Pest Control Business Plan Template
If you want to start a successful pest control business or expand your current pest control business, you need a business plan.
Fortunately, you’re in the right place. Our team has helped develop over 100,000 business plans over the past 20 years, including thousands of pest control business plans.
The following pest control business plan template and example gives you the key elements you must include in your plan. In our experience speaking with lenders and investors, the template is organized in the precise format they want.
Pest Control Business Plan Example
I. Executive Summary
Business Overview
[Company Name] is a new residential pest control business located in [Location]. We are committed to providing the highest quality pest control services in the area and creating connections with customers that last a lifetime. We can take care of any common pest that infests our customers’ homes including ants, termites, fleas, bed bugs, and rodents. We understand that pests can be a major nuisance and can even pose a health risk. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of services to help our customers get rid of pests and keep them from coming back. We aim to be the #1 pest control service in [Location] in the next five years by providing effective services and a great customer experience.
Products Served
[Company Name] provides a variety of residential pest control services to the homes and apartment buildings of [Location]. These services include inspection, treatment, and prevention of common pests such as ants, fleas, rodents, and spiders.
We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible pest control services. We use only the most effective and safe pest control products and methods. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee, so our customers can be sure that they are getting the best possible value for their money.
Customer Focus
[Company Name] will primarily serve the residents and homeowners of [Location] and the surrounding area. The demographics of these customers are as follows:
- 88,071 residents
- 35% married
- 30% with children under 18
- 60% homeowners
- Median age: 41
Management Team
[Company Name] is led by [Founder’s Name] who has been a pest control technician for [X] years. Throughout his career, he has provided a variety of pest control services for hundreds of customers living in the [Location] area. He has conducted much of this work for other pest control companies and is now eager to utilize his experience and connections to build his own business.
Success Factors
[Company Name] is uniquely qualified to succeed due to the following reasons:
- The company will be providing a valuable service for homeowners who are in need of pest control services.
- [Founder’s Name] has a track record of success in the pest control industry and already has a loyal customer base.
- [Company Name] will provide high-quality pest control services for a moderate price.
Financial Highlights
[Company Name] is currently seeking $300,000 to launch. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:
- Office design/build: $100,000
- Vehicle purchase and maintenance: $50,000
- Equipment and initial supplies: $50,000
- Working capital: $100,000 to pay for marketing, salaries, and lease costs until [Company Name] reaches break-even
Top line projections over the next five years are as follows:
| Financial Summary | FY 1 | FY 2 | FY 3 | FY 4 | FY 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $560,401 | $782,152 | $1,069,331 | $1,379,434 | $1,699,644 |
| Total Expenses | $328,233 | $391,429 | $552,149 | $696,577 | $776,687 |
| EBITDA | $232,168 | $390,722 | $517,182 | $682,858 | $922,956 |
| Depreciation | $7,000 | $7,000 | $7,000 | $7,000 | $7,000 |
| EBIT | $225,168 | $383,722 | $510,182 | $675,858 | $915,956 |
| Interest | $6,016 | $5,264 | $4,512 | $3,760 | $3,008 |
| Pre Tax Income | $219,152 | $378,458 | $505,670 | $672,098 | $912,948 |
| Income Tax Expense | $76,703 | $132,460 | $176,985 | $235,234 | $319,532 |
| Net Income | $142,449 | $245,998 | $328,686 | $436,864 | $593,416 |
| Net Profit Margin | 25% | 31% | 31% | 32% | 35% |
II. Company Overview
Who is [Company Name]?
[Company Name] is a new residential pest control business located in [Location]. We are committed to providing the highest quality pest control services in the area and creating connections with customers that last a lifetime.
We understand that pests can be a major nuisance and can even pose a health risk. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of services to help our customers get rid of pests and keep them from coming back. Our services include the treatment and prevention of:
- Ants (including carpenter ants, pavement ants, and fire ants)
- Termites
- Fleas
- Bed bugs
- Spiders (including black widows, brown recluses, and house spiders)
- Rodents (including rats and mice)
We are fully licensed and insured, and our technicians are certified pest control professionals. We use the latest pest control methods and products to ensure that our services are effective and safe. We are also committed to providing our customers with the best possible customer service. We are available 24/7 to answer all questions and concerns. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee, so our customers can be sure that they are making the right decision when they choose [Company Name] for their pest control needs.
[Company Name] is led by [Founder’s Name], who has been a pest control professional for [X] years. He has spent his career working for a variety of local pest control businesses, including some of [Company Name]’s direct competitors. Now with years of experience under his belt and a loyal customer base, [Founder’s Name] is ready to create his own business.
[Company Name]’s History
[Founder’s Name] has spent the past year researching what it takes to create his own business and expand his customer base. He has analyzed the costs, market, demographics, and local competition. [Founder’s Name] has compiled enough information to develop his business plan in order to approach investors.
After completing his research, [Founder’s Name] incorporated [Company Name] on [Date of Incorporation] as an S-corporation. The business is currently being run out of [Founder’s Name]’s home, but once the lease on [Company Name]’s office location is finalized, all operations will be run from there. He currently uses his personal vehicle to drive to clients’ homes but will purchase a van that will be used specifically for the business.
Since incorporation, the company has achieved the following milestones:
- Found a commercial space and signed a Letter of Intent to lease it.
- Developed the company’s name, logo, and website located at [website].
- Determined equipment, supplies, and materials needed.
- Begun recruiting key employees and experienced pest control professionals.
[Company Name]’s Products/Services
[Company Name] provides a variety of residential pest control services to the homes and apartment buildings of [Location]. These services include, but are not limited to:
- Inspection: Our technicians will inspect our customers’ homes or apartments for signs of pests, including rodents, insects, and spiders.
- Treatment: We will use a variety of methods to treat our customers’ homes for pests, including chemical treatments, traps, and exclusion methods.
- Prevention: We will also provide our customers with tips on how to prevent pests from entering their homes in the future.
We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible pest control services. We use only the most effective and safe pest control products and methods. We also offer a satisfaction guarantee, so our customers can be sure that they are getting the best possible value for their money.
III. Industry Analysis
You can download our Business Plan Template (including a full, customizable financial model) to your computer here.
No matter how much we try, we will never be able to keep nature completely out of our homes. While an occasional ant or two is rarely a problem, an infestation can damage a home and harm the residents’ health. Infestations can also be far more extensive than may seem and often require a professional to eradicate. For these reasons, the pest control industry is an essential industry that helps maintain residential infrastructures and protect public health.
The demand for pest control professionals remains strong and continues to grow. According to Fortune Business Insights, the pest control professional industry was valued at $19.73 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.31% from now until 2027. This growth shows that now is a great time to start a new pest control business.
Positive factors affecting the industry include the rise in home ownership and per capita income. As long as these trends continue, the pest control market will continue to thrive.
IV. Customer Analysis
Demographic Profile of Target Market
[Company Name] will serve the community residents of [Location] and its surrounding areas. The area we service is suburban, with 60% owning homes, which gives us a large customer base to work with.
Customer Segmentation
[Company Name] will primarily target the following customer segments:
- Homeowners: We will primarily market our services to homeowners who need a friendly pest control professional to eliminate all pests and infestations.
- Landlords/Property management companies: Companies and individuals who rent out homes and small multi-family complexes need on-call pest control professionals they can trust. Our team has the experience and skill to eliminate pests from these homes and prevent them from coming back.
V. Competitive Analysis
Direct & Indirect Competitors
The following pest control companies operate within a 10-mile radius of [Company Name], thus providing either direct or indirect competition:
Ants Be Gone
Ants Be Gone is one of the top pest control services for residents struggling with ants, spiders, and termite infestations. They offer a comprehensive list of services that include inspections, treatments, follow-ups, and annual services. They offer moderate pricing and multiple extermination methods based on the customer’s preference and budget. We expect Ants Be Gone to be a moderate competitor for customers needing insect extermination.
Mr. Smith’s Pest Control
Mr. Smith’s Pest Control has been a major competitor nationwide for decades and has a very recognizable brand. The company offers a wide variety of pest control services from routine inspections to comprehensive infestation treatment. When homeowners are overwhelmed with pests in their homes, Mr. Smith is often the first name they think to contact. This makes Mr. Smith our most difficult competitor to compete with.
Though Mr. Smith’s Pest Control will continue to thrive, the company lacks affordable pricing and good customer service, which prevents customers from coming back. [Company Name] will have far more affordable services and aim to create lasting connections with customers.
Eco Pest Control
Established in 2015, Eco Pest Control set out to be the best local pest control business that focuses on environmental solutions to pests and infestations. They help residents with many of the most common regional pests including spiders, rodents, ants, and fleas. Their unique approach to pest control along with their customer service has made them a very popular service in recent years and makes them a major competitor in the market.
Though Eco Pest Control is a fierce competitor in the local market, the company has received numerous complaints about its services that have tarnished its reputation in recent years. We expect that Eco Pest Control will struggle over the next few years, making it easier to establish ourselves in the local market.
Competitive Advantage
[Company Name] enjoys several advantages over its competitors. Those advantages include:
- Customer-Focus: [Company Name]’s pest control professionals provide the highest quality customer service focused on transparency, communication, and responsiveness throughout the process, from the initial inquiry to the follow-up once the pests are eradicated.
- Management: [Founder’s Name] has been extremely successful working in the pest control industry and will be able to use his previous experience to help clients with whatever they need. His unique qualifications will serve customers in a much more sophisticated manner than many of [Company Name]’s competitors.
- Relationships: Having lived and worked in the community for decades, [Founder’s Name] knows many of the local residents and has already established a loyal clientele from his years working for other competitors. These relationships will provide the company’s initial clientele and help our business through word-of-mouth marketing.
VI. Marketing Plan
The [Company Name] Brand
The [Company Name] brand will focus on the company’s unique value proposition:
- Client-focused pest control services, where the company’s interests are aligned with the customer.
- Service is built on long-term relationships and personal attention.
- Professional industrial experience in a small business setting.
Promotions Strategy
[Company Name] expects its target market to be individuals within a 10-mile radius of its location. [Company Name]’s promotion strategy to reach these potential customers includes:
Referrals
[Company Name] understands that the best promotion comes from satisfied customers. The company will encourage its customers to refer other individuals by providing discounts on future services for every new client produced. This strategy will increase in effectiveness over time.
Website/SEO
[Company Name] will invest in developing a professional website that displays all of the services offered by the company. It will also invest in SEO so that the company’s website will appear at the top of search engine results.
Social Media
[Company Name] will create the company’s social media accounts and invest in ads on all social media platforms. It will use targeted marketing to appeal to the target demographic.
Publications
[Company Name] will advertise its services in key local publications, including newspapers and area magazines. Additionally, the company will print brochures and place them in specific locations frequented by target individuals.
Direct Mail
[Company Name] will blanket neighborhoods in the area with direct mail pieces. These pieces will provide general information on [Company Name], its services, and promotional discounts.
Billboards
[Company Name] will secure a billboard in the area that captures the attention of residents. The billboard will draw attention to the new business and its service offerings.
Pricing Strategy
[Company Name]’s pricing will be estimated on a project basis. The pricing will be determined by the services needed, the extent of the infestation, the tools and equipment needed, and the amount of labor required to finish the job. Pricing will be moderate and less expensive than our competitors, but more expensive than lower-quality pest control businesses.
VII. Operations Plan
Functional Roles
[Company Name] will need to fulfill the following functional roles to execute its business plan and ensure the company’s success:
Service Functions
- Inspect homes for pests
- Apply treatment methods
- Provide prevention strategies
- Provide customer service
- Schedule pest control services
- Quoting and invoice creation
- Purchasing of equipment and tools
Administrative Functions
- Social media management
- Website management
- Bookkeeping
- Marketing
- Hiring and training staff
- Maintenance functions
- Other general administrative functions
Milestones
The following are a series of steps that lead to our vision of long-term success. [Company Name] expects to achieve the following milestones in the following [xyz] months:
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| [Date 1] | Finalize lease agreement |
| [Date 2] | Design and build out [Company Name] |
| [Date 3] | Hire and train initial staff |
| [Date 4] | Kickoff of promotional campaign |
| [Date 5] | Launch [Company Name] |
| [Date 6] | Reach break-even |
VIII. Management Team
Management Team Members
[Company Name] is led by [Founder’s Name], a pest control technician with over [X] years of experience. Throughout his career, he has performed a variety of pest control services for hundreds of customers living in the [Location] area. He has conducted much of this work for other pest control companies and is now eager to utilize his experience and connections for his own business.
[Founder’s Name] is a certified pest control technician and is licensed by the State Department of Agriculture. He is also a member of the National Pest Management Association and the North American Association of Certified Pest Control Technicians.
Though he has never run his own business, [Founder’s Name] has worked in the industry long enough to gain an in-depth knowledge of the operations (e.g., running day-to-day operations) and the business (e.g., staffing, marketing, etc.) sides of the industry. He also already has a starting customer base that he served while working for other pest control companies.
Hiring Plan
[Founder’s Name] will serve as the Owner and Manager of [Company Name]. To launch, he needs to hire the following personnel:
- Administrative Staff (1 to start)
- Pest Control Technicians (3 to start)
IX. Financial Plan
Revenue and Cost Drivers
[Company Name]’s revenue will primarily come from providing pest control services to local homeowners. Pricing will be determined by the services required, equipment and tools needed, and scope of the project.
The main cost drivers for [Company Name] will be labor expenses, marketing, and lease for the office space.
Capital Requirements and Use of Funds
[Company Name] is currently seeking $300,000 to launch. Specifically, these funds will be used as follows:
- Office design/build: $100,000
- Vehicle purchase and maintenance: $50,000
- Equipment and initial supplies: $50,000
- Working capital: $100,000 to pay for marketing, salaries, and lease costs until [Company Name] reaches break-even
Key Assumptions
The following table reflects the key revenue and cost assumptions made in the financial model:
5 Year Annual Income Statement
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenues | ||||||
| Product/Service A | $151,200 | $333,396 | $367,569 | $405,245 | $446,783 | |
| Product/Service B | $100,800 | $222,264 | $245,046 | $270,163 | $297,855 | |
| Total Revenues | $252,000 | $555,660 | $612,615 | $675,408 | $744,638 | |
| Expenses & Costs | ||||||
| Cost of goods sold | $57,960 | $122,245 | $122,523 | $128,328 | $134,035 | |
| Lease | $60,000 | $61,500 | $63,038 | $64,613 | $66,229 | |
| Marketing | $20,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | $25,000 | |
| Salaries | $133,890 | $204,030 | $224,943 | $236,190 | $248,000 | |
| Other Expenses | $3,500 | $4,000 | $4,500 | $5,000 | $5,500 | |
| Total Expenses & Costs | $271,850 | $412,775 | $435,504 | $454,131 | $473,263 | |
| EBITDA | ($19,850) | $142,885 | $177,112 | $221,277 | $271,374 | |
| Depreciation | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 | |
| EBIT | ($56,810) | $105,925 | $140,152 | $184,317 | $234,414 | |
| Interest | $23,621 | $20,668 | $17,716 | $14,763 | $11,810 | |
| PRETAX INCOME | ($80,431) | $85,257 | $122,436 | $169,554 | $222,604 | |
| Net Operating Loss | ($80,431) | ($80,431) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Income Tax Expense | $0 | $1,689 | $42,853 | $59,344 | $77,911 | |
| NET INCOME | ($80,431) | $83,568 | $79,583 | $110,210 | $144,693 | |
| Net Profit Margin (%) | - | 15.00% | 13.00% | 16.30% | 19.40% |
5 Year Annual Balance Sheet
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASSETS | ||||||
| Cash | $16,710 | $90,188 | $158,957 | $258,570 | $392,389 | |
| Accounts receivable | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Inventory | $21,000 | $23,153 | $25,526 | $28,142 | $31,027 | |
| Total Current Assets | $37,710 | $113,340 | $184,482 | $286,712 | $423,416 | |
| Fixed assets | $246,450 | $246,450 | $246,450 | $246,450 | $246,450 | |
| Depreciation | $36,960 | $73,920 | $110,880 | $147,840 | $184,800 | |
| Net fixed assets | $209,490 | $172,530 | $135,570 | $98,610 | $61,650 | |
| TOTAL ASSETS | $247,200 | $285,870 | $320,052 | $385,322 | $485,066 | |
| LIABILITIES & EQUITY | ||||||
| Debt | $317,971 | $272,546 | $227,122 | $181,698 | $136,273 | |
| Accounts payable | $9,660 | $10,187 | $10,210 | $10,694 | $11,170 | |
| Total Liabilities | $327,631 | $282,733 | $237,332 | $192,391 | $147,443 | |
| Share Capital | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | |
| Retained earnings | ($80,431) | $3,137 | $82,720 | $192,930 | $337,623 | |
| Total Equity | ($80,431) | $3,137 | $82,720 | $192,930 | $337,623 | |
| TOTAL LIABILITIES & EQUITY | $247,200 | $285,870 | $320,052 | $385,322 | $485,066 |
5 Year Annual Cash Flow Statement
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CASH FLOW FROM OPERATIONS | |||||
| Net Income (Loss) | ($80,431) | $83,568 | $79,583 | $110,210 | $144,693 |
| Change in working capital | ($11,340) | ($1,625) | ($2,350) | ($2,133) | ($2,409) |
| Depreciation | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 | $36,960 |
| Net Cash Flow from Operations | ($54,811) | $118,902 | $114,193 | $145,037 | $179,244 |
| CASH FLOW FROM INVESTMENTS | |||||
| Investment | ($246,450) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Net Cash Flow from Investments | ($246,450) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| CASH FLOW FROM FINANCING | |||||
| Cash from equity | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Cash from debt | $317,971 | ($45,424) | ($45,424) | ($45,424) | ($45,424) |
| Net Cash Flow from Financing | $317,971 | ($45,424) | ($45,424) | ($45,424) | ($45,424) |
| SUMMARY | |||||
| Net Cash Flow | $16,710 | $73,478 | $68,769 | $99,613 | $133,819 |
| Cash at Beginning of Period | $0 | $16,710 | $90,188 | $158,957 | $258,570 |
| Cash at End of Period | $16,710 | $90,188 | $158,957 | $258,570 | $392,389 |
