About Us

Built on a legacy of providing high-quality pest control solutions, Kness Pest Defense has manufactured innovative products for 100 years and counting. Strategically located in the Midwest, our team of experienced industry professionals believes in supplying innovative, reliable, and easy-to-use pest control products of the highest quality. We're committed to equipping our customers with the most robust pest defense solutions possible.

Now a third-generation family-owned company, our team's strong midwestern work ethic, family values, and commitment to excellence have helped establish Kness as the industry standard. Our products are proven, durable, and produced from the highest-grade materials. Most importantly, they can be trusted to perform time and time again.

We welcome you to the world of Kness Pest Defense. Your best defense.


Company History

Build a better mousetrap, and the world will beat a path to your door. That's exactly how Kness Mfg. Co., Inc. got started in 1924 by our founder, Austin Enos "Brick" Kness, who invented the first multiple-catch mousetrap while working as a janitor at a local Iowa high school. Mice were invading the lunches of students, so the enterprising young inventor took matters into his own hands and created the prototype for the Ketch-All® Multiple Catch Mousetrap.

Kness products are proven performers. We offer a comprehensive line of tough, market-tested products for catching all types of pests. And we do it the right way- the American Way- by investing in our community.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE KNESS QUALITY


From Our President

"We're involved in various outreach efforts here, including working with dependent adults who help assemble some of our products," says President Kathy (Kness) Wauson, a 3rd generation family member. "They play a critical role in the assembly process. We provide work and a sense of accomplishment to an underserved segment of the population who can take pride in earning their own paycheck."

"It is part of our corporate culture to give back to the community," Wauson says. "It's a reflection of our company's Midwest values. We are very proud to still be doing what my grandfather spent his life achieving while at the same time serving the community."

"What once was a one-man operation has become a global success story," continues Wauson. "We are proud to continue in the footsteps of our founder and committed to providing our customers with high quality, pro-grade products, made with care, right here in America's Heartland."



Staff

Kathy Kness Wauson

President

Janet Griffin

Customer Service

Scott Vestal

Plant Manager

Laura Kurimski

Accounting Manager

Dan Crew

General Manager

Matt Henderson

Customer Service


Sales Managers

Joseph Belcher

Joseph Belcher

Mid USA/International Sales Manager

800.247.5062 ext. 219
joseph@kness.com

Jesse Henderson

Jesse Henderson

Western USA/Canada Sales Manager

800.247.5062 ext. 215
jesse@kness.com

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