In Memoriam: George Pickhardt

VENICE, Fla. – The pest control industry mourns the loss of George Pickhardt, longtime leader of Environmental Pest Service, Tampa, Fla. Pickhardt passed away on Dec. 27, at age 80. 

After serving in the U.S. Army, Pickhardt earned his bachelor's degree in entomology from the University of Florida in 1969, followed by his master's degree with a focus on ornamental horticulture in 1971 and then his Ph.D. from Cornell University.

Pickhardt joined the family business, Arrow Environmental Services, and took over the leadership from his father in 1988.

After the economic recession in 2008, Pickhardt restructured the business model, partnering with Concentric Equity Partners and rebranding as Environmental Pest Service. With a focus on acquiring other pest and lawn businesses, the business entered a period of significant expansion.

Environmental Pest Service grew to become an $82 million firm before being acquired by Rentokil in 2021.

A funeral for Pickhadt is scheduled for Jan. 12. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Venice, Fla. Additional source: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/name/george-pickhardt-obituary?id=60461934