Pest Control Digital Marketing: 15 Money-Making Tricks (+ Examples)

You kill bugs for a living, and yet, it’s your marketing that bites you in the butt.

Week after week, you watch job inquiries slowly trickle in, while your biggest competitors pull clients left and right, making well over $100,000 a year.

You’re in the same industry. Offering the same services. With similar pricing! What on earth is going on?

There’s no voodoo here. The top dogs use 15 brilliant digital marketing power moves, including building a solid website, running local SEO, paid ads, email, reviews, and more.

Follow this guide, and you’ll become “the” pest guy in your neighborhood. But fair warning: do not skip tip #7; it’s make or break!

Key Takeaways

• Fix your website. Make it fast, mobile-friendly, and easy to call or book.
• Bump up your rankings for terms like “emergency pest control”. Optimize your Google Business Profile, local SEO, and service-area pages.
• Use ads to get leads ASAP. Run Google Ads and Local Services Ads to fill those pesky job gaps.
• Get reviews. Then get some more. Ask every customer and respond to all reviews.
• Follow up consistently. Use email and SMS to rebook past clients and close more jobs.

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Do I Need Digital Marketing for Pest Control?

Absolutely. After 18 years in this business, and 300+ clients later, we can say this with our full chest:

You’re not “saving money” if you don’t invest in digital marketing. In fact, it yields returns as high as 800% ($8 for every $1 spent).

Keep in mind, the pest control industry is a shark tank. Only a handful of businesses that take digital marketing seriously will survive the bloodbath.

As business executive Doug Warner reminds us, “It’s important to remember your competitor is only one mouse click away.”

He couldn’t be more right! In the U.S. alone, there are over 30,000 pest control businesses competing for the same jobs.

And even a single keyword like “pest control company” draws roughly 206,000 searches, showing just how many people are actively looking!

To even have a snowball’s chance in heck, you need digital marketing:

• Show up when panic searches happen (“emergency pest control,” “exterminator near me”)
• Win their confidence with client reviews, top rankings, and a great website
• Generate higher-intent leads with highly specific location- and service-based content
• Compete with bigger brands with tactics like email, SEO, and social media.
• Produce revenue from past clients with follow-ups, reminders, and seasonal campaigns.

Curious to see what real-world wins digital marketing yields?

After we tightened their local search results rankings and Google Business Profile, Pest Control Technicians saw 933% more qualified leads and a 1,633% jump in GBP leads in just 3 months!

Yes, read that again. All that in just 3 months!

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Top 15 Money-Making Pest Control Marketing Ideas

Ready to travel to the land of milk and honey, where leads flow in consistently?

Stick with us. In the next 20 minutes, we’ll give you 15 pest control online marketing tips to massively boost your online visibility and fill your 2026 calendar.

1. Create a Smart (& Dumbed Down) Pest Control Marketing Plan

A pest control marketing plan breaks down how you plan to attract customers.

It covers how/where your business gets found online, how you position yourself as a local expert, and how you book more calls consistently.

Why bother? Because the 75% of small businesses that create a marketing plan are 6.7× more likely to have marketing success.

And hey, it does NOT have to be a 20-page document. At a minimum, it should cover:

• How much you can spend monthly without stressing your cash flow
• What services you offer and which areas you serve
• How customers find you online (Google Search, Maps, ads, referrals)
• What makes you trustworthy (reviews, experience, certifications)
• How people contact you (call, form, text, booking)
• Which marketing channels you focus on (SEO, ads, email, social)
• How you track results (calls, leads, booked jobs)

Your marketing plan should look something like this:

2. Build a User-Friendly Website for Your Pest Control Company

Time for a little tough love.

If you’re not getting leads, your website is (probably) a big, fat fail. That is, if you have a site at all.

Wordstream points out that 56% of your prospects won’t trust your business if it doesn’t have a pest control website.

It gets trickier. Even if you do, you must have these 5 core elements, or it won’t matter:

• Gain their trust fast with visible reviews and guarantees (check out Mosquito Joe’s Chicago page!)
• Design mobile-first, since 60%+ of searches happen on phones (test yours with this Mobile-Friendly Test).
• Keep it loading under 3 seconds; slow sites kill emergency leads (run yours through Google PageSpeed Insights).
• Clearly list services and service areas so users know exactly what you do and where.
• Make contacting you a breeze with click-to-call, short forms, and call tracking (use CallRail or Jobber for this).

One website that recently caught our eye: Eco Tech Pest Control.

It features “Same-Day Service” right in the header, highlights 3,000+ five-star reviews at the top, and includes a clear “Schedule Now” button.

Brilliant execution to get more customers!

Wondering how much does it cost to build a website? Find out in our quick guide!

3. Seriously Start Doing SEO for Your Pest Control Company

SEO (search engine optimization) is the process of improving your website so that it ranks high in those top-clicked spots on Google search results.

Aim for the top 3 spots on page 1. Those catch 60%+ of the traffic!

And by the way, SEO is no longer up for debate. Will Critchlow breaks down something called “SEO depreciation”.

Every year you don’t invest in SEO, you stand to see a 10-20% decline in traffic (a drop in potentially real clients looking to hire!)

For digital marketing for pest control companies, SEO is a multi-piece puzzle:

On-Page SEO (The Stuff You Control)

This is everything on your website!

Break down your services and service areas, write juicy page titles and descriptions (Emergency Pest Control in Dallas | Same-Day Exterminators), structure content with proper headings, and use keywords naturally.

Keyword tools like Google Keyword Planner, Semrush, or Ahrefs will pinpoint great service- and location-based searches (e.g., “termite control Dallas”).

Off-page SEO (Your Reputation Online)

Think about your reviews, backlinks (other websites linking to your site), and citations (a Yelp listing or chamber of commerce directory link).

These are small but mighty. They tell Google that your business is legitimate, trusted, and worth ranking above competitors.

Local SEO (To Hyper Target Your Market)

Your next client will not be 100 miles away.

Focus on nearby searches like “exterminator near me” or “pest control in [city].”

This includes optimizing your Google Business Profile, creating service-area pages, and keeping your business information (name, location, hours, local reviews) updated everywhere.

Technical SEO (Behind the Curtain)

Make sure your site is mobile-friendly, fast, secure (HTTPS), and structured so Google can crawl it properly.

SEO isn’t sexy (yeah, we said it). But hey, it keeps you visible at a fraction of the cost of TV ads (often $20,000 for a single slot) or paid digital ads that can easily run to $10,000+ per month.

Don’t let competitors outrank you! Read our pest control SEO guide and capture local demand.

4. Local SEO for Pest Control Companies

Your eyes are glazing over. Stay with us!

Local SEO is the process of improving your pest control business’s rankings for hyper-local searches (like “rat extermination in Chicago”).

The goal is to boost your visibility and, naturally, bring you qualified job inquiries!

For example, when we Google, “rat extermination in Chicago”, here are the top 3 Google Business listings in the Local Map Pack:

That’s a prime spot to be! The top result, “Rose Pest Services,” likely pulls in as much as 39% of all clicks for this search.

The best way to rank here is to have a Google Business Profile. As Bright Local points out:“It’s often the first (or only) source of information that a potential customer will use.”

To really dial in your local SEO:

• Claim and fully complete your Google Business Profile (services, location, photos, reviews, ongoing posts/updates).
• Create consistent listings on Yelp, Angi, BBB, and local directories.
• Build local backlinks and mentions from community sites, news outlets, and partners

Bonus: AI tools like ChatGPT now pull data directly from your GBP, which makes it even more vital to optimize!

5. Create Location Landing Pages

Just like with real estate, Google cares about location, location, location!

But only 18% of companies have dedicated local landing pages.

This is your competitive advantage.

Location landing pages help Google understand where you actually work. So, we do NOT want to see one generic “Services” page on your site.

Create pages for every city and/or neighborhood you serve.

Dewey Pest Control does a wonderful job! They literally built out 30+ location pages, offeringhyper-local content on each one (e.g., “iconic landmarks like Disneyland Park are within reach”).

What every location landing page should include:

• City and neighborhood name on the page (add location landmarks)
• Clear list of services offered in that area
• Explain who you help locally (homes, businesses, property types)
• Proof of local work (reviews, testimonials, photos, service examples)
• Local NAP (name, address, phone number)
• Strong call-to-action (call, book, request quote)

Try these types of local targeted campaigns, and you’ll join that elite league of businesses that are actively attracting and booking more local clients.

6. Create Relevant Pest Control Content

Content is literally do or die.

Just kidding, but it’s still pretty important.

Entrepreneur, Julia McCoy, points out, “Marketing funnels aren’t suffering from bad writing; they’re suffering from the wrong type of content.“

We could not agree more! Your website can be fully optimized, but without great content, it won’t attract any real clients.

We’ll make it super easy. Here’s what you SHOULD put on your site:

• Blog posts explaining common local pests, prevention tips, and early warning signs.
• Short videos that walk through infestations, treatments, and what homeowners should expect.
• (Important for AI!) FAQs that cover pricing, safety, timelines, and guarantees.
• Guides or ebooks for deeper topics that homeowners want to understand before calling.
• Case studies and testimonials that prove your methods work.
• Visual content, like simple infographics for pest identification and prevention.

Put content at the heart of your pest control internet marketing efforts.

A great example: Fox Pest runs a great blog called “Beyond the Bug”.

It answers fear-driven questions from their target market: “What does rat poop look like?” — funny but important — and even “Pest Control vs Extermination.”

That FAQ-style structure makes the content easy for AI to cite!

7. Get More Reviews from Your Clients

Do you have multiple 4- and 5-star reviews across your Google Business Profile and directories?

The answer better be YES!

A whopping 90% of your clients will read reviews before making a final decision. Those clients spend 31% more if you have multiple positive online reviews.

Author and entrepreneur, Wendy Piersall, points out something incredibly important: “Google only loves you when everyone else loves you first.” She’s right, reviews are a ranking signal.

But how on earth do you get these glowing stars? Glad you asked!

• Do great work, consistently: Have your technicians show up on time, communicate clearly, and leave the property better than they found it.
• Prime reviews on-site: Set expectations before leaving by casually mentioning how reviews help local homeowners find you.
• Send the review link immediately: Text or email a direct link while the experience is still fresh.
• Follow up once, politely: SmartLead suggests sending no more than 3-5 follow-ups, each spaced 7 days apart.
• Respond to every review: Thoughtful replies inspire confidence with future customers, search engines, and AI tools.

Will this juice up your digital presence? Absolutely. Mobal confirms that reviews are a HUGE local SEO ranking factor for Google and AI tools like ChatGPT. “In an era where AI pulls star ratings, your reputation is a trust and ranking signal.”

8. Demonstrate Your Case Studies and Testimonials

Do you have case studies on your site? Hey, the more the merrier.

Vergo is incredibly good at this. Check out their case studies page ASAP.

Stories like “Heat Treatment To Control Bed Bug Infestation” pull potential clients in and make them see themselves in that problem!

Plus, we love how they clearly break it down into problem, solution, results, and real client feedback. Brilliant!

With your digital marketing for pest control companies, try these case study tips:

• Start with a specific, relatable problem your customer was facing (panic, risk, complaints, inspections, downtime).
• Clearly explain what you did differently: tools, methods, or processes that solved it.
• Show measurable results (fewer call-backs, infestation eliminated, compliance passed, time saved).
• Add a real client quote that sounds natural (typos and all!).
• End with the before → after takeaway so readers can picture their own outcome.

And hey, between reviews and case studies, you’ll have two of the most compelling trust-builders as part of your digital strategy.

9. Use Pay-Per-Click Advertising (PPC)

You have bills to pay this week!

While you wait ~6 months for your SEO to drive leads consistently, paid ads can start driving leads the same day you launch.

And whether it’s $25 a day or $250, you control the spend down to the dollar.

Here’s how pest control companies use paid ads effectively:

• Local Services Ads (LSAs)
  These sit at the very top of Google and often catch 50% of the leads from the search engine page because homeowners see the “Google Guaranteed” badge and call immediately.
• Google Search Ads
  Ideal for urgent searches like “emergency exterminator near me” or “rat removal tonight”. These clicks come from people ready to book.
• Social Media Ads
  Perfect for seasonal pest prevention tips and retargeting homeowners who already visited your site but didn’t call.

Quick reminder: Use your real-time data to fine-tune your ads and attract the customers you want.

If you need help with the data or any other part of your digital strategy, contact a pest control digital marketing professional.

10. Search Engine Marketing (SEM)

Search Engine Marketing (SEM) is the process of getting your business in front of the right people at the exact moment they search on Google.

It includes your paid ads and organic visibility working in sync. To quickly summarize it for you, SEM:

• Targets high-intent searches like “pest control near me” when people are ready to hire
• Combines PPC and SEO data so winning keywords in ads can guide your content strategy
• Delivers faster insights than SEO alone through real-time performance data
• Keeps you visible everywhere; ads at the top, organic results below

Nail this down, and SEM helps you capture demand at every stage, from those urgent “rat infestation” searches to early research like “Why do I have ants in my kitchen?”

Hey, you’re too smart to rely on just one channel!

11. Pest Control Social Media Marketing

We’re not going to make you dance on TikTok.

Pest control social media marketing simply requires you to stay visible and familiar by posting super valuable content.

Is it worth it? Yes! Sprout’s Social Media Strategist, Olivia Jepson, says, “Social teams now drive revenue.”

She’s not wrong. 81% of people make spur-of-the-moment decisions based on their social feed!

But hey, social media works best when you keep it simple:

• Share quick tips (seasonal pests, warning signs, prevention)
• Post behind-the-scenes content from real jobs and technicians
• Highlight reviews, before-and-afters, and short wins
• Run low-budget local ads to stay top-of-mind in your service area

Some of our favorite examples: This post that debunks an old wives’ tale about earwigs consuming people’s brains. Love the humor!

And this one that explains male vs female mosquito lifecycles, branded under an ongoing series of posts called “Bug Bytes”!

12. Build an Email Marketing Campaign

Imagine having a direct line to your next customer.

That’s what email is for!

Email marketing does what a lot of channels can’t. It keeps you in front of new customers without paying for every click.

And here’s a mind-blowing stat: Email marketing delivers an average return of $36 for every $1 spent, making it one of the highest-ROI digital channels available.

In case you missed that, that’s a 3,600% return on investment!

99% of your prospects check their email every day (up to 20 times a day). Use email to share seasonal pest warnings, service reminders, follow-ups after treatments, and special offers for repeat business.

When a problem pops up, guess who they’ll call?

13. Affiliate Marketing

Affiliate marketing is a referral-based strategy.

Other businesses or partners promote your services in exchange for a commission when they send you a paying customer!

Why is it so brilliant? Think about it. You partner with local businesses, property managers, real estate agents, or home service websites that are in contact with your best prospects!

Plus, you only pay when you get a real customer. Affiliate marketing could deliver a 1,500% return on investment, meaning $15 for every $1 spent.

Where to get started (quick tips):
Start with businesses that already serve your customers (real estate agents, property managers, etc.), and offer a simple referral fee per booked job.

14. Mobile Marketing

Today, mobile devices account for around 60–64% of global web traffic.

That’s right! Most people search for pest help on their phones.

But what does it include? Mobile marketing covers things like text messages, SMS reminders, click-to-call ads, mobile-friendly websites, and social media.

When it comes to SMS, Text Drip suggests keeping it simple, like a quick seasonal reminder to reduce mosquito breeding by getting your gutters cleaned.

Quick reminder: SMS marketing must be explicitly consensual. Customers need to clearly opt in (e.g., “I consent to receive text messages from this number”), as required under the TCPA (Telephone Consumer Protection Act).

You also must include a clear, easy unsubscribe option (like “Reply STOP to opt out”).

15. Seasonal Marketing

And finally, seasonal reminders!

Seasonal marketing works because pests don’t show up randomly; they follow patterns.

• Spring: ants, termites, early prevention
• Summer: mosquitoes, ticks, ongoing treatments
• Fall: rodents looking for warmth
• Winter: indoor pests and maintenance

Match your ads, emails, and social posts to what homeowners are dealing with. When your message lines up with the season, those sweet, sweet job inquiries come pouring in!

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Traditional Marketing for Pest Control Companies

Traditional marketing is still alive and well.

While you run your digital channels, we also suggest showing up personally in your neighborhood in a few small but mighty ways:

• Flyers and brochures: Great for neighborhoods, apartments, and local businesses when they focus on one clear problem, one solution, and one strong call to action.
• Business cards: Still useful when handed out by technicians, partners, or property managers, especially when paired with a QR code.
• Trade shows and local events: Put your brand face-to-face with homeowners and business owners.
• Direct mail campaigns: Highly effective for targeted neighborhoods when messaging is relevant to local pest concerns.
• Outdoor banners and billboards: Ideal for brand awareness in busy areas, reinforcing familiarity so prospects recognize your name.
• Branded merchandise: Hats, magnets, or leave-behinds keep your company top-of-mind.
• Networking and word-of-mouth referrals: Still one of the strongest drivers of high-quality leads, especially when supported by consistent service and follow-ups.
• Referral programs: Incentivize happy customers to spread the word with simple rewards.
• Partnerships with local businesses: Team up with real estate agents, property managers, cleaners, or contractors who already serve your ideal customers.
• Door hangers and yard signs: These work especially well right after completing a job.
• Local sponsorships: Sponsoring schools, sports teams, or community events builds long-term brand recognition.
• Fleet vehicle wraps: Vehicle wraps can generate 30,000–80,000 impressions per day and boost brand recognition up to 15× more than other advertising media!

It’s a long list, we know. Don’t get overwhelmed! Start with just 3–4 of these tactics this month, get them working, then layer in more as you go.

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Kill Those Pesky Slow Weeks! Hire a Top Pest Control Marketing Agency.

Mosquitoes bite. Bad marketing stings even worse. Keep in mind these top tips to conquer 2026:

• Show up for urgent searches with local SEO, PPC, and LSAs.
• Gain their trust with reviews, case studies, and social proof.
• Stay visible everywhere by combining SEO, ads, social media, email, and traditional marketing.
• Make it effortless to contact you by optimizing for mobile, click-to-call, SMS, and fast follow-ups.
• Market with timing and intent by aligning content, ads, and promotions with seasonal pest behavior.

Do you realistically have 40+ hours a week to do these?

Ignore them, and your competitors will thank you. They’re already on the move, grabbing attention and winning over clients (that should be yours!).

Contact Comrade today. We’re an award-winning pest control digital marketing agency, and we’ve helped clients get 400% more qualified leads with SEO, web design, and PPC.

Never worry about slow weeks again. Local clients will find you first, keeping you booked and busy all year round!

Book a free consultation today with our digital marketing experts.