THE HISTORY OF ORKIN

The U.S. War Manpower

The Commission declares pest control as an "essential service". Orkin provides pest control and fumigation for 150 military establishments. This was a turning point for Orkin; there were improvements in pest control technology during the war.

First Orkin television ad airs, featuring Otto the Orkin Man, a singing spray can, with one of the most recognised jingles in advertising history.

Led by O. Wayne Rollins, Rollins Broadcasting, Inc. (later known as Rollins, Inc.) acquires Orkin Exterminating Company for US$62 million, seven times more than Rollins’ revenues at the time.

Orkin's parent company, Rollins, Inc., moves its headquarters from Wilmington, Delaware, to Atlanta, Georgia. Gary Rollins, son of O. Wayne Rollins, and current Orkin president, COO, and chairman of the board, joins the company as an Atlanta pest and termite sales inspector.

Rollins, Inc. (ROL) begins trading on the NYSE. Orkin opens new branches in Panama, Central America, Cleveland, Ohio, and five branches to serve metropolitan Atlanta.

Orkin launches an extremely successful "Fake out" advertising campaign in which a roach appears to crawl across viewers' TV screens.

Award-winning state-of-the-art training centre opens in Atlanta. 2 years later, it expands to include life-size models of commercial kitchens, hospital and hotel rooms, and other indoor and outdoor facilities typically treated by Orkin.

Orkin sponsors the Atlanta Children's Zoo to celebrate the 100th Anniversary.

Orkin partners with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to educate the public about pest-borne diseases in and around the home.

Orkin and the American Society for Healthcare Environmental Services (ASHES) of the American Hospital Association launch a partnership that promotes more effective and environmentally friendly pest control practices in health care settings.

"Orkin's longest known free inspection"

Orkin partnered with the Chinese government and traveled to the Forbidden City in Beijing to provide consultation and perform termite inspection on the world's highly revered Imperial Palace.

Orkin launches three key initiatives:

(1) Fight the Bite, partnering with the United Nations Foundation's global non-profit Nothing but Nets to fight malaria in Africa,

(2) Junior Pest Investigators series is designed to teach children to think "green" about pests and pest management.

(3) New innovative domestic pest control offerings include Dry Zone (a moisture control service for crawl spaces), bird and wildlife services, and Orkin Heat (a more environmentally friendly alternative to fumigation).

Orkin now has international franchises in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Dominican Republic, Honduras, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Costa Rica, Panama, and Mexico.

Orkin Launches Cities Lists.

Orkin partners with DonorsChoose.org to put STEM school supplies in teachers’ hands to cultivate a curiosity and love of learning that will last a lifetime. Using the latest technology and unparalleled training, we can protect people's homes with an effective plan suited to specific needs. Simply put, Orkin has Pest Control Down to a Science.

Orkin launches OrkinServes as a united effort to aid their local communities. Each year, Orkin branches across the country set aside time specifically for giving back in their local areas. Since the program started, Orkin employees have donated hundreds of hours of volunteer service to residents and organisations in the U.S. We believe in people helping people and showing small acts of kindness for our customers and communities.

Orkin and the American Red Cross join forces and launch a community service initiative against mosquitoes.