General Info

The TNT Exterminating Company was founded in 1935 by Harold J. Portwood. Mr. Portwood entered the pest control industry by accident after his father-in-laws farm was overtaken by rats. At this point, Harold decided to eliminate the pests on his own. Mr. Portwood recognized the need for a service applicable to stores, restaurants, hospitals, and other commercial and industrial facilities. Besides providing monthly pest control services to business establishments and private homes, the office housed a retail store. This store was used for selling insecticides, powders, sprays, and baits to walk-in customers who chose to apply the treatments themselves.