Did you know that the demand for pest control services is expected to grow by 32% in the next decade? And did you also know that starting a business as an independent operator is one of the easiest ways to get into this industry? Even though it’s not strictly necessary, most people who get into pest control as a business will also need to be licensed. A small percentage of pest control individuals are independent contractors, meaning that there are very few businesses registered specifically as businesses. It may seem like getting started with your own Pest Control business requires a lot of capital and expertise, but that’s not always true. In fact, there are many industries where being independent and unincorporated is advantageous. But if you have the desire and commitment to give it your all, then becoming your own boss can be an excellent choice to transition out of your day job and into something more rewarding. In this blog post, we explore some of the key points about how to start a Pest Control Business.
What does a pest control business do?
The first thing you’ll want to understand before getting started is what business you’ll be in. The nature of pest control varies a lot depending on where you’re located and what kinds of pests are most common. For example, in some areas, bed bugs are a huge concern, while in others, cockroaches and mice are the biggest issues. In desert regions, scorpions and black widows are major problems, while in the Northeast, termites and carpenter ants are the biggest concerns. You and your team will need to be able to identify specific pests, determine the best ways to treat for them, and then be able to get the word out about your services. One of the most common ways people find a pest control service is by word of mouth, so making sure that you provide excellent customer service is an essential part of success in this industry.
Finding the Right Location
The first step in starting a Pest Control business is choosing the right location. This is especially important if you are looking to open a retail location. You’ll want to make sure that your location is centrally located to your target customers. You’ll also want to make sure that it’s in a safe and accessible area. In general, retail locations will be more expensive than office spaces, but you might be able to find a good deal on a commercial space in a less desirable part of town, which will allow you to charge less. One thing you’ll want to make sure of is that your business has adequate parking. Depending on the type of vehicle you use for your business, you may need a lot of space or be limited to just a few spots. You’ll also want to make sure that your location is zoned appropriately, and that permits are in place for whatever business you’ll be conducting from that spot.
Equipment and Vehicles
The type of business you’re in will determine if you need specialized equipment. For example, if you’re in termite control, you’ll likely be using a lot of chemicals, so you’ll definitely need access to a fumigation chamber for safety reasons. You may also need to have specially trained technicians with the proper licenses to use these chemicals. You may also need some vehicles to get around. If you do a lot of termite control, you might need a pickup truck capable of carrying large tanks. If you’re in a less mobile profession, such as roach control in hotels, you may need a large suit that you can walk around in. Regardless of what you need, make sure you have it before you start doing business.
Hiring Employees
Depending on the type of business you’re in, you may not need employees at all. However, if you’re in a more mobile type of business, such as roach or bed bug control, you’ll likely want to hire employees at some point. You may be able to hire people who don’t have special licenses for certain types of work, you will want to make sure that you are thoroughly vetted to make sure you are not getting involved with anyone who might put you or your customers in danger.
Licensing and Certifications
Depending on your type of pest control business, you may need to get a special license from your state. If you’re in termite control, your employees will need special licenses, and you’ll likely need to be registered with your state’s regulatory agency. If you’re in another type of business, you might need to get a special license, but you don’t need to be registered with the state. In most cases, you’ll need to get insured, and you’ll be required to have a contractor’s license to do certain types of work. You’ll also want to get the necessary certification for your type of business. If you’re in termite control, you’ll want to get certified by the state Entomology department. If you’re in pest control, you’ll want to get certified by the state Ag department.
The Bottom Line
In most cases, your first few years in business will be the most challenging, and you won’t make a lot of money. However, if you do your homework, you can find a profitable niche in the pest control industry. If you have a valid license, you can even offer franchises or job opportunities to current employees. Make sure that you have a well-thought-out plan that includes your marketing strategy and a budget that includes everything you need to get started, along with a contingency fund for emergencies. With hard work and planning, you can turn your dream of starting your own business into a reality.
