About Us
The Killo Exterminating Co., Inc. is a third-generation locally owned family business that was started in Charlotte in 1948 by Arnold Killough. Killo was originally started in 1939 in Raleigh by Walter Killough. Ralph Killough, Arnold's son, returned to the family business after earning his Ph.D. in entomology (study of insects) from Purdue University. He was manager until 1998 when he turned the daily operations over to his son-in-law, Brian Windham. Ralph still remains active in the company as staff entomologist.
Training of all employees is a key focus at Killo. Brian carries the state pest control license. Although it is not required by the state, Killo requires all of its technicians to pass a written state examination on pest control that classifies them as "Certified Applicator." In addition, three of Killo's office staff have passed this state examination and are certified applicators. To maintain the status of a certified applicator, an individual must go through continual training and earn Continuing Credit Units. To make sure that all of its technicians know the proper use of a particular pesticide product, Killo requires all technicians to pass a closed-book written examination on the label and material safety data sheet of each pesticide product before they are allowed to either handle or apply the product.
In 2001, Dr. Ralph Killough was one of ten individuals nationwide selected by Pest Management Technology magazine to receive their 2001 Leadership Award.
In 2010, Dr. Ralph Killough was inducted into the Hall of Fame of the North Carolina Pest Management Association (NCPMA). This is the highest honor that can be bestowed by the NCPMA.
Killo is a member of the National Pest Management Association, the North Carolina Pest Management Association, the South Carolina Pest Control Association, the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce, the Better Business Bureau of Southern Piedmont, the Charlotte Regional Realtor Association, and the National Home Builders Association.