Back in 1978, Robert Bates started a small pest control business in the local West Palm Beach area. A Lake Worth native, he had a GIANT vision of growing his business in the State of Florida. His timing was perfect as Palm Beach and Martin counties developed, new homes sprung up and people steadily began moving to Florida growing his one man pest control company. As the business grew, Bates Exterminating grew. Both Bob and his wife Melanie never stopped working.