In the late 1880's a Chicago pharmaceutical salesman read about the Turkish soldiers who survived the Plague that killed millions during the 19th century Russo-Turkish wars. Their survival could be traced to a floral powder which they dusted over their bodies to protect themselves from lice and fleas.

The young man, E.R. Jennings, experimented with similar powdered ingredients and discovered an effective pesticide (pyrethrum) that was not toxic to humans. He packaged the product and sold it to food plants and packing  houses all over Chicago's south side.  Because one man, alone, could not cover the city by a horse and buggy, Jennings hired others to help him. Not only did he teach his men how to sell the powder, he taught them how to apply it. By selling a complete service, Jennings became one of the country's first professional exterminators. The demand for such a service was great and by 1888, about a dozen people worked for the now Smithereen Exterminators.  As the years progressed, Smithereen continued to develop new and revolutionary pesticides. In 1910 the Company even introduced a new word in the English language: "insecticides", for which it received a trademark from the U.S. Department of Interior, Patent Office (No. 47243 of April 14, 1910).  By 1926 Smithereen opened offices on the city's north and west sides. But as the Great Depression spread across the country, the Company's growth trend reversed. Yet, the need for service continued. As large institutions took over the management of real estate properties, they demanded a blanket contract with one firm responsible for all services. The Company could satisfy the need and business grew again. In addition to the Chicago based service company, Smithereen expanded its chemical manufacturing business both in the Midwest and in the Philadelphia area. Service organizations were established in Ohio, New York, Colorado and Missouri. Today the Kansas City operation is known as Ragan Pest Control. World War II brought a new opportunity. This was one of a personal nature. H.E. Jennings, the son of the founder, enlisted in the Navy. Because of his background, he became active in the war against malaria and other insect-born diseases. He was among the first people to use pesticides to save human lives. He also learned about the importance of sanitation. The innovations he brought back from the South Pacific are still valid. To this day, our Company provides sanitation inspections on a regular basis.  

R.E. Jennings, a Purdue graduate and well-known Chicago businessman, became president in 1968. As the third generation at the helm of Smithereen, he keeps our technology modern, while holding firmly to the principles on which the Company was founded. He received his first test as president when during that same year fire completely destroyed Smithereen’s main office and supply center. Thankfully, there were no injuries, but it took a lot of effort to maintain service for our customers while a new location was found, furnished and stocked.It was only the firm resolve of Smithereen management and an extraordinary effort by each employee that brought the Company through that trying time.

Smithereen’s west office on Cicero Avenue was relocated in 1985 to its current location in Northlake, Illinois. This was necessary to keep up with our expanding customer base in the western suburbs. That facility has been enlarged and remodeled since then to accommodate the continual growth in that area.  Then in 1988, Smithereen celebrated the beginning of its second century of service in grand fashion with a party for employees and contractors. There were stories and memorabilia from the past, but there was also a renewed commitment to the future of the Company.Smithereen set up a Training Center above our State Street office (see Locations) and invested in a full-time technical trainer in 1993. This manager ensured that all new employees receive the technical training necessary to perform service at increasingly higher Company standards. Advanced training was also made available to help employees prepare for state certification exams. Certification is a requirement for all Smithereen management and is encouraged and rewarded for all service technicians. The corporate trainer is responsible for making sure all training is current, relevant, in accordance with federal and state laws, and consistent with Integrated Pest Management (IPM)practices.  In 1996, the Company consolidated two offices into a new facility in Midlothian. From that office Smithereen provides service for our customers in Indiana to the east, near Kankakee to the south and beyond Joliet to the west. Smithereen’s commitment to Integrated Pest Management techniques was also amplified in 1996. A vacuum became standard equipment for every service technician and the Company stopped purchasing organophosphate and carbamate insecticides (more than four years before the EPA took action to eliminate their private and commercial uses). These actions promote less pesticide use and the use of less-risk pesticides as part of our IPM programs.  

Along with the arrival of the  new millennium came a surge of public interest in Integrated Pest Management. David Harris-John, Smithereen’s Vice-President of Operations and the third person from Smithereen to be President of the Illinois Pest Control Association (IPCA), worked with state regulators and the SAFER Pest Control Project to put together an effective and reasonable state law to promote the use of IPM in schools. He also worked with Jim Anderson, Smithereen’s corporate trainer, on a specific Smithereen program for Integrated Pest Management services in schools. Smithereen’s School IPM Program emphasizes the partnership with our customers that is necessary to provide effective Integrated Pest Management while ensuring that each service conforms to the Illinois law that was passed mandating the use of IPM in Illinois public schools. Smithereen soon expanded the School IPM Program to include private schools, childcare facilities and healthcare institutions even though Illinois law does not yet mandate it for those facilities.        

In 2001, Smithereen Exterminating Company, America’s pied piper, became Smithereen Pest Management Services, Your partner for a healthy environment. The change was marked by a Name Day celebration attended by all employees. It was not a cosmetic change. The new name accurately reflects the Company’s commitment to continuing the use of Integrated Pest Management techniques. Thus providing a healthy environment for our customers by reducing their exposure to both pests and pesticides. It also reflects our expansion into bird exclusion, wildlife control, pest proofing and sanitation services.

Now, as the Company presses on into its second century of service, it continues to promote the principles on which it was founded.