In Memoriam: Ted Granovsky

***Article updated on May 31***

BRYAN, Texas - Dr. Theodore Alexander “Ted” Granovsky, a respected educator, speaker and mentor in the structural pest control industry, passed away on May 21. He was 81. For more than five decades, Granovsky devoted his career to advancing urban and industrial entomology through practical research, professional training and tireless industry service.

Granovsky first made lasting contributions during his time as assistant professor of urban entomology at Texas A&M University from 1978 to 1983. There, he led urban entomology research and teaching programs focused on termites, cockroaches, stored product insects and other structural pests. He developed and taught university courses in urban entomology and stored product entomology and helped create bilingual applicator training materials used internationally through cooperative efforts with USAID programs.

In 1984, Granovsky founded Granovsky Associates, where he provided pest control guidance in food processing facilities, hospitals, grain operations and numerous other industries. He also continued to reach pest management professionals across the United States and internationally through seminars and educational programs.

Richard Kramer, Ph.D., and consultant with Kramer Pest Management Consulting, had been acquainted with Granovsky since his early days at NPMA (1991). Kramer remembered Granovsky as an outstanding entomologist who made two major contributions to the pest control industry. "He was very committed to the training of Hispanic pest management professionals. Conducting training and consulting," Kramer said. "The other thing that he was noted for was the development of pest control training video tapes PCVN for the industry. The tapes were all produced on VHS. In fact, I still have copies of all the tapes and had the opportunity to participate in some with Ted and George Rambo. He will be missed.”

Colleague and friend Dr. Michael Potter, professor emeritus University of Kentucky, said one of Granovsky's most significant contributions to the pest management industry was helping develop the first truly effective bait for Pharaoh ants, a breakthrough that transformed control of a pest that was once considered even more difficult to manage than termites. Potter said this innovation had a lasting impact on the industry and remains a testament to his expertise and problem-solving ability. 

Granovsky served as a consultant to PestWest. James Shaffer, president and of PestWest, and Dr. Stuart Mitchell, technical director of PestWest, remember Granovsky as a valued researcher, educator and field expert. “Ted will be remembered for his warm personality, inspiring curiosity, practical wisdom, and care for people,” Mitchell said. "He was indeed my close and trusted friend, mentor and colleague.”