Do you know Mr. Little?

Western Exterminator is celebrating 100 years of service this year. Boy, do I feel old. I have been part of the Western family for many years. It’s been my pleasure to work alongside all of our pest specialists — they really are the experts in pest control.

I am Mr. Little, the man in the top hat with a hammer in hand having a heart-to-heart talk with my little friend Menace Mouse.  He’s actually more of an acquaintance but we’ve been having an ongoing dialogue since 1931 and after all these years, I’ve decided to strike up a conversation with you – our customers – while still keeping a close eye on him.

After proudly but silently representing the talented men and women of Western Exterminator, I’ve decided to lift the lid on my top hat and share my thoughts on the fascinating world of pests.

But first, let me tell you a little – excuse the pun, I just can’t help being a jokester once in a while – about my background. Back in 1931 when Western Exterminator was only a decade old, representatives from the Yellow Pages told Western’s owners, Carl Strom and Ray Lovejoy, that advertising in the Yellow Pages would improve sales. They said having a logo or trademark would help customers recognize Western Exterminator better and volunteered to have one of their artists develop one.

Artist Vaughn Kaufman took his pen and created a stunning (my words, not his!) image that hit the mark and became an instant hit. I’ve become recognizable across the country, and, yes, around the world!

I was first referred to as “Kernel Kleenup” and then “Inspector Holmes” (a distant American cousin of Sherlock) after a 1964 television renaming contest. Fortunately, my colleagues at Western Exterminator, especially Bob Strom, decided that Mr. Little or The Little Man best suited my personality and the rest, as they say, is history.

I’ve been in movies – watch a chase scene from Lethal Weapon and you’ll see me atop our landmark Los Angeles Service Center along the 101 Freeway. I hoped to read for a part in a Harry Potter film but didn’t get it since the spell my hammer dished out was a little strong – just ask Menace Mouse!

I’ve also been on a world tour with Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and Southern California native sons, Van Halen, but unfortunately for my blog readers, what happens on tour stays on tour.

I also show up at numerous community events in California, Arizona and Nevada to have some fun with customers and fellow bug lovers. And of course, none of my Western friends are ever surprised when they see me at our company events. I love spending time with my Western Family!

I’m looking forward to sharing interesting and valuable information in our blog about the world of pests, what Western Exterminator does, the people you’ll meet when you work with us, and about how to keep your home or business pest-free.

In the meantime, if you have any questions about pests or how Western Exterminator can help you with your pest issues around your home or business, be sure to contact us and see how we can help.

Until next time, thanks for choosing Western Exterminator Company for all of your pest control needs.

Have a pest-free day!