Installer of the Month | September 2025 | Ithamar Pest Control

Introducing September’s Defender® Bird Spikes Installer of the Month winner – Ithamar Pest Control from all the way over in the Netherlands!

A huge congratulations to Ithamar Jonker and his team for becoming our very first European winner. Their outstanding installation using Defender® Wide Plastic Bird Spikes impressed this month's guest judge, Dean McFarlane of Malum Southern Pest and Bird Control, who praised the quality and professionalism of their work.

Malum Southern Pest & Bird Control are trusted specialists with a strong reputation across the South of England for their professional and ethical approach to effective bird and pest control. Dean McFarlane’s expertise and standing in the industry made him the perfect choice as our very first guest judge.

Behind the Installation: Ithamar Pest Control

In this Q&A, Ithamar share their journey into pest control, the story behind their award-winning installation, and their thoughts on the challenges and rewards of the job. They also explain why Defender® Bird Spikes remain a key part of their bird control toolkit. With a strong reputation for reliable, high-quality installations, Ithamar Pest Control demonstrate the same commitment and expertise that has made them stand out in the Netherlands and now across Europe!

Can you tell us about the system you installed that won this award?

This installation was carried out in Amersfoort, a town in the central Netherlands. It was for one of our strategic partners, with whom we collaborate frequently. This client was experiencing significant pigeon problems, with pigeon droppings contaminating their outdoor display clothing. Our team carried out this installation, also to train these younger colleagues in pest control.

Defender’s View

This installation of Defender® Wide Plastic Spikes shows what a versatile spike this is. The shop likes to display clothing rails outside for customers to peruse; however, the railings above the entrance to the shop provided the perfect place for perching pigeons to sit. Ithamar and his team have installed wide plastic along every rail, the shop sign and the leading edge of the flat roof. The pins fan out so the birds cant get a foothold and will no longer defecate down the front of the building. The final installation looks great, the plastic pins are virtually invisible against the sky and with no pigeon guano to clear up, the shop entrance is inviting once more.

Guest Judge Dean McFarlane comments

After some great entries and thoughtful consideration, my choice for installer of the month goes to Ithamar Pest Control from the Netherlands. Not only is it really great to see Defender products being used in Europe it’s that they are being used right. I’ve spent some time in many different European cities and seen some awful attempts at bird proofing. So it’s great to see it being done right. Not only have Ithamar spiked the top of the sign, they have dealt with the bars above the sign, dealing with any potential issues with displacement in one hit. Feral pigeon displacement is such an important part of any bird-proofing job, and that’s where experience and behavioural knowledge come into their own. It’s all good and well spiking where the birds are causing an issue at the present time, but you have to look further. To where the birds will move to once their favoured roosting/nesting spot is removed.

So lets find out more about Ithamar and his pest control company

My name is Ithamar Jonker. I grew up in a family-owned pest control business founded over 60 years ago by my grandparents in the eastern Netherlands. I've been carrying out projects involving the installation of bird deterrents for over 27 years. I have been happily married to my wife Sefanja for almost 25 years, and we have two children together, aged 18 and 15. I love sailing, skiing, and stargazing.

Why did you establish Ithamar Pest Control?

The reason is to position ourselves as a small, flat organisation where we can continue to provide high quality and a high level of attention to our customers.

Who helps you on your team?

My team consists of Fred, Rodian, and Levi, and we collaborate frequently with other pest control companies.

Where in the Netherlands do you work?

Our service area is the eastern and central Netherlands, and we also service a few customers just across the border in Germany.

Do you treat other types of pests besides bird control?

Yes, we offer comprehensive pest control services, focusing on our IPMCare+ services for clients in the food and pharmaceutical industries who must comply with food safety certifications. We also focus on combating and preventing wood-destroying pests such as woodworm, longhorn beetles, and fungi. Our bird control division has also seen significant growth in recent years, securing numerous properties against bird nuisance.

You are a trainer at Killgerm. What do you do there?

At Killgerm Benelux, I provide high-quality training for those just starting out in pest control, and I offer refresher courses so colleagues can maintain their professional skills.

What is the most challenging aspect of your work?

The biggest challenge remains the customer, ensuring their cooperation, so the real problem can be solved.

What's the most rewarding aspect of your work?

I get satisfaction from solving complex situations involving pests. And we visit special locations you wouldn't normally visit.

Why did you choose Defender Bird Spikes?

I've been working with your product for years because it's very user-friendly and aesthetically pleasing for use on buildings, offering maximum effectiveness. We always use the Defender Wide Spikes, which we have years of experience with.

It’s been an absolute pleasure to feature Ithamar Pest Control as our September Installer of the Month and to celebrate our very first European winner. Huge thank you to Ithamar for his insights. Their professionalism, experience, and dedication to high-quality bird control set an excellent standard for the industry.

We’d also like to thank our very first guest judge, Dean McFarlane of Malum Southern Pest and Bird Control, for lending his expertise this month. Malum is a well-respected pest and bird control company in the South of England. It’s a tricky job, but Dean has been incredible.

Congratulations again to Ithamar Pest Control on their well-deserved win.

If you live in the Netherlands and need expert advice, help or training, then do contact Ithamar Pest Control and his team by sending them an email on ithamar@ipmcare.nl

If you are closer to home, and need an expert in the South of England, Dean and the team at Malum Southern are always on hand to help. Drop them a line at info@malumltd.co.uk