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You could be part of a thriving industry working with a family business

Sarah Stowe

Are you looking to buy a franchise business without the corporate feel? This model may just be for you. 

According to a report by IBISWorld, building pest control services is a $1.3bn industry with an annual growth rate of 2.4 percent.

Key drivers of performance include demand from:

  • accommodation and food services
  • property operators
  • retail trade
  • public concerns about the environmental effects of chemicals or sprays used
  • government consumption expenditure

Bug R Off Best Busters

If you’re after a business with a friendly culture, Bug R Off Pest Busters may just be for you.

Specialising in termite control, the brand also offers other solutions to tackle infestations of pests including mice, spiders and insects.

“The main difference (in the model) are the termite sniffer dogs,” says Steve Olver, director

“This gives (termite control) a non-invasive inspection.”

He explains that dogs are able to “sniff out” termites without the need to rip through furniture. Bug R Off also has an exclusive relationship with Steve Austin who is known in the industry as a termite detection dog trainer. The industry provides a diverse opportunity for income, especially as the model is a mobile one.

Client referrals are key to building a customer base. Olver adds that there is a 95 percent retention rate due to the specific culture of customer service within the network. However, the market is a seasonal one with spring and summer as the most profitable. During quieter winter and autumn seasons, franchisees need to ensure there is enough working capital to cover those periods.

 “We’re (the franchisor) here to guide (franchisees) through the processes and mistakes we’ve learned from,” explains Olver.  

The initial investment of a franchise is $88,000, inclusive of training, licencing, a four day course for dog handling, and marketing. For $120,000, the vehicle is also included. He says franchisees need to be prepared to put in the hard yards to develop a client base in addition to the $5000 put aside (out of the franchisee investment) by the franchisor for the operator’s launch designed for advertising. Pest control is also a highly regulated industry which requires two licences; general pest control and timber pest control. The Bug R Off initial investment includes costs and training for both.

“The beauty is with our system,” he says.

“You’ll pick up many inspections from real estate, which is a foot in the door to then convert them into treatments.”

In this way, franchisees have the potential to become a household name for pest control services.

Are you looking for a foot in the door like this in home services? Find out more about the category.