Starting a pest control business, like any other business, takes planning, persistence and personal dedication. You need to do your homework, see what s required in your state and if you want to go it alone or buy a pest control franchise like industry giant Terminix offers. You need to know who is going to do your books and if you need to hire employees. Starting a pest control business may seem daunting at first, but if other people have done it, so can you.

Get The Specifics

When stating a pest control business, you need to know the requirements for exterminators in your state. You can contact your state s Pest Control board. It is also a good idea to contact the National Pest Management Association in Virginia. They can help you find accreditation classes and employment after you graduate.

You need to go back to school before starting a pest control business. Each state will have its own requirements for what certificates you need and what classes you need to pass. Classes are often taught at community colleges. Check with each individual college you may qualify for financial aid.

Should You Go It Alone?

In starting a pest control business by yourself will have certain advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are that you can find your own supplies, uniforms, vans which may be cheaper than buying a franchise. You may also have your choice of territories to work in. The disadvantage is that you are a total unknown. Buying a franchise means also buying a recognized brand name. You often can get tech support and answers to your questions from the franchise company.

Money, Money, Money

Starting a pest control business will be useless if you don t have a handle on your finances. There are many inexpensive accounting courses in community colleges and online. There are also very easy to read and informative books like Accounting For Dummies by John A Tracy to help you start out.

But if you know you are in over your head, don t be proud. Get an accountant. You may be eligible for tax breaks because you are starting a pest control business. Small businesses have to pay their federal taxes quarterly, instead of yearly. However, that s not until after you start turning a profit. In starting a pest control business, expect not to turn a profit for a couple of years because all the money you will have to initially shell out to get the business going. But knowing where each penny goes now is a good habit to get into when you do finally turn a profit.