John L. Cook

A Company Guided by Faith & Family

Cook’s is the largest family-owned pest control company in the Southeast, with more than 1,600 full-time employees serving over 300,000 customers.

John L. Cook founded the company in 1928 as "North Alabama Termite Control" and provided its foundational integrity. After his death in 1950, his son John R. Cook felt compelled to honor his father's five-year termite guarantees -- and gave up a promising career in architecture to help Cook's become America's eighth largest pest control company.

Original Cook's Logo

Cook's Pest Control

John R. Cook added pest control service to the business and thus the name Cook’s Pest Control was born.

Jim Kearny dressed as Cookie The Cop

Cook's Famous Mascot

In 1965, a Huntsville, Alabama television station asked Cook’s to sponsor a children’s program. John R. Cook, a master marketer, suggested a Keystone Cop-style policeman as the host. Cook’s employee Jim Kearney soon became “Cookie the Cop”—a character that was comical and friendly, yet personified the protection that Cook’s provided its customers.

Cookie the Cop quickly became not just the company mascot, but also part of its colorful logo. Countless TV viewers across the Southeast have seen Cookie the Cop in the long-running advertising spots featuring the jingle, “Lookie, lookie, lookie … here comes Cookie. Cook’s Pest Control.”

President's Pinnacle Award

Recognition Well Deserved

President's Pinnacle award was given to Mr. Cook from National Pest Management Association.

Employee Number 2

The Story of Cook's Pest Control

History is an important part of our company which is why we published “Employee Number 2 - The story of John Cook and Cook’s Pest Control.” A detailed look into the history and accomplishments of Cook’s.

Training facility classroom

Leading the Way in Employee Training

Cook’s understands that the science of pest control is continuously evolving. That’s why the company opened its state-of-the-art employee training facility in Decatur, Alabama in 2015. This training center ensures that Cook’s will continue to be a leader in pest control technology.

Pensacola, FL

Pest Control and Beaches

Cook’s opened a new office in Pensacola, the first office in the state of Florida. Cook's now services Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, and Tennessee from its 36 offices.