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How To

How to Start a Pest-Control Business

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(20 Ratings)

If there is one guest people are loathe to have come visit, it's the insect. Start a pest-control business and you will never be out of work. Termites, ants, mice and even snakes love to work their way into our homes. Starting a pest-control business will require a lot of dedication and hard work, but soon you'll be able to get rid of all sorts of creepy crawlies.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Money
  • Vehicle
  • Chemicals
  1. Step 1

    Consider buying an already existing pest-control franchise. This may be easier than starting your own business from scratch, because it will be a name people already both associate with pest control and trust. You'll need to talk to the corporate office of the franchise, find a bank to give you a loan and purchase a building to house the franchise.

  2. Step 2

    Pick out a name for your business if you're starting from scratch. Design a logo.

  3. Step 3

    Set up different methods of payment. You'll want to be able to accept all kinds of payment, whether it is cash, check, debit or credit card.

  4. Step 4

    Figure out exactly what type of business you'll be, such as what kinds of pest you will get rid of, will you pest-proof homes against future infestations, and who your customers will be. You'll need to know if you'll be focusing primarily on homes, businesses or both.

  5. Step 5

    Set your pricing. Figure out how much you're going to charge for all of your services.

  6. Step 6

    Hire some employees, depending on how large you're expecting your business to be and how much money you anticipate bringing in.

  7. Step 7

    Advertise. Since you're new, consider offering free estimates or other discounts to get more customers.

Tips & Warnings
  • Before you do anything, make sure you are properly certified in pest control. Your technicians will need to attend training to learn how to perform their job.
  • Consider setting up an emergency pest service number for people to call at any time.
  • Get a vehicle with the name and logo of your pest-control business on the side.
  • Make sure you have proper liability coverage for all the chemicals you'll be carrying. Talk to your existing insurance carrier about obtaining this insurance. They may give you a discount since you're already their customer.

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