How to start a pest control business

Pest control is big business. According to a 2015 Rentokil report, the pest control sector in the UK has a value of around £400 million and with growth at three percent per annum, offers lots of opportunities for anyone who quite literally wants to make a killing.

Setting up on your own isn’t out of the question, but if you prefer the support that a pest control franchise can offer, there are lots of options out there to choose from and make the best choice about what’s right for you. These include:

The Pest Company is a fully-accredited family run business which has been keeping pests under control for over 20 years. As a franchisee, you’ll offer environmentally friendly services to home owners and businesses, including hotels, restaurants, schools and hotels, either as a one off-job or on a planned maintenance basis. No previous pest control experience is necessary as you will receive comprehensive training in pest control as part of your franchise fee, which successfully completed, will provide you with a ‘level two’ accreditation through the British Pest Control Association (BPCA). You’ll also receive ongoing professional advice and guidance to help you further develop your business and achieve your aims and objectives.

Franchise fee: An initial fee of £16,295 plus VAT provides benefits which include territory rights, training, launch marketing, tools and initial stock.

Orkin Pest Control was founded in the US in 1901 and now operates in over 35 countries worldwide – working with some of the world’s largest hotel and retails chains, fast food restaurants and food processing companies. They’re looking for highly motivated, entrepreneurial, well connected individuals with at least three years experience working as managers in the pest control business to take on franchises in the UK. Orkin offers everything you need to set up a professional, state-of-the-art pest control business, including comprehensive, ongoing training and materials. It also provides sales and service lesson plans to help you keep staff up to date and help them provide offer a better service to customers.

Franchise fee: An initial fee of £75,000 provides you with benefits which include an exclusive territory, training, call centre services, existing customer and supplier relationships, ongoing staff training and the benefits of working with a proven franchise provider.

Whelan Pest Prevention was set up in 1999 by Sean Whelan after a career in van-based franchise management. Spotting an opportunity to develop a pest control business in the commercial and domestic markets, the business has gone from strength to strength over the last 15 years. The brand offers a huge range of services which it continually expands to broaden its business base and engage existing clients with new services. Franchisees don’t need previous pest control experience and are offered comprehensive training and support to build a flexible, scalable business which you can tailor to your own personal business aspirations. A small, dedicated support team is also on hand through the week to work with franchisees on any problems which might arise. They’re looking for self-starters with good communication skills, are great problem solvers and hard working team players.

Franchise fee: £16,995 buys you benefits which include use of the credible Whelan Pest Prevention brand, high income potential, a large exclusive territory, a branded, fully kitted-out van and a marketing launch.