Which U.S. markets are ideal for entrepreneurs looking to launch a pest control venture?
Marking April as National Pest Management Month, Pest Gnome ranked 2024’s Best Metro Areas to Start a Pest Control Business.
We compared over 230 of the biggest U.S. metro areas based on 5 categories. More specifically, we looked at the number of common pest species, average hourly pay, and access to pest control training programs, among 10 total metrics.
Explore our ranking below. To learn how we ranked the metro areas, see our methodology.
Contents
Metro Rankings
See how each metro fared in our ranking:
Top 5 Close Up
Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top 5 metro areas.
Average Monthly Google Searches for Local Pest Control: 6,000 | Rank: 1
Number of Common Pest Species: 28 | Rank: 54
Average Hourly Wage for Pest Control Workers: $19.77 | Rank: 106
Number of Statewide Pest Control Training Programs: 18 | Rank: 97
Cost of Pest Control Business License: $300 | Rank: 182 (tie)
Local Tips:
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Jacksonville
Everything to Know About Bed Bugs in Florida
Everything to Know About Termites in Florida
Photo Credit: Trevor Neely / Unsplash / Unsplash License
Average Monthly Google Searches for Local Pest Control: 5,800 | Rank: 2
Number of Common Pest Species: 18 | Rank: 121
Average Hourly Wage for Pest Control Workers: $17.86 | Rank: 184
Number of Statewide Pest Control Training Programs: 21 | Rank: 41 (tie)
Cost of Pest Control Business License: $300 | Rank: 182 (tie)
Local Tips:
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Houston
Everything to Know About Bed Bugs in Texas
Everything to Know About Termites in Texas
Photo Credit: CY / Unsplash / Unsplash License
Average Monthly Google Searches for Local Pest Control: 4,180 | Rank: 3
Number of Common Pest Species: 24 | Rank: 76
Average Hourly Wage for Pest Control Workers: $18.12 | Rank: 174
Number of Statewide Pest Control Training Programs: 21| Rank: 41 (tie)
Cost of Pest Control Business License: $300 | Rank: 182 (tie)
Local Tips:
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Dallas
Everything to Know About Bed Bugs in Texas
Everything to Know About Termites in Texas
Photo Credit: Pixabay / Pexels / Pexels License
Average Monthly Google Searches for Local Pest Control: 3,480 | Rank: 4
Number of Common Pest Species: 89 | Rank: 1
Average Hourly Wage for Pest Control Workers: $23.85 | Rank: 15
Number of Statewide Pest Control Training Programs: 10 | Rank: 171
Cost of Pest Control Business License: $900 | Rank: 228
Local Tips:
What to Do About Rats in New York City
Everything to Know About Bed Bugs in New York City
Everything to Know About Termites in New York
Photo Credit: Roberto Vivancos / Pexels / Pexels License
Average Monthly Google Searches for Local Pest Control: 2,880 | Rank: 8
Number of Common Pest Species: 24 | Rank: 76
Average Hourly Wage for Pest Control Workers: $20.62 | Rank: 75
Number of Statewide Pest Control Training Programs: 2 | Rank: 205
Cost of Pest Control Business License: $65 | Rank: 39
Local Tips:
5 Common Missouri Rodent Pests and How to Control Them
Rodents in Illinois: How to Identify and Control Them
Everything to Know About Termites in Illinois
Photo Credit: Brittney Butler / Unsplash / Unsplash
The Upshot
Three Texas metros — encompassing Houston (No. 2), Dallas, (No. 3), and San Antonio (No. 11) — finished near the top of our ranking with high Demand for pest control services and numerous training programs for novice technicians. Residents of Jacksonville, Florida (No. 1), buzz up the largest Demand, indicated by local Google searches seeking pest control providers.
Wages are highest among West Coast metros like those encompassing Seattle (No. 54) and California metros San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward (No. 93), and Santa Cruz-Watsonville (No. 201). Pest control workers in these three regions make over $25.76 per hour on average.
Big cities deal with plenty of rats and roaches, but they are already home to numerous companies and technicians for small pest management businesses to compete with. The New York (No. 4) metro has high Earning Potential and Demand with the most common pest species — 89 — but also claims the most competitive pest control industry in our ranking.
Small metros in California and Georgia landed toward the bottom, with Madera, California, in last place. Places like San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles-Arroyo Grande, California (No. 231), and Albany, Georgia (No. 226) have high hourly wages but already have abundant pest control workers per 10,000 households and low Demand overall.
Ask The Experts
Whether you plan on starting a large enterprise or intend to take it all on as a solo operator, starting a pest control business comes with a unique set of challenges.
We turned to a panel of industry experts to help our readers understand and navigate the pest management landscape. Read their thoughts below.
- What are your top three tips for starting a pest management business?
- How can prospective exterminators find the right pest control training program?
- What are three of the best ways to stand out from competitors in the pest control industry?
- Where can budding pest control technicians find mentorship and collaboration opportunities to help advance their careers and businesses?
What are your top three tips for starting a pest management business?
Top 3 tips for starting a pest management business:
1. Comprehensive market research. Understanding your local market is crucial. This involves:
- Identifying potential customers
- Understanding the types of pests prevalent in your area
- Having knowledge about pest biology
- Knowing different treatment options and chemical cost
- Hiring the right personnel and technicians
- Analyzing what competitors offer
Market research helps in tailoring services to meet specific demands and filling any gaps left by competitors.
2. Acquire the right licenses and certifications. Pest control is a regulated industry. Acquiring necessary licenses and certifications not only ensures compliance with laws but also builds credibility with your clients. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest regulations and industry standards.
3. Invest in equipment and frequent training. High-quality equipment, effective pest monitoring and pest control products and chemicals, and well-trained staff are the backbones of a successful pest management business.
Investing in continuous educational training for pest management professionals and technicians such as Continuing Education Units (CEUs) ensures efficiency, safety, and customer satisfaction, laying a strong foundation for your business.
How can prospective exterminators find the right pest control training program?
Finding the right pest control training program:
Look for programs that offer a comprehensive curriculum covering a wide range of topics, from pest identification and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to safety regulations and customer service.
Accredited programs recognized by reputable industry associations ensure the training meets high standards.
Attending industry conferences and workshops can also provide insights into the latest trends and technologies in pest control.
Additionally, programs that focus on local pest species and their biology, while taking into account of the impact of regional weather and seasonal changes on pests, pest management, and prevention strategies are highly effective.
What are three of the best ways to stand out from competitors in the pest control industry?
Ways to stand out from competitors:
1. Specializing. Analyzing who are the biggest players in this industry, and subsequently, offering some add-on or specialized services, such as eco-friendly or organic pest control methods, can attract customers looking for specific solutions that not every company provides.
2. Good digital marketing and customer service. Having a strategic approach to digital marketing sources or a long-term “game plan” and building a reputation for outstanding customer service can set your business apart. This includes everything from prompt response times to guaranteeing your work.
3. Innovation techniques or technology. Utilizing the latest technology for pest management (new inspections and monitoring devices, innovation techniques) and customer interaction, like online booking systems or mobile apps, can enhance efficiency and customer experience.
Where can budding pest control technicians find mentorship and collaboration opportunities to help advance their careers and businesses?
Finding mentorship and collaboration opportunities:
Industry associations help with networking opportunities, mentorship, and collaboration. Joining these organizations can connect technicians with experienced professionals who can offer guidance.
Trade conferences also provide platforms to meet industry peers and experts. University urban entomologists or extension agents and specialists who conduct seminars and manage websites and social media platforms for pest control professionals provide useful resources for knowledge exchange.
By focusing on these key areas, aspiring pest management entrepreneurs can lay a strong foundation for a successful business, ensuring they not only meet but exceed customer expectations while navigating the competitive landscape of the pest control industry.
Behind the Ranking
First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Best Metro Areas to Start a Pest Control Business. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into 5 categories: Demand, Earning Potential, Statewide Training Programs, State Requirements, and Competition. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.
For each of the 238 biggest U.S. metro areas, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table. We eliminated 5 metros lacking sufficient data in a single category, resulting in a final sample size of 233 metros.
Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each metro to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A metro’s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked “Best” (No. 1) and the lowest “Worst” (No. 233). Note: The “Worst” among individual factors may not be No. 233 due to ties.
Sources: Beyond Pesticides, Census Business Builder, Finturf, Google Ads, Individual State Departments of Agriculture, National Pest Management Association, Pest Gnome, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, and U.S. Census Bureau
Final Thoughts
Pests are everywhere — even in the cleanest U.S. cities.
Some cities have big rat, roach, and bed bug problems. Other regions contend with common pests like mosquitoes, spiders, and termites. Wildlife species like groundhogs, rabbits, and armadillos can also pose issues for homeowners.
Because pests will always be around, pest management is effectively a recession-proof industry.
Some homeowners may opt to DIY their pest control, but pesticides can be dangerous when improperly handled. That’s why experienced exterminators and regularly scheduled pest control services are so vital to public health and safety.
What is Pest Gnome?
Pest Gnome — part of the Home Gnome family of home service sites — puts local pest control experts at your fingertips. We connect you to the best local pros to get the job done quickly.
Media Resources
Quotes from Pest Gnome Editor-in-Chief Jeff Herman:
- Iowa has the cheapest pest control business licenses — $25. Licenses are most expensive in New York, at $900.
- New Jersey has no pest control certification fee, while it’s most costly in Colorado at $350.
- Out of our top 25 metros, Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI (No. 22), offers the highest Earning Potential, with an average hourly pay of $25.54.
- Nevada boasts the most pest control training programs, 26. However, it is also among 6 states with no preemption laws for local restrictions on pest treatments, meaning local governments may have stricter regulations than the state on pesticide use.
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