Our History: Flick Anticimex
Flick Anticimex is Australia's oldest pest control company. Our slogan "One Flick and they're gone" has been deeply embedded in the minds of Australians.
The 1910’s
In the mid-1910’s, William Albert Flick, a dairy farmer in Northern NSW, developed a compound to control termites on his property. His process was so successful that in 1918 he created his own pest control business: W.A. Flick & Co, later known as Flick Pest Control.
The 1930’s
In the 1930’s Flick Pest Control successfully expanded into the cyanide fumigation of cockroaches and bedbugs in ships and hotels.
At the same time, on the other side of the world, approximately half of Swedish homes were infested with bed bugs. Pest control company Anticimex was founded – the name literally meaning "against the bed bug". The company offered a ‘no bed bugs-guarantee’ annual contract at a fixed price.
The 1940’s
During World War II, pest control expanded as a protected industry, with government contracts for pest control in hospitals and barracks. It was at the Royal Easter Show in the 1930s that a signwriter came up with the slogan, 'Remember—one Flick and they're gone', which is still in use to this day.
The 1950’s
In the 40’s and 50’s, Swedes became aware of the ravages of the house longhorn beetle. In response to this, Anticimex Insurances was established in 1954.
The 1960’s
In the late 60’s, Anticimex began collaborating with Skandia, a Swedish insurance company, taking care of pest problems for residents of houses that were detached and in certain municipal properties. This can be seen as the first step towards the extensive collaborations that Anticimex has with most Swedish insurance companies today.
The 1970’s
The 70’s saw Anticimex taking the first steps in establishing abroad. In 1973 it launched Anticimex in Norway.
The 1980’s
In the late 80’s, environmental awareness grew stronger. Residents demanded mould-free housing. Consumers and restaurant guests didn’t want to risk becoming ill from food that had been handled incorrectly. Anticimex began inspecting buildings in order to detect possible problems with damp and mold and we also developed services in the areas of food hygiene.
In Australia, when the Flick family sold out in 1986, W. A. Flick & Co. had long been Australia's largest pest control company and one that was among the largest in the world
The 1990’s
During the 90’s, both Flick and Anticimex continued to expand their range of services, developing a hygiene solution that has helped commercial customers across industries, particularly in food management.
The 2000’s
In 2000, Anticimex received quality and environmental certifications within the framework of ISO 9002 and 14001. Several new services were launched, such as Fire Protection and Energy Monitoring. All services aim to create healthy, safe environments: by preventing problems and protecting the homes of private individuals and companies, we help avert future problems.
In the 2000’s, Anticimex also expanded into Denmark, Finland, Germany and The Netherlands.
The 2010’s
In 2013, Anticimex expanded further afield by acquiring ISS pest control subsidiaries in Australia, Belgium, Denmark, The Netherlands, Italy, Norway, New Zealand, Portugal, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, and Austria.
In Australia and New Zealand, Anticimex joined forces with Flick Pest Control, becoming known as Flick Anticimex.
Today in Australia
Flick Anticimex is today one of Australia’s leading pest management companies and provides services to the majority of Australia's major commercial facilities.
With over 36 branches and depots nationally, and servicing over 54,000 B2B sites on behalf of 46,000 customers and over 100,000 residential customers, Flick Anticimex is regarded as one of Australia’s leading pest control service providers.
