By Carmen Rodgers
Elmore Autauga News
Arrow Pest Control has been serving Prattville and surrounding areas for 59 years. This longevity is a testament to the company’s quality service, industry adaptability, and commitment to customers and employees. 59 years is a long time. The population in Prattville when Arrow Pest Control first opened its doors was 6,600. Today, the population is hovering around 40,000.
It was Terry Bowen’s father Marion who first saw the potential Prattville had to offer a local family-owned business like Arrow Pest Control. As the city grew, so did the business. Throughout its growth, Arrow Pest Control gave back to the community. The owners, throughout the generations, remained active in local organizations like the Chamber of Commerce and other civic organizations.
According to Bowen, the key to the company’s longevity is its commitment to the people they serve. Something he takes very seriously.
“I suppose, it’s sort of like doctoring in a way,” he said, “You think you might have something wrong with you, but it turns out it’s not as bad as you thought it was. And, a lot of times, that’s what it is.”
“I think pest control is really about people a whole lot more than about bugs. We’re trying to protect their biggest asset, their home. We try to protect their home and protect their wellbeing,” he continued.
The Bowens believe customer service begins the moment someone walks into the building or calls them on the phone.
“Some companies have computers that call and tell you, we’re coming to your house on this day. We don’t do it that way,” Terry said. “We talk to you and ask if you’re having any issues, and we need to know about them before we get there, so we can be prepared. That’s an important part of customer service.”
That commitment to service shows not only in the company’s long time in business but in the company’s loyal customer base.
“That’s why we still have the very first customer we ever had,” Bowen said.
The Bowens made it a priority to give back to the city that has given so much to them.
“We’re pretty involved in the community and have been for a long time. From donating things like our time, and I’ve been on the chamber board. I was president of the chamber in 1992.”
That dedication to community and integrity is what led the Prattville-Autauga Character Coalition to honor Arrow Pest Control with the 2025 Business of Character Award. An honor Bowen is humbly proud to be recognized for.
“I don’t think I’m anything really special,” he said. “I’m just a regular person who works hard. My daddy always said ‘Hard work would overcome your weaknesses.”
Bowen said there have been some bumps in the road along the way, but it’s how you deal with those obstacles that really matter.
“If you goof up, back up and do it again, just don’t do it the same way,” he said.
Over the years, Arrow Pest Control has also provided employment opportunities to many individuals.
“It is a big responsibility to have employees because they have families too, so I have to make good decisions that keep the business healthy so that they have jobs and they can support their families.”
Bowen has been married for 44 years. He and his wife, Melissa, have two sons, Greg and Paul, and one grandson, Logan. Terry and both his sons work at Arrow Pet Control, and Logan is just starting out in the family business.
When the Bowens aren’t running the pest control business, they are busy working on the family farm.
“It’s a job in itself,” he said. “The thing about farming, it’s great to get outside, just to have your family with you. We have a house, so we can go spend the night when we want to work on the farm, and it’s a nice change of pace. It’s a different way of life. So, it’s a good break from the day-to-day.”
After 59 years in business, Bowen says he is appreciative of everyone who has helped the business succeed.
“I want to thank them because they can pick anybody else they want to pick us,” he said. “I’m grateful for what we have. I’m thankful to my customers. I’m thankful for good employees, and my job is to keep it steered correctly and going forward.”
To learn more about Arrow Pest Control visit www.arrowpestcontrol.net or call them at 334-365-4610.
