Billy the Exterminator, a reality TV series that aired on the A&E network, revolved around William Billy Bretherton and his family’s pest control business, Vexcon Animal and Pest Control, based in Benton, Louisiana. The show, which was initially titled The Exterminators during its first season, gained popularity for showcasing the day-to-day operations of dealing with various pest-related issues. The Bretherton family, including Billy’s brother Ricky, his parents Big Bill and Donnie, and other employees, frequently appeared on the show, balancing personal and professional commitments while tackling critical and hazardous situations.

Billy did not originally set out to become a professional exterminator. After high school, he aimed for a career in law enforcement but eventually joined the United States Air Force, where his aptitude for biology was discovered. This led him to study biology and entomology, setting the stage for his future in pest control. The Brethertons’ business and their unique approach to pest control caught the attention of Pilgrim Films, leading to their appearance on the Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs and eventually their own series on A&E​​​​.

In 2012, the series was abruptly canceled when Billy announced he had to leave due to a family emergency. Additionally, Billy and his wife Mary faced legal issues when they were arrested in Bossier Parish, Louisiana, for possession of synthetic marijuana, leading to Billy pleading guilty and being sentenced to community service and a fine. Following these events, Billy and his family moved to Illinois, where he continues to run Vexcon Pest Control​​​​.

Ricky Bretherton, Billy’s brother, also continued his involvement in the pest control industry. After Billy’s departure, Ricky started hosting a YouTube series titled Vexcon The Exterminators in October 2015. The series later featured Billy and his son Bryce as recurring cast members. In 2020, Ricky began airing the second season of his web series on YouTube, now with Billy and Bryce playing more prominent roles​​​​.

Billy’s personal life has also seen its share of ups and downs. He and his wife Mary, despite facing legal troubles together, have maintained their relationship. After the incidents leading to their departure from Louisiana, the couple moved to Illinois, where they continue their life together, running Vexcon Pest Control and building a family life with their son, Bryce​​.