The company’s story traces back to 1973 when L.E. “Corky” Melass, then an employee of Angleton County commissioner Bubba Rouse, seized the opportunity to take ownership of the business. Rouse had previously acquired the company’s customer base from its original founder, Gerald Killum, who started the business in 1959. When Melass purchased the customers from Rouse, Killum Pest Control was renamed and officially began its next chapter—one that has remained in the family ever since.
Killum Pest Control set out on a path of expansion, rapidly outgrowing three separate buildings in Lake Jackson. This steady growth culminated in 2014 with the opening of a Pearland location, marking the company’s continued reach across multiple counties.
“We started from a one-man operator that was my dad in 1973 to having over 40 employees,” Vice President of Operations Eric Melass said. “Our integrity and passion for doing things right the first time have fueled this growth.”
But what truly sets Killum Pest Control apart isn’t just their history; it’s their ability to evolve and adapt to the needs of the community. The company now offers far more than traditional pest control.
Some of the pests Killum treats for include:
- Termites
- Rodents
- Bats
- Roaches
- Fleas
- Scorpions
- Bed bugs
- Snakes
“We are constantly exploring new technology to make the process safer and more efficient for both residents and technicians,” Melass said. “For example, our Skyhawk smart traps remotely monitor traps, eliminating the need for unnecessary visits and reducing costs for residents. These WiFi connected traps send real-time notifications when pest activity is detected, ensuring a faster and more effective response.”
Trust is the foundation of Killum Pest Control’s business model. It’s this commitment to ethical practices and customer care that has earned them a reputation as one of the most trusted pest control companies in the region.
"We know that when customers call us, they’re trusting us with their homes and businesses," Melass said. "That’s why we focus on hiring individuals with strong integrity and a genuine passion for customer service."
Beyond pest management, Killum Pest Control is deeply invested in the community they serve. From sponsoring youth sports teams to supporting organizations such as Chambers of Commerce and the Brazoria County Association for Citizens with Handicaps, their impact goes far beyond pest control.
They are the official pest control provider for the Houston SaberCats Houston’s professional rugby team and the exclusive independent pest control company for the Houston Zoo, highlighting their diverse community partnerships.
“We believe in giving back to the community that has supported us throughout the years," Melass said.
As a way to welcome new customers, Killum Pest Control is offering a 10% discount on any new service. Click here to access the coupon that must be presented at the time of sale.
To learn more about Killum Pest Control and the services offered, visit https://killum.com.
The above story was produced by Multi Platform Journalist Chloe Chapel with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.
