A typical pest control business in the US that's still open after three years brings in $19.1k a month ($229k a year) and keeps about $21 of every $100. That leaves about $48k a year.
The top 10% make more than $53.1k a month. The bottom 10% make under $6.8k.
Thinking of starting a pest control business?
- Typical cost to start
- $6.6k
- Still open after 3 years
- 76%
Monthly revenue by year
For businesses still trading at each point.
| Year | Bottom 25% | Typical | Top 25% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $4,200 | $8,000 | $15,200 | $27,000 |
| Year 3 | $11,100 | $19,100 | $32,700 | $53,100 |
| Year 5 | $14,000 | $24,800 | $43,900 | $73,600 |
Year 3 monthly revenue
How much does it cost to start?
Typical cost to start: $6,600.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Van & equipment | $4,400 |
| Chemicals & traps | $1,000 |
| Insurance | $800 |
| Marketing | $300 |
Where the money goes
Share of revenue for a typical business in year three.
How many survive?
76% are still trading after three years, and 64% after five. These are the reasons owners gave for closing:
What the successful ones do
- Signed monthly contracts with restaurants and landlords
- Got certified in the first three months
- Bought retiring operators' routes
How to start one, step by step
Verified pest control businesses on HumDays
Vanguard Pest Control
“Restaurants pay monthly whether they see a mouse or not. Contracts are the whole business.”
Questions people ask
Is a pest control business profitable?
Usually, if it survives. A typical pest control business in the US keeps about $21 of every $100 in sales by year three, which on typical sales leaves about $48k a year. 24% close within three years.
How much does it cost to start a pest control business?
The typical cost to start is $8.2k. The biggest items are van & equipment and chemicals & traps.
How long until a pest control business makes a profit?
A typical business had its first profitable month after 4 months. Side-hustle starts took about two months longer.
Why do pest control businesses fail?
The most common reason owners give is “couldn't win contract work” (31% of closures), followed by “licensing & compliance costs” (22%).
Is a pest control business seasonal?
Busiest July–October. Survivors plan cash around the quiet months.
Ask pest control owners
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