Whether you're looking to build a resilient business from the ground up or expand your portfolio with an esteemed business model, buying a pest control franchise offers recurring revenue, relatively low start-up costs and a flexible and varied working day.
From choosing the right brand to expert insights and real-world success stories, here's everything you need to know before making your move into the pest control franchise industry.
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A pest control franchise is a business model where an individual (the franchisee) operates their own pest control service under the brand, systems and support of an established company (the franchisor).
These kinds of franchises often operate both nationally and regionally, making it an accessible and achievable career venture for individuals all over the country.
With councils increasingly looking to outsource pest control services and hospitality businesses needing to maintain strict pest measures, demand for private pest control is booming.
Plus, according to a report by Ibis World (published in November 2024), the market is projected to grow even further over the next five years. This offers exciting opportunities for both aspiring franchisors and franchisees to tap into a thriving industry with the support and training needed to succeed.
To delve into why franchising is an attractive model for entrepreneurs interested in this space, we spoke to Gayle Baker, franchise recruitment manager for Pestforce UK Ltd.
“Let’s be honest, pests aren’t going anywhere”, Gayle says. “That’s exactly why pest control is such a great business to get into, especially for new franchisees.
"There’s always something going on, whether it’s rodents in winter or insects in the summer. It’s all year-round work. And the best part? It’s not something people can just ignore.”
Moving on, Gayle draws attention to the financial stability that pest control franchising can provide, emphasising its essential role in society.
“We like to say the industry is recession-resistant, because when pests turn up, people have to deal with them. Rats can chew through wires and even damage buildings, insects can carry all sorts of diseases.
"For businesses, especially in food or hospitality, there are strict legal requirements around pest control. So, when the call comes in, it’s usually urgent!”
That urgency translates into consistent demand, repeat business and a service that people rely on. For franchisees, it means entering a market where the need is constant and the work is essential. This all makes pest control not just a job, but a resilient, long-term business opportunity.
There are some exciting opportunities in the pest control franchising world right now, especially for newcomers who are ready to roll up their sleeves and work hard.
From specialist services like live honey bee removal and bird proofing to drainage-related surveys, there’s a wide range of pest control opportunities available to start a business or invest in.
Another big opportunity is commercial contracts, Gayle explains. “More and more businesses, especially in food, hospitality and property management, are looking for pest control providers they can trust long-term.
"Offering monthly or quarterly service agreements brings in regular income and helps build strong, ongoing relationships and a legacy business.”
As with many industries today, AI is also beginning to leave its mark on pest control franchising. “AI is beginning to make a real impact in the pest control industry, transforming how problems are detected, tracked and resolved," explains Gayle.
"At Pestforce, we’re embracing this technology and ensuring our franchisees stay up-to-date with what the future is going to look like and using it as an opportunity for growth.”
It’s clear that pest control franchising shows no signs of slowing down in demand or innovation, yet again reinforcing its attractiveness and long-term viability for those looking to make a career shift or start a new business venture.
Starting a franchise, especially in a competitive field like pest control, inevitably comes with challenges. But as the team at Pestforce knows, overcoming these obstacles is part of the journey.
“Every business comes with its challenges, and we are no exception. But the good news is, with the right mindset and preparation, most of these early hurdles can be tackled head-on.”
“One of the biggest early challenges is simply getting the phone ringing. Even with the backing of a strong brand, you're still the new face in the area.
"Building a local reputation takes time, and that means getting stuck into marketing, talking to people, joining local groups, and maybe even knocking on a few doors.”
However, starting your pest control franchise isn't just about dealing with pests, Gayle goes on to explain. "In the beginning, franchisees won’t just do pest control. There’s admin, customer service and bookkeeping."
Then there’s the technical side. "Even after training, you'll come across new pests, awkward jobs and tricky customers." That’s where franchises step up again as an attractive model to be a part of. "Part of the training involves going out with an existing franchisee for a week and they become their buddy."
And finally, there's the emotional side. "Keeping motivated when things are slow, not taking customer complaints personally, and pushing through those tough days." Gayle explains, "It helps massively if you really believe in what you're doing and love helping people, which all of us do."
From evaluating the training, support and flexibility offered to assessing brand reputation and the tools and technology provided by franchisors, Gayle is firm in her belief that thorough research is essential before making a franchise investment.
“If you're thinking about joining a pest control franchise, it’s not just about picking a name and running with it. You want to find a franchise that actually sets you up for success.”
From reputation to franchisee testimonials, there’s a wealth of information available for aspiring franchisees to explore when deciding their next move.
“Are people talking about them? Are they giving you the right equipment? Is there a system in place for booking jobs, managing invoices and handling customer communication? The smoother the setup, the more time you can spend actually doing the job and making money,” says Gayle.
Wrapping up with one final piece of advice, Gayle urges budding franchisees to talk to current franchisees of the brand they are looking into. “Get the inside picture. Are they happy? Do they feel supported? Do they love what they do? That kind of feedback is invaluable.”
After years of working for multinational pest control companies, Rick Rimmington felt stuck in a rut, living paycheck to paycheck and yearning for more control over his future. That's when he decided to take the leap and join the Pestforce franchise.
"I recently joined the Pestforce franchise as an operator in my local area. I've been in the pest control industry for many years working for the big multinational companies. Fed up of being treated like a number for little pay, I decided to work for myself."
Rick's decision paid off quickly. "During the first two weeks of training I was already taking bookings," he shared. With continuous support from Pestforce, he felt empowered to start strong. "If ever I have an issue, Pestforce has my back no matter the problem."
Given his steady success, Rick encourages others to make the move into franchising: "I’d strongly recommend you to make the call. It may be the best decision you ever make."
In a similar vein, Alex Gordon, a former landscaper of 24 years, found a new path with Pestforce after seeking a career that would be less taxing on his body.
Despite being relatively new to the franchise, Alex is already reaping the benefits of the franchise’s comprehensive support and training, proving that even new franchisees can quickly gain confidence and start seeing results.
Although a daunting adventure at first, Alex admits, the move began to feel natural when he spoke to other franchisees within the network. "It was great going out on the road for a week with an existing franchisee. It really gives you an insight into the day-to-day challenges you can expect."
But what made all the difference was the unwavering support he received from the wider Pestforce team. "The best thing is all the support you get from head office, and all the other technicians who seem more than happy to pass on tips and information."
He added, "I’ve been in touch with someone most days with technical help". This constant support has given Alex the confidence to keep moving forward. "I couldn’t imagine starting out on my own without the support of everyone."
Now, with the phone calls steadily coming in, Alex is optimistic about the future: "I’m confident it will build from here."
If you're interested in buying a pest control franchise, browse our wide range of franchise opportunities. You can also browse property management franchises, van franchises, commercial cleaning franchises, auto franchises and courier franchises.
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