Slug-A-Bug

Slug-A-Bug

Slug-A-Bug began as a one-man company in Melbourne, Florida in 1982 and was founded by Doug Vander Poest. Doug grew up on a farm in Batavia, NY in the 1960’s. It was there that he received his initial training in pest control. Doug was in charge of keeping the crops protected from insects and rodents on the family farm. Doug went on to graduate from Cornell University and then in 1975, Doug felt the call to move to the Space Coast of Florida. He worked for a couple of pest control companies in Brevard County and decided to open up his own business. He began the company with a five thousand dollar loan from a friend and a used International Scout pick-up truck. Doug elegantly hand painted the words ‘Slug-A-Bug’ onto the side of the truck and voilà, Slug-A-Bug was born.

From these humble beginnings, Doug grew the company one customer and one relationship at a time from a one-man operation into the largest locally-owned and independent pest control company in Brevard County. Doug led the company to win the Small Business of the Year award and through his involvement in the Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA) was awarded Director of the Year and prior to his death became President of the Florida Pest Management Association.