A pest control company helps homeowners and businesses keep their property free of unwanted guests. Using preventative measures such as resealing cracks, spraying and trapping, these companies deal with insects, rodents and other nuisances that threaten people’s health and safety. They may also offer service contracts in which structures are routinely treated for a specific pest.
Starting a pest control business requires a significant investment in equipment and chemicals. It is also necessary to obtain insurance to cover possible injuries and property damage resulting from your pesticide applications or other company activities. The amount of insurance required varies according to state regulations, the type of chemical you use and your risk level. A good starting point is to get a small-business policy that covers the basic risks. You may need workers’ compensation, general liability and commercial auto insurance as well.
Decide which types of services to offer. This will largely be determined by the pests pest control company Forney TX prevalent in your area. For example, fire ants are more of a problem in Florida, while bed bugs are more common in New York. It’s also a good idea to offer specialty services that differentiate you from the competition. For instance, if the area you serve sees lots of snakes, you might want to focus on that niche.
Create a name for your business, and choose a logo to help it stand out from the competition. This will be the first impression that customers have of your brand. Be sure that it’s easy to remember and conveys the nature of your business.
Hire technicians with the right mix of education and experience. You should hire people who are licensed commercial pesticide applicators or have equivalent training. They should have a thorough understanding of pest behavior and biology as well as the ability to determine which types of products will work best on particular pests.
Check a potential pest control company’s reputation and licensing status before hiring them. Contact the Better Business Bureau or your state department of agriculture and ask for references. Look for online reviews and social media feedback as well. In addition, you should be able to find out whether the company has any complaints filed against them with the Environmental Protection Agency or Association of American Pesticide Control Officials.
Set up a business bank account to keep company income separate from your personal funds. In addition, you should have a reserve fund to handle cash flow problems and unpaid invoices. You should also consider hiring an accountant to manage your bookkeeping and tax responsibilities.
Purchase or rent an office space that’s large enough to accommodate your employees and equipment. Having a dedicated workspace will make it easier to stay focused on the business at hand. Ideally, the space should be clean and well-lit with plenty of natural light. A cluttered, disorganized office will only distract you and your employees.
Invest in a phone system, website and other technology to streamline operations and maximize efficiency. Pest control software suites like FieldRoute are designed to increase productivity and reduce expenses by automating certain functions.