Delaware Judge Grants PestNow TRO Against Former Execs' 'Employee Raids'

Entomo Brands Parent LLC, doing business as PestNow, sued four former executives—Karl Bowers, Robert Johnson, Joseph Reeves, and Thomas Taylor—along with their new companies PestAway LLC entities in Virginia and Maryland. The pest control company alleged the former employees violated non-compete and non-solicitation agreements by systematically recruiting PestNow workers to join their competing business.

U.S. District Judge Richard G. Andrews found that PestNow had "demonstrated its right to the temporary relief" pending consideration of a preliminary injunction motion. The judge ordered defendants to stop recruiting or soliciting PestNow employees, encouraging workers to quit or reduce their work for PestNow, and initiating discussions about opportunities at PestAway or other businesses.

The case represents PestNow's renewed attempt to secure emergency relief, suggesting the company previously sought but failed to obtain a temporary restraining order. The court considered written submissions from both sides and heard oral argument before issuing the partial grant of the TRO motion.

The temporary restraining order sets up a potential preliminary injunction hearing where the court will determine whether to extend the restrictions long-term. The case highlights ongoing tensions in the pest control industry over employee mobility and the enforceability of restrictive covenants against former executives who start competing businesses.