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The U.S. pest control industry is on track to surpass $26.1 billion in revenue in 2025, with more than 32,720 active companies competing nationwide. Residential services make up around 70% of the market, but commercial demand is catching up fast. 

Trends fueling industry growth are a mix of eco-friendly treatments, smart-monitoring technology, and steady consumer demand for safer, more reliable service options.

Whether you’re managing routes or considering investing in a pest control business, understanding where the industry is headed can help you make smarter decisions. 

In this article, we’ll break down: 

  • Market size and growth rates 
  • Residential vs. commercial market share 
  • Top pests and service trends 
  • Labor, cost, and compliance challenges 
  • Technology benchmarks driving efficiency and growth 

Let’s dive into the latest pest control industry stats for 2025 and, more importantly, what they mean for your business. 

U.S. Pest Control Market Overview 

The U.S. pest control industry continues to grow steadily, reaching an estimated $26.1 billion in 2025, up from the low $20 billion range in 2020.  

That’s an average annual growth rate of around 3%, proving pest control remains one of the most stable and recession-resistant service industries in the country. 

Tracking Growth from 2020 to 2025 

Pest control is considered an essential service, which shields it from most economic swings. Even during the pandemic, revenue dipped only slightly before rebounding quickly.  

Today, steady demand for recurring residential contracts continues to drive consistent growth. According to IBISWorld, U.S. pest control revenue is projected to reach $26.1 billion in 2025, with the majority coming from residential customers. 

The U.S. Leads the Global Market 

The U.S. dominates the pest control industry worldwide. It’s the largest single national market, responsible for roughly half of all global pest control service revenue. 

At first glance, though, it’s confusing. Some reports value the U.S. market at about $26 billion, while global estimates land in the same $25–30 billion range. How can that be? 

Why the U.S. and Global Numbers Look So Similar 

The short answer is that the U.S. data is complete, while the global data isn’t. 

  • U.S. figures—like those from IBISWorld and the National Pest Management Association (NPMA)—capture regulated pest control service revenue. The industry here is well-tracked and heavily regulated, so the data is thorough. 
  • Global reports vary widely in scope. Many include only major, regulated regions such as North America and Western Europe while omitting developing markets in Asia, Latin America, and Africa, where a large share of pest control activity is informal or unreported
  • Some global reports mix in product sales (like insecticides, traps, and monitoring devices), while others exclude them, creating inconsistent totals. 

Because the U.S. market is so well-measured and so large, it can appear nearly equal to the global total even though the global figure undercounts billions in untracked service revenue. 

When adjusted for those data gaps, the true global pest control market is likely to be closer to $35–40 billion in 2025, with the U.S. accounting for roughly 60–70% of that total. 

Outlook Through to 2028 

Analysts project the U.S. pest control market will reach about $32.8 billion by 2028, growing at a rate of about 5.7% per year.  

With strong recurring revenue and rising adoption of automation and eco-friendly treatments, the industry’s long-term outlook remains solid. 

What This Means for You 

If you operate or invest in a pest control company, the outlook is in your favor. The U.S. remains the largest, most mature, and most profitable pest control market in the world 

Use these benchmarks to measure performance, spot opportunities, and invest in technology that helps your business scale efficiently. 

Pest control technician standing in front of residential home with equipment

Key Industry Segments 

In 2025, residential pest control continues to dominate the market, making up nearly three-quarters of industry revenue. But commercial demand is gaining momentum as offices, restaurants, and retail spaces rebound from pandemic-era slowdowns. 

Residential vs. Commercial Market Share 

Residential services account for just over 70% of total U.S. industry revenue. That means about 30% is made up of commercial accounts. 

When commercial businesses shut down in 2020, that segment took a major hit. Meanwhile, homeowners still needed pest control to keep their properties safe. As a result, residential demand surged, carrying much of the industry’s growth. 

Since then, commercial pest control has made a strong comeback—posting around 9% growth in 2024 as hospitality, food service, and property management returned to normal operations. 

RELATED ARTICLE: How Much Do Pest Control Business Owners Actually Make? 

What Pests Drive the Most Revenue 

When it comes to service demand, ants, cockroaches, and termites lead the way. They account for most pest control revenue nationwide. 
 

Pest Industry Impact (2025) 
Ants Largest category overall; roughly 25% of all service revenue 
Cockroaches Rising demand; slightly higher than ants in many regions 
Termites Responsible for $5+ billion-plus in annual U.S. property damage 
Rodents Strong demand in dense cities and older housing areas 
Bed bugs Revenue up 5.9% in 2024 after 10.6% growth in 2023 

Ants and cockroaches remain the most common service calls, especially in residential markets. But termite work continues to generate the highest ticket values per job due to inspection complexity and repair costs. 

Bed bugs, while representing a smaller share of total service volume, remain one of the fastest-growing categories year over year. This is particularly true in urban and hospitality settings. 

Together, these five pest categories represent over 80% of all pest control revenue in the U.S. 

What’s Driving Pest Control Industry Growth 

The pest control industry is growing fast thanks to urban population growth, shifting customer expectations, and industry consolidation among major providers.  

At the same time, eco-friendly services and smarter operations are shaping how pest control companies compete and grow. 

Urban Growth Is Increasing Pest Pressure 

More people are moving into cities and suburbs—and pests are moving with them. Dense housing, shared infrastructure, and food waste create ideal conditions for rodents and insects. 

For example, New York City alone has an estimated 3 million rats, and other urban areas face similar infestations. Warmer winters and longer summers are also extending pest activity, further driving demand for ongoing service contracts. 

In short, more people plus more pests equals more opportunity. 

Eco-Friendly Services Are Driving New Demand 

Homeowners and businesses increasingly want eco-friendly pest control that’s safe around kids, pets, and the environment. Many now specifically ask for: 

  • Organic treatments 
  • Mechanical exclusion methods 
  • Low-risk pesticides 
  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches 

In some states and school districts, IPM isn’t just preferred—it’s required. Businesses are following suit to meet liability and air-quality standards. 

Franchises and Mergers Are Reshaping the Industry 

The industry is consolidating as large companies expand and smaller firms join national brands. The Rentokil–Terminix merger, for example, created one of the largest pest control groups in the world. 

Still, the market remains highly fragmented, with thousands of local operators thriving by emphasizing personalized service and community trust. 

Franchising also continues to attract new entrants by offering built-in brand recognition, training, and marketing support. This makes it easier for first-time owners to launch successfully. 

What This Means for You 

Competing on price alone is no longer enough. Customers want: 

  1. Safe, effective treatments 
  2. Proven systems and professionalism 
  3. Fast response times 
  4. Consistent, high-quality customer service 

Companies that invest in modern tools and eco-conscious solutions are meeting these expectations. And as a result, they’re gaining a strong edge in their local markets. 

Business Landscape & Employment Stats 

The U.S. pest control industry now includes about 32,720 companies in 2025. Most of them are small and locally owned.  

Despite rapid consolidation among national players, the industry remains highly fragmented, with plenty of room for independent businesses to thrive. 

Estimated number of pest control businesses data

The Market Is Fragmented and Still Growing 

The number of pest control companies in the U.S. has grown steadily since 2020. Even as large firms continue to merge, new companies enter the market each year. 

Year Estimated Number of Pest Control Businesses 
2020 26,600 
2024 31,770 
2025 32,720 

About two-thirds of these businesses are single-location operators, often family-run or owner-operated. This heavy local competition pushes companies to stand out through service quality, reliability, and customer experience rather than price alone. 

What an Average Pest Control Company Looks Like 

The typical pest control company serves a single metro area, generating about $400,000 in annual revenue with gross margins above 40%.  

Recurring services (usually monthly or quarterly) make up the majority of revenue and help smooth out cash flow year-round. 

Pest Control Jobs 

The pest control industry supports about 102,400 jobs in the U.S. and continues to add new positions at a rate of around 5% per year. That outpaces growth in many other trades. 

Key statistics on pay include: 

  • Average base salary per year: $49,569 
  • Average base hourly rate: $19.93 

Many companies also offer benefits like: 

  • Company vehicles and gas cards 
  • Paid certifications and licensing 
  • On-the-job training and uniforms 
  • Performance-based incentives 

To attract and retain technicians, companies are raising wages and improving career paths. Technician pay ranks among the fastest-growing compensation categories in the skilled trades. 

RELATED ARTICLE: Pest Control Tech Pay: How Much Should You Offer a New Hire? 

What This Means for You 

If you operate a pest control business, labor is both your biggest expense and your most valuable asset.  

Recruiting and retaining qualified technicians will continue to be one of the toughest—and most important—challenges in 2025. 

Technology’s Role in Efficiency & Growth 

Technology is now a major driver of growth in pest control. Companies that automate scheduling, routing, and communication are working smarter and growing faster than those that still rely on manual systems. 

According to recent industry data, 70% of pest control companies that use software report higher efficiency. And those using Briostack are doubling their revenue. 

Software use data graphic

Technology Is Critical 

Running a pest control business gets more complex every year.  

Rising fuel costs, labor shortages, and manual admin tasks all eat into margins. Pest control business management software helps by streamlining daily operations and freeing up time for customer-facing work. 

Recent data shows: 

  • 70% of software users report overall efficiency gains 
  • 54% saw better productivity through optimized routes 
  • 41% use mobile tools to manage jobs in the field 
  • 22% have gone fully paperless in the office 

RELATED ARTICLE: The Best Apps for Pest Control Businesses 

Why Briostack Users Grow Faster 

Briostack is purpose-built for pest control companies, replacing patchwork systems with a single, all-in-one platform. 

Businesses using Briostack report: 

  • Shorter drive times with automated route optimization 
  • Fewer missed appointments thanks to smart scheduling and reminders 
  • Less manual communication through automated text and email messaging 
  • Higher technician output per day through better time and task management 

What This Means for You 

If your team is still juggling spreadsheets, paper logs, or disconnected tools, you’re likely leaving time and money on the table. Implementing the right pest control software can simplify your operation, reduce costs, and open up capacity you didn’t know you had. 

Want to see how your business compares to those using Briostack? Download the Pest Control Growth Metrics Snapshot to see the benefits they’re reaping.  

Industry Challenges (2025) 

In 2025, the top three pest control industry challenges are: 

  1. Labor shortages 
  2. Rising costs 
  3. Regulatory pressure 

Labor Shortages Remain a Top Threat 

Hiring and retaining qualified technicians continues to be the industry’s biggest challenge. Over half of pest control companies report persistent hiring difficulties, and turnover remains high. 

To stay competitive: 

  • 89% of companies plan to raise technician wages this year 
  • Many are offering paid certifications and expanded training programs 
  • Some are restructuring roles to create clearer career paths 

Retention is now just as important as recruitment, because replacing a trained technician is expensive and time-consuming. 

Rising pest control industry costs data

Costs Are Rising 

Rising prices for fuel, chemicals, equipment, and labor are tightening margins for operators nationwide. In recent surveys: 

  • 74% of companies say fuel costs are significantly impacting operations 
  • 89% report higher material and equipment costs compared to last year 

Companies relying on manual processes or outdated systems are feeling the squeeze most. Many are offsetting costs through pricing adjustments and efficiency-focused technology that reduces waste and drive time. 

Compliance Is Getting More Complex 

Pesticide regulations and reporting requirements are becoming stricter at both the state and federal levels. Licensing rules, chemical tracking, and treatment documentation now demand greater accuracy and consistency. 

As a result, more companies are turning to software that automates compliance. These tools help them track treatments, store digital logs, and stay audit-ready without extra paperwork. 

What This Means for You 

If your business is feeling the pressure, you’re not alone.  

The key is to adapt early by investing in systems that automate time-consuming tasks, reduce costs, and keep you compliant as regulations evolve. 

Future Outlook (2026 & Beyond) 

The pest control industry’s future looks bright.  

Analysts expect continued growth in the years to come. Total global market revenue is projected to hit $44.3 billion by 2034, and annual expansion is expected to hold steady at 5–6%. 

Ongoing Growth with New Pressures 

Pest control remains one of the most stable trades in the service sector. As the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) notes, the industry continues to show “remarkable resilience and year-over-year growth.” 

Still, growth comes with challenges.  

Labor shortages, rising costs, and compliance demands will continue to shape how businesses operate. Those who invest in efficiency and automation will have the best shot at staying ahead. 

AI and IoT Are Changing the Industry 

Technology is moving from concept to real-world use. Pest control companies are starting to adopt: 

Only about 20% of companies have adopted these tools so far. But that number is expected to rise quickly as they become more affordable and accessible. 

Technology adoption data graphic

RELATED ARTICLE: The Latest Pest Control Technology Trends and Innovations 

Sustainability Is Becoming a Core Requirement 

Eco-conscious customers and evolving regulations are driving a shift toward sustainable pest management. More companies are embracing: 

Customers increasingly expect pest control companies to balance safety, sustainability, and results. That expectation is only going to grow stronger. 

What This Means for You 

Pest control industry stats in 2025 show a clear message—the future belongs to companies that embrace innovation early.  

Investing in technology and eco-friendly practices now will position your business as a trusted leader as the industry continues to evolve. 

FAQs About Pest Control Market Data 

How big is the pest control industry in 2025? 

The U.S. pest control industry is projected to generate about $26.1 billion in 2025, making it the largest single market in the world. Residential services account for roughly 70% of total revenue, while commercial demand continues to grow. 

How many pest control companies are there in the U.S.? 

There are about 32,720 pest control companies operating in the U.S. in 2025. Most are local, independently owned businesses that serve one metro area or region. 

Is the pest control industry still growing? 

Yes. Analysts project a steady 5–6% annual growth rate through 2026 and beyond. Demand is increasing in both residential and commercial markets, fueled by urbanization, warmer climates, and stronger recurring service models. 

What are the latest pest control industry trends? 

The biggest pest control industry trends in 2025 include: 

  • Growth in eco-friendly and low-toxicity services 
  • Wider adoption of AI and IoT tools for pest detection and monitoring 
  • Continued industry consolidation and franchising 
  • A focus on automating operations to reduce costs and improve service quality 

What is the average revenue per pest control business? 

While a few national firms earn over $1 billion annually, most pest control companies generate about $400,000 in yearly revenue with gross margins around 45%. The majority operate in a single city or metro area with small teams. 

What are the biggest challenges facing pest control businesses? 

The top three challenges for pest control businesses in 2025 are labor shortages, rising costs, and complex regulatory compliance. Many companies are responding by raising wages, investing in training, and adopting automation software to streamline operations. 

How is technology changing pest control? 

Software is transforming how pest control companies schedule, route, and communicate. Businesses using tools like Briostack are growing faster, cutting costs, and improving customer experience through automation. 

Ready to see how smarter operations drive faster growth? 

The pest control industry is growing fast, and so are the expectations that come with it. The companies leading the way aren’t just reacting to trends. They’re using data, technology, and automation to stay ahead. 

With more competition, tighter margins, and rising customer standards, having the right systems in place isn’t optional—it’s essential.  

Platforms like Briostack give pest control businesses the tools to automate daily operations, improve efficiency, and unlock new capacity for growth. 

Ready to see where your business stands? 


Download the Pest Control Growth Metrics Snapshot to benchmark your performance against top-performing companies and discover how the right technology can help you scale smarter. 

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