'Green Bug' Pest Control in Tyler

TYLER — After years of experience owning his own pest control business in another Texas town, in July, Gino Springer opened up 'Green Bug' in Tyler -- 'Green' because they take an organic approach to pest control.

Like many others...he's concerned about West Nile.

Springer tells KETK, he's decided to start a community outreach program to combat the disease.

"Green Bug is offering free services to qualified families with young children or elderly at the house...the high risk groups for this West Nile...and we want to give those services to those families and donate it to them," Springer said.

Springer has been trying to partner with local non-profits to help him get the infrastructure of the program going...so far, he hasn't heard back from any of them.

But a local Catholic charity allowed him to come speak with some of the families there...so he already has a list of East Texans in need of the services.

Green Bug customer Lisa Webb tells KETK, Springer sprayed their yard for both fleas and mosquitos recently before the West Nile scare...and it's made a big difference.

She's hoping his program will take off.

"I really applaud him for thinking of somebody other than his own business interests and that can only help our community and bring it closer together," Webb said.

Since it's a new company, Springer says it's a chance to get Green Bug's philosophy out there...and give back to the community.

"I've got all the resources here at my disposal.  And I've got the time to do it.  And I've got the knowledge to do it.  And like I said, if it saves one life, or if it prevents someone from getting sick then, I've done my job," Springer said.

He's also hoping to partner with local companies to help donate mosquito repellent with the ingredient 'deet' and get those to the familes that need it.