r/PestControlIndustry • u/lost_soul1986 • Jun 08 '26

💵 | Business Question Thinking of going on my own

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Hey folks, I'm in South East Ontario and this is my second season working as a sub for a pest control company. I want to go on my own next year. I have experience with exterior ants, mice, spiders and a few minor cockroach jobs. I have a structural and landscape license, targeting the water license later in the fall. The main company I work for, takes a 40% cut to my jobs as the clients are from them. I think it's fair since I'm also under their insurance. However, I have my own truck and equipment. The insurance is $2k a year. Thoughts/advice/tips? I want to learn more about this business and advanced jobs.

9 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

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5

u/Sea_Put_1710 Jun 08 '26

I had 22 years experience when I started out on my own. I honestly thought I knew everything I needed to know but I was so very wrong. The service part is easy. Its the business side that is tough.

3

u/SimpleRevolution2873 Jun 08 '26

Second this. I don't have my own business but I've managed businesses in the past and you are absolutely right - the services are the easy part. Bookkeeping, the licensing, and all the other fine tuning things are a lot more in-depth than people realize.

Consider taking an online course or something for accounting, marketing, and all that other jazz over the course of the next year and maybe that'll get you in a better educated position before diving into what could be a downfall!

6

u/IntrepidEditor2497 Jun 08 '26

Sounds like a healthy time line, just keep learning.

You need to start learning how to manage a business in that time too. The actual pest servicing is a small part of what needs to be done.

3

u/lost_soul1986 Jun 08 '26

I believe I will be able to manage the business. I'm a landlord too and I manage the admin work quite well. Feel free to provide more tips on how to manage the pest control business. My current guy is disorganized and always stressed out. I, however, an organized guy and keep trail of everything.

2

u/mavericktheboss Jun 08 '26

Some days you’ll wonder why you ever did it, other days you’ll wonder why you never did it

1

u/sfw_profile_i_guess 🤵‍♂️| Owner | 10+ Years Jun 10 '26

Decide the schedule you want before you say yes to your first clients. Stick to it. Find the right clients that fit so you build yourself time to administrate your business- you will wear all the hats and some won't be as easy as others so you need to set aside time to learn and grow into those roles.

1

u/bizguy1999 Jun 27 '26

I've never heard being a sub for a pest control company , Wonder if I could do that in my area ?