Reliable Pest Solutions Celebrates 75 Years

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Reliable Pest Solutions, Hannibal, Mo., is celebrating 75 years in business this year.

Founded in 1938 by John R. Scholes, who soon after added partner Kenneth Cain, the company was called "Reliable Termite Control," and its only business was termite treatments. They were some of the early pioneers in termite treatments and initiated the idea of direct wood injection. Their business grew through hard work and many more offices were opened over the years.  John's son, Gene Sr., joined the business in the 1940s and became a partner in the 1950s. John Scholes passed away in 1967 and Reliable Termite Control in Quincy, Ill and Hannibal, Mo., continued under the direction of Gene Sr.  Gene Sr.'s two sons, Gene Jr. and Gary, had worked for the company while attending school and each joined the firm upon completion of their schooling. The name was changed to Reliable Termite and Pest Control to reflect the growing areas of service and expansion into the pest management field.

Mike and Carol Sholes, fourth generation owners of Reliable Pest Solutions.

The company was incorporated in 1977 and continued to grow under the direction of Gene Sr. and Gene Jr., until Gene Sr. passed away in 1984.  Under Gene Jr.'s direction the business expanded greatly into the pest management segment. The year 1982 brought more family involvement when Kathy joined as business manager. Kathy and Gene's two sons, Gene III and Mike were both involved in the business.  In 1988, Reliable purchased the assets of Odorite of Illinois, a deodorizing service company.  Later the same year, Reliable purchased Odorite of Southeast, Iowa, which served counties of Iowa. In 1993 Pest-Free of Columbia, Mo., and Zap Pest Control of Jacksonville, Ill., were purchased and incorporated into Reliable.  Reliable has continued to expand its customer base as well as the variety of services it offers.  We now serve thousands of customers in areas of Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri. Growth has been through providing customer satisfaction to the highest degree and always putting customer's needs first.

In 2009, Mike bought the business from Gene Jr. He continues to work on expanding the business; and has added staff in Troy, Macomb, and Jacksonville.