A pest control business provides the critical service of eliminating or removing harmful reptiles, rodent, and insects from both private and commercial properties. Whenever a customer calls you, they expect that you will take care of their problem efficiently. In fact, they expect much more than getting rid of the vermin – they want the real value of giving them their home back and easy sleep at night!
The first thing you need to understand is the value of the services you offer as well as what differentiates you from the competitors. Once you’ve covered this step, you are ready to start and run your pest control business using the tips below.
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Determine Types of Services Offered
Businesses offering general pest control services typically deal with preventative annual maintenance of rodents and bugs with traps, chemicals, and termite inspection. Other specific services you can offer in your business include the elimination of ants, snakes, rats, spiders, roaches, mice, and bees. While choosing the types of services you will offer, take into consideration the requirements of your local community to ensure that you have as many possible clients as possible.
A Business License
Head over to the local small business administration or county clerk’s office and apply for a business license. Get a pest control license by contacting the state pesticide regulation office or the agriculture department. If you are working as a partnership, corporation, or a limited liability company, make sure your pest control East Palo Alto business, for instance, is registered with the Secretary of State.
Consider applying for an EIN that you will need for all business-related tax forms via the Internal Revenue Service. A sales tax license from the state department revenue office allows you to accept as well as report sales tax earnings.
Get Insured
Contact a local licensed insurance provider for information on how to purchase a business insurance and surety bond for your enterprise. Business insurance typically covers auto, general liability, product, property and workers’ compensation.
On the other hand, a surety bond offers extra coverage in case of a settlement or lawsuit, helping your business be stable financially while interacting with customers. At the same time, make use of easily available resources to manage your employees, if any, such as this spreadsheet here.
Lease Space
Get in touch with a commercial real estate professional to locate an appropriate location. If you are running your business from home, contact the local housing and zoning office. Buy company vehicles for equipment and employee transportation.
Marketing
Create a website where you highlight customer testimonials, your services, contact information, and market it via various social media platforms. Get your pest control business listed in online and print business directories as well.
You can build long-lasting business relationships by getting in touch with potential clients at local trade shows and home improvement expos. Market your pest control services to local homebuilders, contractors, property management firms and others.
Bonus Tip: Continued Education
While running your pest control business, it is critical that you continue your education to keep up with the latest chemicals and techniques of pest elimination for residential and commercial spaces. Do your due diligence and research local trade and vocational schools, as well as online educational institutions for the best courses. At the same time, make sure that you don’t use banned chemicals or products likely to harm clients during the process of eliminating pests.
Conclusion
Note that pest control may be seasonal, with different pests showing up at different times of the year. With season changes, your customers will always require your assistance. Create a list of your previous season customers with promotional offers for the current season.