The pest control industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by shifting consumer expectations and emerging service trends. We conducted a survey to uncover key insights into how homeowners manage pest issues and what they expect from pest control providers.
For pest control businesses, these findings present a crucial opportunity: adapting to consumer preferences can lead to increased revenue, customer retention, and business growth. Here’s what you need to know.
From Reactive to Proactive: The Shift Toward Preventative Pest Control
Despite ongoing pest issues, many homeowners still take a reactive approach, relying on DIY solutions or one-time treatments rather than investing in preventative care. The survey reveals that a majority of homeowners have yet to embrace recurring pest control services, presenting a key opportunity for education and market growth:
- 54% of homeowners rely on DIY methods (sprays, traps, etc.), even though repeat infestations suggest these are not long-term solutions.
- Only 22% hire professional pest control services, indicating a significant opportunity to educate consumers on the value of preventative care.
- Subscription-based services remain underutilized, with just 10-14% of homeowners opting for recurring treatments despite persistent pest problems.
Actionable Takeaway: Pest control businesses should position preventative services as a cost-effective and stress-free solution and highlight the long-term savings and reliability of professional pest management.
Regional and Environmental Factors Influence Pest Control Needs
Homeowners’ environments play a crucial role in pest issues. Property features and natural environments draw people outside, increasing their exposure and awareness to pest-related nuisances. The survey reveals that:
- 64% have an outdoor deck or patio, increasing exposure to ants, mosquitoes, and spiders.
- 53% have outdoor areas for pets, heightening the risk of flea and tick infestations.
- 25% live near lush vegetation, and 23% near water sources, both prime environments for pests.
Actionable Takeaway: Pest control providers can tailor their marketing efforts by emphasizing localized, seasonal risks. Offering pest-specific prevention strategies—such as mosquito control for homeowners near water—can increase conversions.
The Demand for Integrated Home Services is Growing
Today’s homeowners prefer streamlined solutions that simplify home maintenance. The survey shows:
- 70% of respondents prefer an all-in-one solution, and that’s even higher among younger consumers (80% Millennials and Gen Z).
- The most in-demand pest-related services include:
- Mosquito and tick control (40%)
- Termite prevention (28%)
- Gutter cleaning (24%)
Actionable Takeaway: Expanding service offerings or partnering with complementary home service providers (lawn care, insulation, etc.) can enhance customer retention and revenue streams.
Customer Retention is a Major Challenge
Despite a clear market for pest control, many businesses struggle with customer retention:
- Half of respondents do not have a go-to pest control provider, showing a vast untapped market.
- 32% of customers who have a go-to pest control provider have stayed with the same provider for over five years.
- Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to switch providers within 1-2 years, emphasizing the need for strong relationships early on.
Actionable Takeaway: Pest control businesses should invest in loyalty programs, annual maintenance plans, and referral discounts to improve customer retention.
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What Matters Most to Homeowners When Choosing a Pest Control Provider?
Homeowners seek competitive pricing and clear estimates upfront as cost remains a top concern. With an increasing number of pest control options available, homeowners prioritize the following when selecting a provider:
- Customer service and responsiveness (41%) – Fast response times and satisfaction guarantees are key.
- Treatments used (34%) – Eco-friendly and non-toxic options are growing in demand.
- Positive customer reviews and reputation (31%) – Trust and transparency matter more than ever.
- Range of pests treated (23%)
Actionable Takeaway: Pest control businesses must emphasize clear, upfront pricing, showcase their expertise through educational content, and highlight their fast service to attract and retain customers. Spotlighting environmentally friendly solutions and positive customer testimonials in their marketing is also important. Scorpion’s website and AI Chat solutions provide site visitors the information they need, the moment they need it, which helps increase conversions.
Seasonal Pest Trends: When and Where Infestations Happen Most
Pest problems fluctuate throughout the year, and understanding these seasonal trends allows pest control businesses to target their services effectively:
- Summer: Mosquitoes (60%), ants (51%), and spiders (38%) are the top concerns.
- Fall/Winter: Rodents (26%-28%) become the primary issue.
- Year-Round: Cockroaches, termites, and bed bugs persist across all seasons.
Actionable Takeaway: Launch seasonal marketing campaigns that align with pest activity peaks. For example, mosquito control services can be promoted in late spring and summer, while rodent-proofing services should be emphasized in fall and winter.
DIY vs. Professional Pest Control: Overcoming Consumer Hesitation
Despite the challenges of self-managed pest control, most homeowners still opt for DIY solutions:
- 54% handle pest control themselves, believing it is cost-effective.
- Only 22% use professional services, with Baby Boomers (25%) being the most likely to do so.
- Cost concerns are the primary barrier preventing more homeowners from hiring professionals.
Actionable Takeaway: Pest control providers should educate consumers on the hidden costs of DIY methods (time, repeat infestations, damage) and offer budget-friendly subscription plans to make professional services more accessible.
The Future of Pest Control: Subscription-Based and Data-Driven Services
With homeowners increasingly looking for convenience and reliability, subscription-based models are set to become the future of pest control. Businesses that offer these services will be best positioned for long-term growth:
- Predictable pricing plans to eliminate sticker shock
- Automated seasonal treatments to prevent infestations before they happen
- Bundled service packages that integrate pest control with home maintenance
Key Takeaways for Pest Control Businesses
- Position pest control as a proactive necessity, not just a reactive service.
- Expand service offerings to include mosquito control, insulation, and lawn care.
- Invest in customer retention strategies like loyalty programs and referral discounts.
- Leverage seasonal trends to promote targeted pest control solutions.
- Educate consumers on the effectiveness of professional services vs. DIY solutions.
The pest control industry is changing, and businesses that adapt to these trends will gain a competitive edge. To learn how Scorpion’s RevenueMAX, a complete collection of digital marketing solutions, can help your pest control business drive revenue and grow efficiently and sustainably, request a free marketing consultation today.
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