Everyone faces problems with pests. Whether cockroaches, snakes, or termites, there comes a time when you’ll need to ring a pest control business for some help, especially in Australia. While spraying pests may be easy in general, starting a pest control business requires a little more effort. Thankfully, we have you covered.
Let’s dive into it.
What are pest controllers?
Pest controllers specialise in removing pests, rodents, and small animals from places where they don’t belong. Whether it’s in a home, garage, or shed, they ensure the problem is taken care of, leaving the space pest-free by the time they finish the job.
Wondering how to become a pest controller? Well first, you need to be comfortable dealing with a variety of pests, ranging from termites to spiders to snakes. You’ll need to be comfortable with getting up close to them and working within cramped, dark spaces where they love to lurk. As a pest controller, you will learn a wealth of knowledge for each different type of animal, pest, or insect, so you can actively remove them and make sure they don’t return. If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
Benefits of owning a pest control business
If you’re considering pest control, it’s one of the best trades to go into because of the variety of opportunities that come with it. There will always be someone who gets an animal or a pest stuck in their house that they can’t ignore. So don’t worry about running out of clients, there is consistent demand for regular work all year long.
Compared to other hands-on trade businesses, such as security or landscaping, that require more expensive tools, pest controllers can rely on basic equipment, such as chemicals and spray, along with shorter training periods. The barrier of entry is much lower and the upfront investment is relatively affordable.
It’s often asked if a pest control business is profitable? If you plan it out well and have the expertise clients are looking for, it definitely can be. Pest controllers are known to get paid quite well.
Being in the pest control industry and owning your own business gives you more autonomy and flexibility because you get to set your schedule, choose your prices, and work whichever days you prefer. Don’t want to work weekends or nights? You have the freedom to choose. Eager to travel to different states? You can work from wherever you land a job.
As a pest control business owner, you have full control over your operations – moving from house to house, encountering different types of animals, and expanding your network as you meet new clients along the way. It’s a dynamic role that keeps you on your toes while growing your business.
Steps to start your own pest control business:
Now are you ready to get started? Below are the main steps you must take to get started as a pest control business owner.
Step 1: Get qualified and licenced
You won’t be able to run a legal business without the expertise and knowledge. This is why obtaining a government-approved licence is a must. In Australia, the pest control industry is controlled by the state government, so that means the licences change and vary from state to state.
In most states, you are required to enrol into a course similar to Certificate III of Urban Pest Management. A pest control program typically consists of 4-8 weeks of comprehensive training through TAFE or a similar institution. They will cover theory and practical aspects.
First, you’ll undergo interactive classroom training in a structured environment to gain essential knowledge about the chemicals, tools, and job requirements and then you’ll go into practical training out in the field and learn hands-on experience from professionals to ensure you have the skills you need.
Through your training, you’ll gain knowledge on how to tackle bugs and rodents of all sizes. You can also opt in to take a termite and timber management course as well to learn the ins and outs of timber pests like termites, borers, and wood decay fungi. You’ll understand how to report and manage these pests in both old and new buildings.
What licence do I need to start a pest control business?
Once your course is complete, you’ll be able to apply for your pest management technician licence in the majority of Australian regions, which can be obtained through the Environment Protection Authority [EPA] and is valid for 5 years.
Start with the general pest licence as mentioned above and then once you have your business built, it’s recommended that around 6-12 months later, you get your timber licence to cover termites too. The more licences you have, the higher you can charge in price.
Step 2: Establish a business plan
With your licence in hand, you’ll be ready to actually start your business. To establish it, first ask yourself “why?”
Why is it you want to work in pest control?
- Is it the flexible hours?
- Do you want the chance to be your own boss?
- Is it the travel opportunities?
Whatever it is, have a clear understanding of it, so you not only know why you are doing this, but you also know why you are setting up a foundation for your business to truly thrive.
Once you’re clear, it’s time to create a comprehensive roadmap, also known as your business plan. Here are some aspects we recommend including:
- Understand your industry. Research the pest business space and get a good grasp on the current trends along with the ideal customers. This is the time to see what the industry is currently like and where your company can cut through.
- Delegate money. Have a financial plan in place, so you know how much $$$ you need to earn in order to break even. Starting a business can be a big financial stressor, so plan out where you are sourcing your money from. Will it be from your savings, a bank, a lender, or a loan company? If you need help tracking your finances, there are a variety of accounting software platforms available.
- Build a foundation. When you're ready to get started, you will need to sit down and think about the vision, mission and goals of your business so you know what standard to hold yourself accountable to and what service level you will be providing your clients.
- Gather your supplies. Create a list of all the products and equipment needed for your pest control business to help plan your budget and understand your startup costs.
- Choose your service area. Decide whether you'll operate in one state or across multiple states, as this will impact your logistics and business operations.
- Analyse the current market. Research existing pest control businesses to understand who your competitors are, their services, pricing, and target audience.
- Develop a sales plan. Outline strategies for attracting clients, setting pricing, and promoting your pest control services to ensure steady business growth.
With a business plan in place, you’ll then move onto deciding which business structure you will operate under. There are 4 options:
- Sole trader - Full Control
- Partnership - Part Control
- Company - Little Control
- Trust - No Control
Do a little research on each to have a clear understanding of which one of these suits you best. But if you’re set on being your own business leader and currently reading this article to figure out how to do it, then there’s a good chance that the sole trader path is the one for you.
Once your structure is picked out, you will then need to apply for an Australian Business Number (ABN) to prove to the government that your business is legitimate, can be paid, and is registered for tax.
Step 3: Get insured
When you're working with hazardous chemicals or performing physical tasks on someone else's property, accidents can happen. Whether it's spilling chemicals or damaging your client's property, without the right insurance, you could face major financial liabilities for any mistakes, injuries, or accidents.
Insurance is essential to protect yourself from potentially huge costs, making sure you're not out of pocket if something goes wrong. Don't leave yourself exposed to legal and financial consequences — stay protected.
As a business owner, you should have:
- Professional Indemnity Insurance: protects you if someone claims your work or advice caused harm due to a lack of proper care.
- Public Liability Insurance: covers if something goes wrong on the job such as someone gets hurt, chemicals are spilled, or property is damaged.
- Workers Compensation Insurance: protects employees if they get hurt at work or become sick due to their working conditions.
Outside of these 3, it’s also best to consider these ones as well:
- Vehicle and trailer insurance
- Tool and equipment insurance
- Income protection insurance
When on the job, it’s crucial that you maintain records of all the chemicals you use in case they are needed for insurance claims or issue requirements. You can do this by logging them into the report writer in the Mira app. All the forms we offer are insurer approved and up to Australian standards.
Outside of insurance, you may apply to become a member of various communities and organisations to provide confidence that your business is backed by a credible and professional authority. One of the most well-known ones in pest control is the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA).
Step 4: Obtain equipment
To get started with your pest control business, you will need to list out and purchase the necessary tools and equipment listed below:
- Sprayers and tanks
- Chemicals for all sorts of animals
- Gloves, masks, eyewear, hazmat suits, and uniforms
- Traps, bait stations and cages
- Computer, phone and filing systems
Overhead costs are relatively low for pest control compared to other trades, as chemicals are quite inexpensive compared to what you can charge. Shop around and see what prices you can find, and then how much you need to charge to break even.
You will also need to pick the appropriate vehicle to get from appointment to appointment. You could opt for a van with a separate cabin for cargo space or a ute with a canopy for the chemicals in a protected area and space for your team in the back. Consider wrapping your car with your branding to promote your brand on the sides and then you’ll be good to go!
Step 5: Find clients
With your business plan set, insurance aligned, and tools acquired – you are ready to start your pest control business! Now it’s time to start your sales strategy, set your prices, and market your business in the desired area you’d like to grow your client base.
To market well, you will want to have a digital presence. This means a well-informed website, setting up a Google Business Page that has your key details, creating social media accounts for clients to take a peek at, or posting on online platforms, such as Facebook Marketplace or Airtasker, that you have services available.
When first starting out, it’s best to share by word-of-mouth with your current community that your business is up and running. People who know you will be more likely to give you a chance since that relationship is already established, and once you get a couple key clients, they will often share your details with their communities and soon – the chain reaction grows from there.
As you grow, make sure to ask for referrals and online reviews to keep the momentum going! If there’s certain clients you enjoy working with, offer repeat business to keep the relationship going. The more consistent you are with building relationships and maintaining positive feedback, the stronger your business will become. You got this!
Expand your pest control business with Mira
Mira is here to help you! Our all-in-one trade software gives you the chance to save time and grow your business with the click of a button. Easily manage finances, appointments, and quoting or invoicing forms on the go.
Start a free trial and check out our suite of features, or get in touch for a demo to learn more about how we can help your business.