EcoShield Partners with Action Behavior Center to Protect Students from Poison Ivy in Austin

At EcoShield, pest control means more than just protecting homes and businesses from bugs... it means caring for people. That mindset inspired our teams in Austin and San Antonio to step up this summer for some very special neighbors.

For years, the EcoShield Austin Branch has shared a building with the Action Behavior Center, a therapy center and school that serves children with autism. When staff approached our team with concerns about poison ivy growing near the school’s play areas—which was disrupting the learning environment and sending children home early—Branch General Manager Chris Calloway immediately took action.

“We want everyone in the community to know we’re here to take care of them,” Chris said. “We’re a family, and we like to take care of our neighbors. It’s just our nature to be that way.”

In early June, well before their regular workday began, EcoShield employees from all departments—sales partners, technicians, and office staff—arrived at 7 a.m. Equipped with gloves, trimmers, and a shared sense of purpose, they worked together to clear the poison ivy and create a safe, clean space for the children to learn and play.

“We were tired. We got poison ivy rashes all over our arms. It was rough,” said Start Tech Manager Matthew Hall. “But being able to help the school and protect the kids ultimately made the job fun.”

The EcoShield team didn’t stop there. Motivated by the opportunity to make a real difference, they also sponsored and hosted a field day for the school’s students. The celebration included a bounce house, snow cones, games, and, thanks to their earlier efforts, a yard free of dangerous weeds.

“It was great seeing the staff, kids, and parents come together, as well as our own salesmen and employees,” said Chris. “We ate ourselves sick from snow cones and ultimately had a really fun day.”

This initiative accomplished more than just weed removal. It brought people together and served as a reminder of what EcoShield stands for: community, connection, and spreading joy through service.

It also strengthened relationships across departments. As Sales Partner Jacob Garcia shared:

“This helped bridge the gap between door-to-door reps and techs. It reminded us that we’re one family, all representing EcoShield.”

At EcoShield Pest Control, we’re proud to protect homes and businesses with trusted pest solutions. But days like this show that we’re building something even more meaningful. We’re here to protect what matters most—whether that’s a family’s home, a child’s safety, or a schoolyard full of summer laughter.