Pest control firm founder Truly Nolen dies in Florida at 89

NAPLES, Fla. – Truly Nolen, founder of the international pest control company known for its fleet of yellow “mouse cars,” has died at his home in Florida. He was 89.

The company said in a news release that Nolen died Tuesday in Naples, Florida. A private service is scheduled for Friday.

Nolen opened his first pest control business in 1955 in Tucson, Arizona. The company said it grew over the years to 320 offices in 63 countries.

Originally antique cars were used for advertising beginning in the 1950s, including a red “ant truck” that looked like an insect. In the 1960s the first yellow “mouse car” with fanciful ears and tail on a Volkswagen Beetle was deployed.

The company said Nolen is survived by his wife, eight children and 19 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.