Running a pest control business is not for the fainthearted…or the faint-walleted. You’ve got competition swarming all around, and customers searching for reliable services that they need to show up faster than termites chew through wood.
The question, then, isn’t just how to get new customers. It’s how to keep your brand top-of-mind when pests come creeping.
That’s where smart promotional strategies come in. And we’re not talking about gimmicks. We’re talking about real, clever, and actionable marketing ideas you can use to turn pest problems into business opportunities.
As a bonus, these ideas won’t require a nest egg of funds to execute.
Here’s a list of pest control promotional ideas that will give your business the buzz it needs. And no, we don’t mean the mosquito kind.
1. Make Your Brand Unforgettable with a Fun Mascot
What’s the recall value of companies like Geico or Aflac? Insanely high, thanks to their quirky mascots. You can pull off the same trick! Create a pest-fighting mascot, maybe a fearless termite with a battle cap or a cockroach superhero called “Captain Clean Zone.” A mascot adds a layer of personality to your brand, making it more memorable and approachable.
Take it a step further by putting your mascot on social media or even dressing up someone on your team for community events. When people think of pests, they’re more likely to think of the fun guy who’ll handle them.
2. Host Community Pest Awareness Classes
Ever heard of marketing disguised as goodwill? Hosting free community workshops about pest prevention and seasonal pest issues can position you as the go-to expert in your area. Share tips on sealing cracks, proper food storage, and spotting the early signs of infestations.
Beyond being helpful, it’s a sneaky way to keep your company top-of-mind for when someone actually needs pest services. And don’t forget to hand out branded swag like pest-control guides or rulers with your logo as subtle but effective reminders.
3. Create “Bugged Out” Seasonal Deals
Everyone loves a deal, especially when it scratches an irritating itch like pest problems. Tap into the time of year pests typically invade (spring for termites, summer for roaches) and launch season-themed discounts.
For example:
- “Spring Sweep Special” – 20% off termite inspections in April
- “Mosquito-Free Summer” – Discounted yard treatments in June
Add a sense of urgency by making these deals time-limited. The right combination of pest-season urgency and savings can have customers swarming to book your services.
4. Launch a Referral Program That Doesn’t Feel Buggy
Word-of-mouth advertising is still gold. Take your referrals to the next level with rewards big enough to buzz about. After all, people won’t tell their friends unless there’s something juicy in it for them.
Consider offering discounts for both the referrer and the new customer (say, $50 off for each), or tiered rewards such as a free service after three successful referrals.
Make sure your referral program is easy to understand and simple to promote, whether it’s via email, your website, or business cards handed to happy customers. Create a clever tagline for your referral program, like “Friends Don’t Let Friends Live with Roaches!”
5. Pest Humor on Social Media? Yes, Please.
Your social media page is the perfect playground for a clever, lighthearted approach to pest control. Nobody likes finding cockroaches in their kitchen, but everybody loves memes about it.
Post funny, relatable pest-related content, like:
- “Caption this” pictures of bugs in hilarious situations
- Behind-the-scenes videos of your experts on the job. Not gross, mind you, just interesting
- Seasonal tips for preventing pest problems
Don’t forget to use hashtags like #PestFreeLiving or #ByeByeBugs to reach a broader audience. The goal is to keep your brand top-of-mind with content worth sharing.
6. Go Viral with a “Find the Bug” Challenge
People love challenges, especially those simple enough for their Facebook feed but hard enough to keep them engaged. Create a fun weekly “Find the Bug” contest where you post a picture with a hidden pest (think “Where’s Waldo,” but for ants or roaches).
The first person to find it wins a discount or a small gift. Plus, they’ll have had your logo sitting on their screen for minutes while they search. Smart, right? This gamified approach not only drives engagement but also subtly reminds users of the need for pest control.
7. Dominate Local SEO, AKA Your Secret Business Weapon
Here’s the groundwork for long-term success: get your business ranking high on Google every time someone searches “pest control near me.” Most people don’t scroll past the first five results, so if your site isn’t there, you’re basically invisible. Boost your local SEO by:
- Claiming your Google My Business profile and filling it out completely
- Using localized keywords like “pest control services in [Your City]” throughout your site
- Encouraging happy customers to leave raving Google reviews
Local SEO is a long game, but the payoff is huge. If you need help sorting out this stuff (it can get technical), we’ve got a recommendation coming your way at the end of this article—stay tuned.
8. Turn Pest Problems into Marketing Gold
When people are desperate for a solution, they Google specific problems like, “Why are there ants in my kitchen?” or “How to get rid of bed bugs fast.” Position yourself as the helpful expert by creating blog posts that answer specific questions people are asking about pests.
For example:
- “The Truth about Fruit Flies (And How to Keep Them Away)”
- “Why That Scratchy Noise in Your Walls Is Bad News”
Not only will this approach establish authority, but it also drives organic traffic to your site, which can turn curious readers into paying customers.
9. Break into Video Marketing Without Breaking the Bank
You don’t need a Hollywood budget to make video marketing work for you. A simple 60-second tip about pest-proofing your home, recorded on a decent smartphone, can work wonders on Instagram, Facebook, and even YouTube.
Get creative! Film short product demos of your pest control equipment or even lighthearted reaction videos to viral pest TikToks. Video content increases engagement and builds trust: people will feel like they know your business before they even call.
10. Participate in “Creep-free” Community Events
Whether it’s the local farmer’s market, school fair, or neighborhood block party, showing up with a booth or display can work wonders for brand awareness. Use this chance to offer a quick pest consultation or hand out pest-prevention kits (items like traps or a DIY guide branded with your logo).
Make sure your booth is visually engaging (bring that mascot we talked about earlier) and make it exhaustive with your branding. It’s not just about being there; it’s about being memorable.
11. Use Postcards to Scatter Your Brand
Direct mail might sound old-fashioned, but it’s as relevant as an ant at a picnic table—it works! Send out well-designed, clever postcards that promote your services in high-pest seasons. Aim for bold headlines like “Ants Invited Themselves to Dinner? We’ll Show Them the Door.”
Include an irresistible discount code and a call-to-action like “Call today, pests gone tomorrow!” Keep it clean, fun, and engaging, and don’t underestimate how effective a tangible reminder can be.
12. Partner with Local Home Services To Be Stronger Together
Team up with local businesses like HVAC pros, exterminators, or even cleaning companies. Create co-promotions where you both refer clients to each other and offer packaged services.
After all, someone calling a plumber to fix a water leak might soon realize they have a pest problem, too. You both benefit, and so does the customer.
Don’t Leave Your Marketing to Guesswork
These ideas will help you promote your pest control business, build customer trust, and stand out in your local market.
But here’s the thing: we’ve only scratched the surface. Many of these strategies depend on you strengthening your online presence, targeting the right audiences, and consistently ranking high on search results. That’s where IronChess SEO comes in.
Want to learn how we can double your leads and buzz-proof your competition? Visit IronChess SEO today for a free strategy session! The pests won’t stop, so why should your business?
