Urban areas are a breeding ground for pests. Since ancient times, humans have struggled with insects and vermin invading their communities. And where there is a need, a solution will arise, such as a pest control business that solves the problem.
Pest control is sometimes seen as a fumigation business, but the reality is that not all pest control solutions are fumigation. “Pests” can refer to any unwanted living organism that carries disease, causes harm or damage to humans, infrastructure or animals, or is a nuisance. This can be:
- Crawling insects such as cockroaches, ants, and termites.
- Flying insects such as flies, gnats, and mosquitoes.
- Vermin such as rats and mice.
A pest control service usually covers multiple types of pests and offers a variety of services that deal with these issues.
This quick-start guide to starting a pest control business will guide you through the process.
Define the Idea Based on Market Research
Any time you want to start a business, your decision should be backed by research. By conducting thorough research into what kind of pest control service there is a need for as well as which align with your skills, you will be able to define what services to offer and how to position your business.
For instance, your research might show that there is a serious problem with rats in the suburb you are already living in, and your skills in handling environmentally safe poisons or other humane rodent-capturing techniques align with these.
You will use this information to create a statement that lists what type of service you offer and who your target customers are.
The Details are Important
Next is what many consider the “fun” part of a new business. Choose a name that communicates what your business does so you may register it, open a business bank account and register your business for tax.
You can also take the time to build your brand by having a logo and a company website design. This will be of particular importance when you start marketing your services.
Compliance is Key
At this stage, you have already addressed an important part of your business’s compliance: Being a registered business. However, there are many other legal requirements that you need to take care of.
In South Africa, pest control businesses need to register with the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) under Act 36 of 1947 as a Pest Control Operator (PCO).
Because you will potentially work with harmful chemicals, you also need to ensure that you comply with:
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) of 1993
- Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972)
- Municipal Health Bylaws
- Pesticide Regulations (which change constantly to match global standards)
- HACCP Compliance
For further guidance on standard operating procedures, you can visit the South African Pest Control Association website.
You will also need to obtain insurance for you and your employees that ensures that you are covered should an accident occur.
Equip Yourself
Training, equipment, safety materials and chemicals are all necessary to run your business.
Obtain training on dealing with the individual types of pests according to industry best practices. You also need to ensure that all employees are either already trained or will receive training that allows them to work with specialised gear and chemicals.
Some of the equipment that you can invest in includes:
- Telescoping mirror and endoscope
- LED flashlight
- Infrared temperature sensor
- Night vision cameras
- Rodent and live animal traps
- Ultrasonic pest repellent
- Vacuum with HEPA filtration
- Backpack sprayer with wand and foamer nozzle
- Thermal, cold, or ULV fogger
- Skid sprayer (for lawn work)Insecticide
- Bulb duster
- Tool belt
- Basic toolkit with drill
- Ladder
- Hole sealant
- First aid kit and chemical spill kit
- PPE (earmuffs, respirator, PVC gloves, safety goggles, bee suit)
Market Your Business
Social media is a great way to market your services. By posting in community groups, you have immediate access to a vast potential customer base. Here are some services that you can highlight during your marketing efforts:
- Monthly inspections,
- Identifying pest infestations,
- Elimination and disposal,
- Disinfecting
- Fumagations,
- Facility maintenance,
- Monitoring.
With this type of business, safety should always be the central concern for both your staff and customers. Ensure that you go through each step with a fine-toothed comb, guaranteeing that you remain compliant with health and safety regulations.
