Redd Pest Control Donates to Termite Training Facility

Gordon Redd Jr., president of Redd Pest Solutions, and his company’s leadership team recently donated $50,000 to the Mississippi State University Foundation to be used to help fund the new termite technician training facility located at MSU in Starkville, Miss.

“The Redd family has deep ties with Mississippi State University, and they stepped up in a very timely fashion to partner with us, whom we are so grateful for,” said Will Staggers, assistant director of development, MSU Foundation.

The new facility is being dedicated to the memory of the founders of Redd Pest Control. In 1946, founder J.C. Redd started Redd Pest Control in Jackson, Miss., and later solicited the help of his two brothers, Gordon L. Redd Sr. and Elmore Redd. “First and foremost, I give God the glory for opportunities such as this, where we are able to give back to the industry that we love,” said Gordon Redd Jr. “It is a great honor that I can recognize my father and two uncles in this manner and continue their legacies, as industry leaders from our state.”

“More than 20 years ago, a training facility such as this was envisioned by MSU Extension leaders Dr. Blake Layton and Mr. Elmo Collum and leadership at the Mississippi Pest Control Association,” said Gene Merkel, program manager, Mississippi State University Extension Service. “As we conceptualized this facility, we couldn’t imagine that it could be a reality without the involvement of the J.C. Redd family. Their family involvement and generous donation to the betterment of technical training for applicators in the termite treatment industry is truly appreciated. We look forward to continuing this legacy under the banner of the Redd family name in partnership with the Mississippi State University Extension Service and our Pesticide Safety Education Program.”

The new termite training facility is scheduled to open in early spring 2019, and it will be the first hands-on training facility of its kind in Mississippi. PMPs throughout the area will be able to use the facility to provide termite training for their termite technicians, the company says.

Redd Pest Control, Gulfport, Miss., is a third-generation, family-owned company with fourth-generation family members serving active roles today. Since 1952, the “Redd Man” has been serving customers along the Gulf Coast regions in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama.