Skip to main content

Now accepting new clients for November 2024. Book your strategy session

How Profitable Is Pest Control? Everything You Need To Know About Running a Successful Operation

Published on June 3, 2024

The pest control industry is far from glamorous, but it can be a highly profitable route for aspiring entrepreneurs. How profitable is pest control? No two pest control business operations have the same profit margins because these numbers depend on different factors ranging from pricing strategies to overall expenses.

At Rival Digital, we’ve seen how pest control businesses take their operations to the next level and boost profits first-hand. We’ll share what we learned here so you can be ready to achieve the pest control business profit margin you’re aspiring for.

What the Average Gross Profit Margin Looks Like for Pest Control Companies in the U.S. 🧐

The current market for pest control services is a profitable one that shows no signs of slowing down. According to IBIS, pest control companies in the U.S. generated a total revenue of $24.1 billion in 2023, and this number is expected to grow to $31.8 in just five years. 🤯

While the average pest control business ranks in a revenue of around $401,900 annually, not two businesses see the same numbers. Profit margins depend on several different factors.

How Your Pest Control Company Can Calculate Profits 📊

So, how profitable is pest control, and what determines that profit? Calculating your net profit is rather simple, as you just need to subtract your total costs from your total revenue. However, a successful pest control business owner knows that calculating the costs of running a business is anything but simple.

Calculation #1: Start Up Costs 💰

One of the biggest costs you need to consider is the start-up costs. These typically include:

  • Marketing costs
  • Equipment costs
  • Licensing, insurance, permits, and professional fees
  • Computer hardware and software
  • Employee training expenses

Calculation #2: Indirect and Direct Costs for Operation 🤝

Your operating costs are the indirect and direct costs required to keep your company running. These can include fuel costs for your vehicles, pest control supplies, and various other overhead costs.

The best way to organize these expenses is by dividing them into two categories:

  1. Fixed costs: These costs don’t change from month to month, like rent for your office space.
  2. Variable costs: These costs fluctuate, like gas expenses and labor.

Calculation #3: Revenue 🤑

If you want to achieve a beneficial net profit margin, your revenue needs to exceed your expenses. The best way to do this is by keeping your existing customers happy while convincing new potential customers to do business with you. You can do this by implementing customer loyalty programs to encourage repeat business and offering special new customer deals to expand your customer base.

Basically, the greater customer satisfaction your company has, the better chance you have at maintaining a consistent cash flow and achieving a solid gross profit margin.

Maximize Your Pest Control Business Profit Margin With the Help of Digital Marketing Experts

Running a profitable pest control business requires boosting operational efficiency while carefully calculating direct and indirect costs. You also need a solid customer base, and that’s where our team at Rival Digital can help.

How profitable is pest control? Maximize your business’s potential by contacting Rival Digital today. 📈


Eric is the Founder & President of Rival Digital. He has been doing HVAC digital marketing for several years and brings a wide range of knowledge to the table.

How Profitable Is Pest Control? Everything You Need To Know About Running a Successful Operation

Let's Get Started

"*" indicates required fields