Published: September 06, 2008 10:43 pm         

Murray brothers want to rid Stillwater of pests

Jake Murray spent his time at Oklahoma State University studying bugs.

Now he kills them for a living.

Murray, 26, and his brother, Cody, 23, began Murray Pest Control in May.

Not only do they provide extermination services, but they are also branching out into lawn care.

They will soon be offering a five-step lawn program that will rid clients’ yards of pests — both weeds and bugs.

“We’ve been here forever,” said Jake, noting they are Stillwater natives. “People can trust us. We’re hometown boys. You’re not getting your huge chain pest control company where guys get paid by the job and they’re going as fast as they can. We have an interest in Stillwater.”

Jake previously worked for another pest-control business.

He said some companies sell their contracts to “big, bad corporate guys,” but that won’t happen with MPC.

Cody is studying accounting at OSU. While Jake plans to run the business “until I make my fortune and retire,” Cody said his future is still undetermined.

“This (company) would be a great opportunity for us both to stay in Stillwater, which is kind of a goal,” he added.

For Cody, there is one downside to the business.

“We hate to be the bearers of bad news, especially when we’re doing termite inspections,” he said. “It’s devastating for them. Unless you deconstruct the house, you can’t really tell how much damage is there. When they say you’re saving your investment (by using a pest-control service), it’s really true.”

They have a satisfaction guarantee and Jake said they “will come out as many times as needed to fix the issue.”

“Most people don’t think about bugs until they get them,” he added.

They are two of five brothers.

If the business continues to grow, there may be more Murrays in the pest control business.

Cody is married to Nataly.

Jake and his wife, Megan, have a daughter, Braelyn, 2, and a son, Maddox, 12 weeks.

     

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