By LAURA BROOKHART / Community Columnist

“Four years ago, in the middle of our nation’s worst recession, my husband had a vision and he started FarmerGuard Pest Control. We can’t thank our family, friends and community for believing in us, supporting us and trusting us,” posted JJ Farmer on the day the FarmerGuard sign went up on their new location at 3965 Helena Road.

Alan Farmer recalls when he and JJ were brainstorming for an idea for a service business that would be a good fit for their Helena hometown.

“The kids were asleep and we were sitting at the table. I doodled a picture of a house and said ‘we have to figure this out, this bug is eating at me.’ ”

After the light bulb came on, Alan began to study the chemicals, health and structural issues and obtained the necessary training and certifications. After two years, he was state-licensed.

“I don’t sit at my desk. I am very hands-on with the business and involved with all its aspects. We are results driven but manage our business one customer at a time,” Farmer said. “We also make a point to educate our customers, as well.”

Both Alan and JJ come from the corporate world — he from the mortgage industry and she from an earlier career as a buyer for Parisian department store. They have lived in Old Cahaba for 10 years.

FarmerGuard services most of Shelby County and southern Jefferson County including Hoover and Greystone. Their no-contract plan includes quarterly inspections and service.

FarmerGuard chemicals come from Bayer, DuPont and Dow.

“We’re real. We don’t trick you or cut corners,” Alan Farmer said. “We are family-owned and operated and our results are guaranteed.”

FarmerGuard has a facebook page, but they will not overwhelm you with posts. Monday is funny facts day and Wednesday they offer tidbits on current pest issues.

To contact Alan or JJ Farmer, call 358-3200 or go to Farmerguard.com.