When it comes to job opportunities, you should always keep an open mind about possible job prospects. For instance, instead of going to college, you can consider trade schools. Trade schools are often shorter and even cheaper than regular colleges. It also offers skills that can be handy in real-life as well. Not to mention, many of these jobs involve you making your own schedule and pay. Today, we will focus on the trade of pest control and how to start a pest control business.
Do Your Research
If you have decided on creating your own pest control business then there are some things you need to do first! The first thing to do is research the pest control industry. Learn what it involves and if your area even needs a pest control business. Not knowing the answer to some of these questions will give you failure right from the start.
Remember, this is going to be your career, be smart. Take your time to figure out the numbers before actually creating your business.
What is Your Service?
Once you’ve decided you are going to have a pest control business, you need to decide what your services are going to be.
A good start is to identify the common pests in your area. Besides common pests, consider the following:
- Year-Round Pests (Wasps, Bees, Ants Centipedes, and Silverfish)
- Seasonal Pests (Ladybugs, Spiders)
- Invasive Pests (Cockroaches, Bedbugs)
- Wildlife (Pigeons, Skunks, Groundhogs)
While you don’t need to focus on every pest, just identify which are the largest and most common pests to deal with.
How to Start Your Pest Control Business – Service Pay
Now, the next step is to figure out what your service pay will be. Consider tier-based or value-based payment methods. You need to factor in labor, equipment, and profit margins.
If you are having trouble with pricing, look at what your competitors are priced at. But, don’t use them as a guide. Set yourself apart from others and don’t sell yourself short!
How Much Does it Cost?
Depending on the pests and where you live, a pest control business can cost $2,000 to over $6,000. There are several things you need in order to proceed with your business plan:
- A Business License w/ Registration (Over $350)
- Business Insurance ($400-$750)
- Software for Pest Control ($400)
- Uniform w/ Brand ($150 – $400)
- Pest Control Equipment (Up to and Over $4,000+)
- Business Cards ($150)
You would also need a truck or van to carry your equipment in. This can wrack up between $10,000 – $30,000 depending on makes and models.
If you seek to buy into an existing franchise, that also depends on price. But, if you’re interested, then it can cost anywhere from $15,000 – $100,000.
A pest control technician can make between $30,000 – $50,000 while the business owner can make between $56,000 and $70,000.
Making Your Business
As you can see, it can be pricy to start a business. So how do you make money? Consider the value your business has and the value of other pest control businesses. How do they operate? Look for ways to retain your customers and bring in new ones.
Getting the Registration
This is a vital step that must be done. Getting your registration to be a pest control technician is important because you will be working with dangerous chemicals and poisons.
There are other registrations as well like business registration. Go to your local government’s online page or the federal government’s website to find out more. Not to mention that you will also need to be trained. So buckle up because this can be a hazardous job.
Invest in Equipment
There is a wide variety of pests to take care of. Therefore, it is your responsibility to have the tools that are needed for the job. Here is just some of what you need:
- LED Flashlight
- Night Vision Cameras
- Live Animal Traps
- Backpack Sprayer with Wand
- Bulb Duster
- Ladder
- Basic Tool Kit
- Tool Belt
- And More!
This is just a portion of some of the gear you need. Some of this stuff requires skill and a lot of responsibility to be around. So be sure that you pay attention to the risks of this job.
Market and Brand Your Business
With your new business, you want to attract customers and keep attracting them. Find ways to market your business around town. Ads and posters are great ways for people to notice your business. You should also consider the demographic of your customers to help you as well. Everything from where they live to who they live with can be helpful indicators rot your job.
Conclusion
So, now that you know how to start a pest control business, you know that the job requires a lot of work. From training to education, getting everything together requires a great deal of patience. Not to mention that this is a dangerous job will with chemicals, poisons, and not to mention dangerous wildlife.
Keeping yourself safe is just as important as creating the business!
