Now that you’ve learned how to start a pest control business and legally set up your company, you’re likely wondering what tools and chemicals you’ll need to start offering services.
What do pest control companies use to treat infestations? Below, we highlight some must-have tools and chemicals for common infestations and specialty services.
The most common types of pest control fall into three main categories, each used to address different problems: physical, chemical, and biological. Let’s learn how each method works and when they are most effective.
Please note that some of these methods may be cost-prohibitive to your customers. However, if you offer pest control financing, your customers will be able to get the services they need now while paying for them over time.
Equipment and barriers like traps and temperature control methods can help physically prevent pests from entering or staying indoors. Plus, these methods don’t use chemicals or pesticides, so they’re safer for the environment and non-target species like humans and pets.
Traps are most effective for controlling smaller pest populations and new infestations in high-traffic areas. Here are the different types of traps most commonly used:
Barriers prevent pests of all sizes from entering houses, apartments, or buildings. They are most effective when used as a preventative measure before infestations start. There are different types of barriers:
Extreme heat or cold can also kill pests by creating an inhospitable environment for them to grow or thrive. Let’s take a closer look:
One environmentally-friendly option for pest control includes using natural predators, parasites, or pathogens as a proactive measure. Here’s a closer look at biological pest control:
Introducing natural predators that hunt and consume pests can help keep pest populations in check without introducing chemicals or disturbing the environment. This is especially useful in agricultural and garden settings.
Chemicals derived from natural materials like plants, bacteria, and certain minerals are safer than synthetic chemicals because they target specific pests without harming other organisms. Biopesticides are less toxic to humans and pets and beneficial to insects like bees. They’re also eco-friendly because they break down more quickly in the environment.
For larger pest problems, professionals lean on chemical pest control products to either eliminate or deter pests. However, proper application is important for keeping pets, kids, and other creatures safe. Here’s a deeper dive into each type:
Widely used in residential and agricultural settings, insecticides are a near-immediate pest control strategy. There are different types of insecticides:
Pest control companies use rodenticides for heavy rodent infestations that pose a significant health risk or cause substantial property damage. Here are the most used types of pesticides for rodents:
For termite pest control, companies may use termiticides to protect structures from termite damage. Let’s dive deeper:
Like any other job, pest control technicians need the right tools to handle pest problems effectively. Here are some essential tools for pest control that every professional should have on their truck:
Foamers are used to apply foaming agents that expand and fill voids where pests hide. These include areas that liquid treatments might miss, like inside wall voids, under slabs, and attics. The foaming agent is mixed with an insecticide and then applied using the former.
The price of a foamer is about $120 for a basic foamer up to $300 or more for higher-end models with larger capacities and additional features like adjustable flow rates and multiple nozzle attachments.
Dusters are used to apply insecticide formulations to cracks, crevices, and voids. They commonly target bed bugs in mattress seams, ants in wall voids, and cockroaches in kitchen appliances.
They also treat nests of stinging insects like wasps and hornets. Depending on the model, dusters cost between $20 and $50.
Hose and chemical sprayers are used to apply liquid insecticides over large areas, such as lawns, gardens, and the exterior of buildings. They are also used for large indoor areas, such as warehouses and industrial spaces.
Hose and chemical sprayers can cost anywhere from $50 to $200. Basic models with smaller tanks are more affordable and meant for small-scale use. Larger, sturdier models with higher pressure ratings and adjustable spray patterns fall on the higher end of the spectrum.
Bait guns and systems attract and kill pests, particularly ants, roaches, and rodents using consumable “bait.” You can place the bait where pests are active, such as along trails, near nests, or in concealed spaces.
When pests consume the bait, they carry it back to their colonies or nests, which helps eliminate even more of the population.
Simple bait tools typically cost around $30. More advanced ones with tamper-proof designs and monitoring capabilities can cost around $100. These are great for high-risk or busy areas like food processing plants, hospitals, and schools.
Pest control chemicals can cause serious health issues if not handled properly. Harsh chemicals can expose pets and people to risks because they can cause skin burns, respiratory issues, and other health problems if not handled properly. When using herbicides, pesticides, or chemicals for pest control, consider these key safety tips:
Invest in appropriate protective equipment for your technicians, such as gloves, goggles, respirators, and protective clothing. This will help them avoid making direct contact with chemicals and inhaling fumes.
Ensure each chemical container is labeled and stored in a secure, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. They should also be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Lastly, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing and applying chemicals. Use designated measuring tools and thoroughly clean pest control equipment to prevent cross-contamination.
Technicians should also know emergency procedures when handling pest control materials, such as first aid for chemical exposure and how to contact emergency services.
Chemicals can be extremely harsh to the environment and harm insects indispensable to our ecosystem, like bees and butterflies. To minimize the environmental impact and minimize exposure, apply chemicals carefully, use targeted treatments, and avoid spraying near water sources to prevent contamination of rivers, lakes, and groundwater.
Make sure you adhere to local and national regulations for safe and legal pest control practices. Regulations vary by region but typically include chemical registration, usage, application methods, and disposal guidelines.
For instance, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) oversees pesticide regulations, while the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides guidelines on workplace safety.
Technicians should also undergo certification and training programs to stay current on regulations and best practices. Many states, like California, Texas, Florida, and New York, require pest control professionals to maintain a valid operating license earned by passing an exam and taking ongoing educational courses.
Learn how to properly dispose of your chemical containers and unused products to prevent environmental contamination and human exposure. The EPA and state agricultural departments require that you triple-rinse empty containers before disposal. Some states, like California and Florida, offer pesticide container recycling programs.
Conversely, unused or expired chemicals should be taken to designated hazardous waste disposal facilities. Never pour chemicals down the drain or into the soil.
Lastly, keep detailed chemical usage records, including dates, quantities, locations, and incidents. This information helps comply with regulations and address health or environmental issues like accidental spills, contamination, or exposure incidents.
If you are ever unsure about how to use pest control chemicals safely, then take the time to learn the proper methods from a professional.
Homeowners may be leery of using chemicals as a pest control method, but they are the preferred choice for professional remediation.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of using chemical treatments:
Pest control isn’t just about getting rid of pests; it’s about doing it efficiently and safely. With the tools and chemicals covered above, you’ll be well-equipped to offer your clients a range of services to help treat all their pest control needs.
Exterminators often use a combination of baits, sprays, and dust to target roaches. In particular, gel baits containing insecticides like fipronil or hydramethylnon have proven to be most effective.
Baits containing boric acid or hydramethylnon and perimeter sprays to target ants are common ways pest control companies combat ant infestations.
Mice can be controlled with a combination of traps and rodenticides. Snap traps, electronic traps, and anticoagulant baits are common.
Companies spray or fog insecticides like pyrethroids to control mosquitoes. To tackle the problem at its source, companies might also use larvicides in standing water to stop mosquito larvae from growing into adults.
Spiders are typically controlled using residual sprays containing pyrethroids, which are applied to areas where they are often found.
To control fleas, technicians use insecticides like pyrethrins or imidacloprid applied using sprays and foggers. Pest control companies might also use insect growth regulators (IGRs) like methoprene or pyriproxyfen. These IGRs stop flea eggs from hatching and prevent larvae from becoming adults.Now that you’ve learned how to start a pest control business and legally set up your company, you’re likely wondering what tools and chemicals you’ll need to start offering services.
