a full-service wildlife control company in the Northern Suburbs of Chicago. John will be retiring, while his 2 field members and 1 office employee will be joining the Plunkett’s staff.
Innovative Pest Solutions owner, Kevin Harlow, commented on the acquisition: “After spending so many years in the industry, I knew that Plunkett’s would be a good fit for my customers. I like how they do business. I’m confident I made the right choice for my customers.”
Innovative Pest Solutions was born in 2003 after owner Kevin Harlow grew tired of working with some of the bigger players in the pest control industry and decided to strike out on his own. After his 20 years in the pest control industry, Kevin will retire to spend more time with his family.
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*Top Photo: From left to right: Scott Steckel (Plunkett’s Pest Control/Varment Guard), John Hagan (Owner of Animal Control Specialists)]*
*Mid Page Photo: [From left to right: Brenda & Kevin Harlow (Owners of Innovative Pest Solutions), Jaime Phelps (Regional Manager, Plunkett’s Pest Control), Scott Steckel (Plunkett’s Pest Control/Varment Guard)]*
Founded in 1915 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Plunkett’s Pest Control is a privately-owned and operated corporation led by President Aly Silva-Mulgrew, and third-generation owner and board chair, Stacy O’Reilly.
Still based in Minneapolis, with regional offices in Columbus, OH and Farmington, NM, Plunkett’s Pest Control and Varment Guard Wildlife Services deliver professional pest and wildlife control services to over 70,000 residential and commercial clients in nearly 20 states.
