How Profitable is a Pest Control Business (2024 Stats)?

In 2023, the U.S. pest control market is valued at $24.1 billion, with projections indicating growth to $31.8 billion by 2028. Despite the promising figures, the sector is highly competitive, featuring over 32,400 pest control businesses nationwide. What does this mean for individual pest control businesses and their profitability?

With the average yearly revenue for a pest control business standing at around $401,900 and start-up costs ranging between $99,000 to $175,000, this article aims to answer a not-so straightforward question: how profitable is a pest control business? Let’s dive in!

Pest Control market overview

As per IBIS, the pest control market in the U.S. represented revenue of $24.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow to $31.8 billion by 2028.

Insect extermination and control represents the largest share ($1.7 billion), followed by other services ($4.5 billion), rodent containment and extermination ($3.5 billion), and bedbugs and mosquito control ($1.4 billion). Yet, with over 32,400 pest control businesses across the country, the competition is also fierce.

How much revenue does a pest control business make?

Using the same source earlier, it’s safe to assume that the average turnover for a pest control business is around $743,000. Indeed, the U.S. pest control industry is worth $24.1 billion in 2023 and there are about 32,400 pest control businesses across the U.S.

Now, using data from more than 1,220 franchised pest control businesses, a pest control business earns $401,900 in gross revenue per year on average. This number is the average gross revenue per business from 1,220 businesses of the 3 largest pest control franchises in the U.S.

With an average cost of annual visit of $440, that’s a total of ~1,680 exterminations per year. Assuming 250 working days per year, that’s on average 6 to 7 exterminations per day per business.

Yet, not all pest control businesses earn the same yearly revenue. Logically, some will earn more than others because of many factors like their location, reputation, and the range of services they offer.

How much does it cost to start a pest control business?

On average, it costs between $99,000 to $175,000 to open your own pest control business.

This includes various costs such as marketing, rent, training, furnishings, office equipment and software, inventory, vehicles, professional fees, licenses and permits, insurance, and working capital for the first few months (salaries, admin expenses, etc.).

Marketing (27%): Cost of promotional activities and advertising efforts aimed at attracting and retaining customers.
Rent (5%): Cost of leasing the physical space required for the pest control business operations.
Training expenses (1%): Covers the costs of training staff to maintain high-quality service standards.
Furniture, fixtures, equipment, and signages (2%): Cost of the initial investment in essential assets and visual elements for the business.
Computer hardware and software (2%): Designated for the acquisition and maintenance of necessary technology infrastructure.
Opening inventory (4%): Funds set aside for the initial stock of pest control supplies and materials.
Vehicle, shelving, and decals (9%): Allocated for acquiring and maintaining vehicles, storage, and promotional decals for branding.
Professional fees, licenses, permits, insurance (9%): Covers legal compliance, professional services, and insurance necessary for operational security.
Working capital (41%): This significant portion is set aside for day-to-day operational needs for the first 3-6 months (salaries, admin expenses, etc.), ensuring smooth business functioning.