Start and optimize your pest control and landscaping business with tips on licensing, combining services, scaling efficiently, and boosting profitability.
A pest control visit in the U.S. usually costs about $180.
Exterminators often take care of many homes or gardens each day. Therefore, earnings can add up fast.
But starting a pest control business in 2025 isn’t as simple as it seems. Regulations are strict and vary by location. Many licenses also require at least two years of hands-on experience before you can even get started.
If you do not meet that requirement, you could start with a landscaping business instead. Partner with pest control experts and, over time, expand to offer both services.
This guide will show you how to launch a combined pest control and landscaping business. We will also cover scaling it for growth and making it run more efficiently.
Let’s dive in.
The first step to starting a pest control business is getting the right license. You will need a Structural Pest Control Applicator license or a “master” license, depending on your state.
These licenses often require 1-2 years of experience as a “journeyman” or worker. You will also need to pass a licensing exam to qualify.
A journeyman or non-commercial license is a bit easier to get. It usually just involves passing the test and completing a few hours of training.
The equipment cost is relatively low if you already have a truck or van. Spraying tools for common pests like ants, fleas, and ticks only cost a few hundred dollars.
For small-scale pest control, the main hurdle is getting your license, not buying equipment.
While working on your license, you can start another business that complements pest control. This can help you hit the ground running once you are fully licensed.
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Offering pest control and landscaping services in 2025 is an effective way to grow your business faster.
These services attract the same kind of customers, making it easier to market and build trust. Even more so, you can start working with clients while still getting your pest control license.
But why do these two industries work so well together?
Rules for landscaping vary by state, but in many places, you only need insurance to get started. Some states don’t require a landscaping license if you are working independently.
Homeowners with wooden houses or large gardens often deal with pests like termites and ants. These are the same people who need landscaping services. As you work on obtaining your pest control license or search for a partner, begin building relationships with potential customers.
Once your landscaping business is established, you can grow by offering essential pest prevention services. The reverse also works. After a pest control job, you can pitch garden maintenance to avoid future pest problems.
Landscaping and pest control need similar tools. Whether tackling weeds or pests, you will need a truck or van, sprayers, and protective gear. The more use you get out of your tools, the better for your business.
But having the right gear is just the start. You will also need a solid business plan to help you succeed.
Without a solid plan, it's easy to squander time and resources.
Here’s how to launch a landscaping and pest control business in 2025 the right way.
Before starting, make sure your business idea works for your location.
Are there enough homeowners who can afford your services?
For landscaping, it’s not just about income or home value. You will need detached homes with gardens—think of the classic white picket fence dream.
If you are in a city, check out the suburbs nearby. Look at the size and condition of gardens in different neighborhoods. This will give you a good idea of the demand for your services.
If you are still working on getting your pest control license, teaming up with a partner can help.
You can upsell landscaping clients on pest control services and take a share of the profits. This lets you start earning extra income right away.
It’s also a great way to concentrate on your strengths while using your partner’s expertise—like a dynamic duo.
Once licensed for both services, set yourself apart by combining them into one package. For example, you could bundle lawn care with pest inspections for a monthly fee.
You can also include specialized options like integrated pest management to attract more customers.
You can start providing these combined services if you have partnered with a pest control expert.
Rather than purchasing everything you believe you will need immediately, begin with the essentials.
Focus on services that are easy to start with.
You can begin offering basic hedge and tree trimming services with just a few shears and pruners.
Invest in essential equipment for small-scale services first.
Once you reach specific revenue goals, consider reinvesting in new equipment and expanding your business.
As your brand grows, you can add more services, like indoor pest control for issues like bed bugs.
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eLogii's route optimization software makes it easy to optimize your processes and boost your profits, while also simplifying growth. eLogii simplifies the optimization of your processes and increases profits while facilitating growth.
Whether you are a small business owner or managing a large fleet, eLogii's route optimization software can help streamline your operations. It makes it easier to manage routes and improve efficiency in 2025.
eLogii lets you streamline scheduling without needing extra staff.
The software automates scheduling by considering technician skills, vehicle capabilities, client time windows, service areas, and more.
With smarter employee scheduling, you can easily predict availability and fit more jobs per technician.
With eLogii, you won’t have to worry about sending the wrong technician for a job. You can assign specific tasks to a driver or team.
If unexpected changes happen, you can easily adjust a task in a driver’s route to be completed next, even if they can’t complete tasks out of order.
Missed appointments can be costly and frustrating. If your technicians arrive at a customer's home only to find they're not there, it wastes time and money.
This approach does not help build strong relationships, even with a cancellation fee.
eLogii provides real-time tracking and sends SMS and email notifications with live ETAs, helping you avoid missed appointments.
Managing a business like landscaping and pest control is easy with eLogii. The software automatically assigns tasks to technicians with the appropriate skills, qualifications, and tools.
By scheduling and planning all your weekly service calls in minutes, you, as the owner, have more time to focus on revenue-driving activities like marketing and sales.
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