Most people think of Florida and envision vast beaches, majestic marsh lands and the most delectable citrus.  Oranges even adorn our license plates.  When Joe Miller thinks of Florida, he sees something else. 

“Most people don’t know this, but the pest control industry in Florida is bigger than the citrus industry,” he says with excitement in his eyes. Joe Miller is the president of J.P. Miller & Sons Services, Inc. a family owned and operated pest control company that has been serving South Florida since 1974.

 Broward is an extremely competitive market, with almost 500 pest control companies, the most in the state, but the Miller team has stood the test of time.  Joe and wife Carolyn began operations out of their garage.  Joe built his client base by going door to door, and Carolyn often took her young sons on the road with her.

 “People loved seeing the boys when I came to service their house,” Carolyn said.  “Sometimes I think we should still do that today.” Those boys are now men and have joined the family business.  John Paul is the field manager in charge of quality assurance.  Younger brother Jimmy serves as the operations manager and is in charge of information technology. 

 Michael Miller, Joe’s brother, joined the Miller team in 1979.  Still a college student, Joe invited him to move from New York to help grow the business.
“I would never work for another company,” Michael said.  “We offer all the same services and expertise of the larger, national companies but still have that mom-and-pop feel.”

 Bruce Milletich was the first technician to take over Joe’s original route.  Twenty years later he is still servicing some of his original customers.  “It’s like family,” Milletich said of his customers.  “I’ve been able to follow what’s happened in their lives and they’ve been able to see mine.”

 As the Miller family grew so did the business.  Operations are currently based out of their 5,000 sq. ft. facility in Deerfield Beach.  On a daily basis 15 service technicians are reaching three counties, Martin, Palm Beach and Broward.  There are also three, full-time office associates available to assist customers.

 “We pride ourselves on having a live person answering our customers’ calls,” Joe said.  “Not every company can say that.”  J.P. Miller has also adapted its services as Florida’s environment and residents’ needs have changed.  Safety precautions and the clients’ convenience are top priorities.  J.P. Miller service options include home pest control as well as landscape maintenance and termite protection.

 The Pest Control Plus program uses the latest technology to the industry.  This system requires one intensive “pest proofing” treatment on the inside and outside of the house each year.  Exterior maintenance treatments are done every other month to create a barrier around the home.

 “When and if our customers need special attention during the year, we strive to render that extra service in less than 24 hours,” Joe said.  Landscape services can provide insect control, weed control and dry, slow-release fertilization.  Insect control and fertilization for shrub and ornamental plants can also be provided as well as palm trees.

 Michael said the industry has changed greatly since he first started.  “Twenty years ago we used to spray all the baseboards with smelly chemicals in a shot gun approach,” he said.  “Nowadays we use odorless materials placed directly where insects nest and hide not where children and pets play.” 

 J.P. Miller has kept up with industry changes through involvement in the top professional associations.  

 Joe has been the president of the Certified Pest Control Operators of Florida and twice the Broward county director of the Florida Pest Management Association (FPMA).  He is currently the president of the Deerfield Beach Rotary Club and an elder at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church.  Son, Jimmy, currently holds the position of Broward county director of FPMA.

 “We follow a strict code of ethics and associations in this industry are a great way to set and enforce standards that protect consumers and the environment,” Jimmy said.  J.P. Miller’s reputation for high standards and ethical practice has gained the company a long-standing relationship with the Better Business Bureau and over 30 years of loyal customers now amassing over 5,000.