Pest control isn’t exactly the kind of thing that gets potential customers chomping at the bit to sign up. It’s not glamorous, and it’s certainly not something people want to think about unless they’re in a crisis situation.
But here’s the catch—pests don’t stop, and neither should your marketing efforts. While you might not be selling something as exciting as trendy shoes or designer handbags, the reality is that pest control is always in demand.
However, that doesn’t mean you can let your marketing slide. While pest control might be always “in vogue,” you need to make sure your services are rising above your competitors’.
If you’re stuck on how to get the word out and stand out among the competition, this guide is your new best friend. We’ve got some of the best pest control marketing ideas to help you sell your services and refresh your approach.
These are strategies that will help your business grow and keep the phone ringing. Let’s dive in.
1. Get Social
Social media is your playground, not just a place to post lifeless ads. Share tips on pest prevention, post before-and-after photos of your work (with permission, of course), or even create humorous content about the pests you deal with daily.
For example, imagine a TikTok video featuring some unexpected “guests” arriving at a house party (cue a cockroach graphic)—followed by you swooping in to save the day.
People remember brands that show personality with their pest control marketing ideas. Reply frequently to comments or DMs and engage with local communities or interest groups. When audiences feel like they know you as more than just a sterile company logo, they’re more likely to trust your services.
Bonus tip? Creative social contests like “Show Us Your Pest Problem” (anonymity optional!) can encourage people to engage with your brand while raising awareness of your expertise.
2. Partner with Local Businesses for Cross-Promotion
Collaborating with other businesses can help you tap into a shared audience.
For example, you might want to partner with a real estate agency—they help clients find their perfect homes, and you ensure those homes stay pest-free. Similarly, home improvement companies or even landscaping services make great collaborators.
Throw in a package deal or offer a referral discount when clients book both services. By working together, both businesses gain credibility and expand their reach without needing massive marketing budgets.
3. Start Blogging (and Do it Often)
You might not think pest control and blogging go hand-in-hand, but content marketing is a game-changer. Write articles potential customers want to read, such as “How to Keep Ants Out of Your Kitchen for Good” or “Signs You Need an Exterminator.”
Not only does this establish you as the go-to expert, but it also boosts your visibility on Google. Because, when people search for pest control tips or services in your area, guess whose name will pop up first?
But here’s the twist—keep your tone conversational and easy to read. If your content reads like a school textbook, people will click away faster than spiders scattering from the light.
And don’t forget SEO. A sprinkle of keywords like “pest control near me” or “how to get rid of termites” can take your blog to the top of search results. These posts are your digital sales pitch, hitting potential customers long before they realize they need your services.
4. Explore Email Marketing
An email can work wonders when done cleverly. Set up automated systems to send tips, seasonal pest reminders (“Mosquito Season is Here—Are You Prepared?”), and even personalized offers for returning customers.
Newsletters don’t have to feel stale, either. Think helpful alerts, fun facts about the pests you treat, or discounts exclusive to your subscribers. End every email with a call-to-action button that makes scheduling a service super easy. Emails that feel personal will always outperform ones screaming “sales pitch.”
Would you open a blanketed sales ad? Probably not. But opening an email with the subject “Why Spiders LOVE Your Basement (and What You Can Do About It)”—you’re curious, right?
5. Host Local Events
Imagine setting up shop at a local fair or farmer’s market, handing out fun, branded giveaways like a “Don’t Bug Me” tote bag, or even mini fly swatters. Events give you a chance to meet your community face-to-face and show your expertise in pest control without it feeling sales-driven.
Or better yet, organize your own community event! A workshop at your office on keeping the home pest-free in specific seasons could position you as an expert in the field while drawing in an intrigued audience.
6. Leverage Customer Reviews and Stories
Word of mouth still packs a bigger punch than you might think. Encourage happy customers to leave online reviews on platforms like Google My Business, Facebook, or Yelp. Make it ridiculously easy for them by sending a follow-up email with a direct link.
Do you have a customer with a great story about how you bailed them out of a sticky pest situation? Share it (with their permission)! Nothing resonates better with potential clients than stories they can imagine happening in their lives.
7. Use Eye-Catching Vehicle Wraps
If you’re doing local pest control and your vehicles aren’t branded, you’re missing out on a simple form of mobile advertising. Turn your car into a rolling billboard with a branded wrap featuring your logo, contact info, and an image that grabs attention.
A witty tagline like “Bugs Fear Us, Clients Love Us” is more memorable than listing services blandly. And don’t underestimate large, bold visuals—yes, a giant mosquito plastered on your van can be gross, but it’s also weirdly effective!
8. Create Educational Videos
A picture says a thousand words, but just imagine what a video can do. Walk your audience through common pest problems in short, easy-to-follow videos. Explain why those ants keep returning to the kitchen or how termites wreak havoc on a home’s structure.
Platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube are ideal for capturing both attention and leads. Want a quick win? Film your team answering common pest control FAQs or get creative with “A Day in the Life of a Pest Control Pro.” The world of video is your oyster (or maybe your uninvited rodent?).
9. Offer Referral Bonuses
Offer your current customers a perk for recommending your business to their friends or neighbors. A small discount, free service, or even a gift card can go a long way in encouraging word-of-mouth buzz around your business.
Make sure the process is simple—something as easy as sharing a text message link or tagging friends on social media. The main goal is one-click ease.
10. Invest in Professional SEO
We’ve all heard it—if your business isn’t on the first page of Google, does it even exist? A solid SEO strategy is your secret weapon for being seen by potential customers when they search for pest control services in your area. And out of all the pest control marketing ideas, this is perhaps the most powerful.
Whether you’re targeting local fixes like “ant problem Oklahoma City” or broader searches like “how to repel spiders,” stuffing your workday with keyword research isn’t doable.
That’s why businesses across industries turn to experts like IronChess SEO. We specialize in getting companies like yours ranking where it matters most—at the very top.
Contact us today to take your pest control marketing game to the next level.
