How To Start A Pest Control Business In The UK

Pest control is one of those businesses that will always be in demand. Whether you’re dealing with inner-city mice or wasps in the country side – unfortunately, pests can be found almost anywhere in the UK.

In fact, according to IBIS world, the UK pest control market, which was valued at £992 million in 2023, is only getting bigger.

Whilst it is a nuisance for people, for entrepreneurs, it presents a great opportunity.

Why Start A Pest Control Business?

Pest control, though not particularly glamorous, can be a very reliable profession. With jobs charging between £175-£200 a pop, and repeat business likely (especially with local property managers), it can be a profitable and flexible business.

Pest control businesses are also relatively recession proof – if people need help dealing with pests, they will always be willing to pay, regardless of wider economic trends.

In the UK, some of the most common pests are:

• Mice
• Cockroaches
• Bed bugs
• Ants
• Fleas
• Rats
• Moths
• Spiders
• Pigeons

So, how do you start a pest control business? Let’s explore…

Step 1: Get Qualified

The first thing you’re probably wondering is: Do I need a qualification to start a pest control business?

The answer is yes. If you’re working with pesticides or dealing with animal control, you’ll need the right training and qualifications.

One of the most common qualifications is the Level 2 Award in Pest Management. You’ll need this to be a member of the The British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

You can do this through:

• BPCA (British Pest Control Association)
• RSPH (Royal Society for Public Health)
• NPTC (for pesticide use certification)

You can also take some extra courses on topics like specific pest controls, pesticide storage and even more humane methods.

What does the training cover?

In your training, you will learn about:

• Animal biology and how they behave (so you can work out how they came to a specific place and how to deter them)
• How to safely handle chemicals
• UK laws around health & safety
• UK laws around wildlife protection
• How to dispose of pesticides
• Treatment techniques
• How to identify which pest you are dealing with
• How to keep customers and yourself safe

Step 2: Get Licenced

Alongside your training, you’ll also need specific licences. For example, if you plan to use professional grade pesticides, you’ll need a Specified Certificate in the Use of Pesticides, available through City & Guilds NPTC.

Aside from your own licence, you’ll also need to register your company with HMRC to start legally trading.

Whilst you can start out as a sole trader, it’s probably best to get the business registered upfront, especially if you plan to hire employees quicky.

Step 3: Get Insured

Pest control can be a risky business. You’re dealing with harmful chemicals in people’s homes – and a lot of the time this happens in areas like their kitchen and living room.

Having the right insurance is a good way to give yourself peace of mind and protect your business. Some insurers will have specific pest control packages, but at the very least, you should take out public liability insurance and employer’s liability insurance, especially if you hire staff.

Step 4: Invest in Equipment

Next, you’ll need to start investing in the equipment needed for pest control. Think about buying protective clothing, sprayers, lures and baits, a van to carry your items and a laptop for any admin work.

Whilst you can buy some of these items as the business grows, make sure you have the basics covered from day 1.

Step 5: Write Your Pest Control Business Plan

Then, it’s time to start thinking about what services you are going to offer, who your target audience is and how to appeal to them.

Think about what type of pest control you want to do. Do you want to focus on domestic houses? Bigger commercial buildings? Do you prefer to offer humane and eco-friendly options?

Having this laid out from the start will help you focus your business.

Then, start writing down your expenses. Think about equipment, travel and employees. Use this to work out how you plan to price your services.

Do you work per job? By the size of the building? By the type of pest?

Can you price in a way that leaves room for promotions and discounts too?

This can help you have some of the tougher elements worked out from the start, so you can grow strategically.

Step 6: Start Marketing

Every business needs customers, and a big part of this will be marketing.

Start by choosing a company name that stands out. Having something with the word ‘pest’ in the name will help people recognise what you do straight away.

Then, start by building a website that includes information about what you offer. You’ll want to register for Google Business and list yourself on local directories to help people find you.

If you can, try and speak to local businesses. Companies like estate agents and property managers will likely look for pest control every once in a while. Likewise, local council buildings and office blocks might be ones to target.

Think about dropping a flyer through their door or posting on local community boards – the further you can get out there, the better.

Step 7: Get Operational

So you have customers. Now, it’s time to think about how to service them.

Think about looking for software that manages:

• CRMs – to keep track of customer orders.
• Financial tools – to help with raising invoices and tracking payments.
• Scheduling software – to make sure you never double book yourself.

Step 8: Keep Growing!

Any business is all about growth. Start to think about what next steps might be.

Do you hire contractors in other cities to service them?

Do you diversify into other services?

Do you hire more staff to take on jobs?

Do you outsource some marketing to an agency?

All of these questions will help you make sure you keep growing your business and your client base.

Pest Control Businesses: Are They Worth It?

Starting a pest control business in the UK takes planning, training and a lot of work. But, it’s a business that comes with a lot of demand, flexibility and growth.

With the right planning, especially in the early stages, you can set yourself up to start a successful pest control business from day 1.