Why More Aussies Are Buying Pest Control Businesses

by Catherine Mangana 17th of May, 2025

Why More Aussies Are Buying Pest Control Businesses

If you’re considering buying a small business and like the idea of something steady, in demand, and not stuck behind a desk all day, pest control might be worth a serious look.

Across Australia, insects and pests are a year-round problem, and that means there's always work for pest control operators.

When you are looking to buy a pest control business, there are a few things to keep in mind, but whether you're going solo or jumping into a franchise, this is one industry with plenty of long-term potential.

The Industry is Crawling with Opportunity

Pest control is a growing industry in Australia, and for good reason. Termites alone cause more than $3.9 billion in property damage every year, and that’s just one type of pest. With over 10 million homes around the country, there’s a huge number of people needing regular treatments for things like cockroaches, ants, spiders, rodents and more.

The market itself is currently worth around $1.7 billion, and it's tipped to grow to $2.1 billion by 2028. That’s steady, reliable growth for a service that people can’t afford to skip. Whether you’re servicing family homes, restaurants, rentals or schools, there’s no shortage of places that need regular pest management.

Franchise or Independent?

You’ve basically got two ways to get started—buy into a franchise or buy and run your own independent setup.

If you’re new to pest control and want some guidance, a franchise like Jim’s or Flick could be a good starting point. You’ll get training, systems, and a well-known name to help bring in clients. On the flip side, you’ll usually pay franchise fees and need to follow their rules.

Running independently, on the other hand, gives you more freedom. You choose the services, set your prices, and build your own brand. It’s a bit more work upfront, especially with marketing and admin, but you get to call the shots and keep more of the profits too.

It’s Flexible and Easy to Scale

One of the big perks of pest control is how flexible it can be. You’re not tied to a storefront, you can schedule jobs around your life, and you can often start with just one vehicle and a few key tools. For owner-operators, it’s a great lifestyle business.

You can also choose how big you want to go. Some people are happy staying solo, while others expand with extra staff, more vehicles and cover larger areas. There’s no pressure to grow, but the option is there if you want it.

Clients Keep Coming Back

The real beauty of pest control is the recurring work. Termite inspections, general treatments, rodent control, most of these are needed on a regular basis. Once you’ve built up a good client base, you’ll have a reliable flow of jobs from property managers, homeowners, commercial kitchens, schools, and more.

This makes it much easier to plan your workload and income. Many buyers love the idea of knowing they’ve got jobs booked ahead, rather than starting from scratch each month.

How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Pest Control Business?

Pest control businesses vary a lot in price depending on size, location, and whether it's a franchise or independent.

Smaller owner-operator setups might sell from around $80,000 to $150,000, while more established businesses with contracts, vehicles, and staff can hit $300,000+.

If you want to get a rough idea of performance, the ATO benchmarks for pest control services show average income and expenses across the industry. It’s worth comparing these when looking at the financials of a business for sale.

Room to Grow If You Want It

There are plenty of ways to grow in this industry if you're up for it. You can add on termite inspections, building insppections, commercial contracts, or even go into eco-friendly pest control, which is becoming more popular.

Tech is also changing how pest control businesses operate. From online bookings to mobile invoicing and digital job management, there are plenty of tools out there to make your life easier and keep customers happy.

Is It the Right Fit for You?

Buying a pest control business is a solid move if you’re after something practical, reliable, and profitable. It suits people who like being on the go, dealing with clients, and solving problems. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a business with growth potential, there’s a lot to like about this industry.

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About the author

Catherine Mangana

Customer Support

Catherine enjoys generating articles that highlight some of the opportunities that are now available for purchase on Bsale. She hails from a family of ...

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