If you’re the type of person who loves to solve problems and has an iron nerve, you should consider starting your own extermination business by following the below steps. This article will show you how to start a very in demand business…how to start an exterminator business. Nobody wants a pest control service in their home, but when your house is infested, you know you want a reliable team on the case. If you end up needing an exterminator instead of starting your own, you may want to check out something like pest control services Carlisle for an effective pest control service.
How to Start an Exterminator Business
How to Start an Exterminator Business Step 1: Get Credentialed
There are a number of ways to handle this first step in learning how to start an exterminator business. The easiest way is going to be simply working for another company like https://www.adamspestcontrol.com/ for a while.Just be sure that the company operates in the same area where you want to work. Otherwise, you’ll be learning about exterminating pests that don’t actually live in your service area and won’t know how to kill off others.
That being said, some people gravitate to this industry and teach themselves along the way and/or read up on extermination. The former method is still recommend, but may not be necessary. You can also learn more about pest control services by visiting somewhere like this pest control california service or a pest control service more local to you, to get an idea of what they are doing and what you can do differently.
How to Start an Exterminator Business Step 2: Pick Your Niche, Location, & Get an Operator’s License
Picking your location will narrow down your options for specialty/niche.
Types of Pest Control:
- General Household Pests
- General Insect Control
- Flying Insects
- Rodent Control
- Termite Control
- Lawn and Garden Insects & Pests
- Birds & Animals
Next get an operator license, which has different requirements in every state. However, you’re going to need an operator’s license, which requires taking an exam. That’s one more reason why you should consider actually working for a company first before trying to start one of your own. Its always good to do research on your competition in the area as well. For example checking out termite control los angeles if you’re in the los angeles area. To understand the prices of the area.
In a lot of states, you can’t even get a license without a work history that shows you know what you’re doing (unless you have a relevant degree).
Pest University offers insight into the decision makers of commercial accounts (see how to market your Pest Control Business)
How to Start an Exterminator Business Step 3: License Your Business
After you handle that first license, you’ll need to actually license your business as well. This isn’t just about getting recognized by the government as a company, though. You need to specifically apply for an exterminator’s license. Once again, this will differ a bit from one state to the next.
How to Start an Exterminator Business Step 4: Invest in Equipment & Supplies
Now that you are able to start your company, the next step in learning how to start an exterminator business is getting your hands on all the equipment and supplies you’ll need to kill off those pests.
Obviously, you’ll need to know the type of pests you plan on going after so you buy the right supplies. To save money, order them online.
Types of Equipment:
- Bait Guns
- Fumigant Applicators
- Generators
- Dusters
- Heaters
- Injectors
- Insect Lights
- Personal Safety Equipment
- Sprayers
- Tools
- Foggers
- Pumps
- Tanks
- Treating Devices
This will also include your uniform which should include a full bodysuit (extra points if you get it embroidered for a professional look), eye protection, mask, boots, and gloves.
Types of Supplies:
- Aerosols
- Spray Conentrates
- Bait Insecticides
- Insect Traps
- Rodent & Animal Control Products
- Insecticide Granules
- Dust Incecticides
- Equipment & Parts
- Bird Control Products
- Deodorizers & Sanitizers
- Insect Growth Regulators
- Educational Material
How to Start an Exterminator Business Step 5: Get Marketing
The last step is letting the world know you’re here to help. One of the keys to large growth is your ability to obtain COMMERCIAL ACCOUNTS. These larger accounts will decrease your time advertising to small residential homes and increase your time producing profits. It is important to know how to approach and sell to decision makers.
Commercial accounts include:
- Hospitals
- Skilled Nursing Facilities
- Schools – Private & Public
- Restaurants
- Distribution Centers
- Warehouses
- And more
Exterminator Marketing Tips
- Start a website
- Get fliers made that you can hang at local home and garden stores
- Create a referral incentive program
- Offer discounts to commercial clients
- Create a logo and paint it on your vehicle
Where to Buy? – Pest Control Businesses For Sale
Bizquest – buy a pest control business
Merger Network – buy a pest control business
There are also franchise opportunities for Pest Control Businesses.
Pest Control Franchise Opportunities:
Pest Control Fanchise List from Entrepreneur.com
Now that you know how to start an exterminator business, go out there and help homeowners and commercial businesses relieve their stress & live in comfort.
Let us know if we can help you with any part of your start-up.