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Natural Pest Control

No one wants to live in a home infested with bugs or rodents, but most of us do not want to spend good money on toxic chemicals and harmful practices that may or may not work anyway. Using an exterminator that will practice the safest and most natural techniques for pest control can be reassuring and may be the only consideration for those who are determined to live green in every way.

What Certifications, Licenses or Education Do I Need?

To become a green exterminator, it is important to understand all of the techniques that are used, whether they are technically green or not. If you work for a national franchise for instance, you will have to employ their accepted practices and their materials, regardless of your own personal opinions or practices. You will need to have your exterminator's license and many companies give an additional certification after training is completed. Most companies require a high school diploma, although some may require additional education as well.

What Does It Take to Start My Own Pest Control Company?

You will need a vehicle and all of the proper equipment, to begin with. It might be necessary to have an office, but you may be able to forego that for a while as you get established. Marketing so that people know what type of skills you have and what services you will provide is important. You must have a license to provide services in most towns and you will need a commercial driver's license to drive what will be your company vehicle.

What is the Target Market?

* People who do not want to have disease- carrying rodents and bugs in their home, but also do not want to have toxins sprayed near their children and pets, either.
* People who believe that the environment has enough toxins to deal with without spraying more.
* People who think that a return to a more natural way of thinking is important.

What is the Growth Potential?

This is an industry that will always be necessary and should continue to grow as more and more people become fed up with harmful poisons and the reluctance of the major franchises to give them up.

What are the Risks?

First, there is very serious competition from the older, established and heavily funded franchise pest control companies. Making a name for yourself, compared to those that can afford nationally televised and professionally produced television commercials may be difficult at best. If you have a tough job and your natural techniques are not as effective or do not work as quickly as the customer would have liked, you will have bad reviews and bad word of mouth advertising to contend with.

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