How To Start a Pest Control Business In Texas
Pests can disrupt your life, especially if you live in Texas where there are a lot of them. This is why it is a good state to start a pest control company. There are some things that you need to know before doing so though.
- Take some time to think about what type of pests and customers you want to work with. Some Texas’ most common pests include roaches, termites, lice, black scorpions and ants.
- Choose your business structure. There are three main types of business structures: commercial, non-commercial and non-commercial political subdivision.
- Pass the Texas Department of Agriculture applicator exam before applying for a license. These exams are given in Austin at the Stephen F. Austin Building on the first Tuesday of the month between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM. Make sure to call in advance in order to confirm both the date and the test’s availability.
- Obtain your license from the Texas Department of Agriculture website. This will cost you between $12 and $180 depending upon the type of business you have.
- Make a list of how much you will charge your customers for products and services. Allow for a good profit margins but don’t be too costly or nobody will be able to afford you. Decide how many employees you will need and take into consideration how much it will cost you to hire them.
- Once you have the equipment you need, it is time to begin advertising your business in the local newspaper and create fliers. Make a website for your business so that you have somewhere to send people whenever you are participating in social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter). Consider offering discounts and promotions in order to attract customers.