Franchise Spotlight: Pest Control
Low entry costs, a favourable work-life balance and a robust industry growth rate.
Pest control franchises control or exterminate rodents, termites, birds, possums and other pests. Many commercial clients provide repeat business, with property managers and hospitality industries particularly rich sources of demand.
Compared to many sectors, industry demand declined only moderately – 7.9% – amid the Covid-19 pandemic, according to analysis by market research firm IBISWorld. This was primarily because of its designation as an essential service by the federal government, and being essential also means the future of the pest control industry looks secure.
In the medium term, pent-up demand from households, businesses and the public sector is ready to be unleashed as the global pandemic abates.
Franchise industry trends
Franchisees usually benefit from comparatively low entry costs, flexible working hours and seasonal demand that offers scope for shorter working hours and plenty of holidays for three months of the year.
Prior experience in the pest control sector is almost never required. For instance, all Hitman franchisees have so far been new to the industry upon joining.
Hitman says franchisees are given 4-5 jobs a day upon completion of their training, with demand buttressed by an 80% client retention rate, and earnings reaching at least $95,000 in their first year.
Fantastic Pest Control , part of the Fantastic Services brand, says it helps franchisees customize a weekly schedule to suit their needs, provides one-to-one coaching and helps with insurance, certification and licensing. Whether it’s rodent control, termite treatments or something else, its franchisees can also choose to specialise in particular services.
Part of Australia’s largest franchise group, Jim’s Pest Control offers everything from termite treatments to rodent, bird and possum control, and promises franchisees mentoring, a leads guarantee and low, fixed monthly fees.
The Local Guys , meanwhile, highlights its digital investment in SEO and Google Ads, claims success in securing large tenders, and says its franchisees typically work from 10am-3pm.