NAICS 561710 Quarterly Industry Report
Exterminating and Pest Control Services
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 561710Sector: Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services (56)Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This industry profile for Exterminating and Pest Control Services (NAICS 561710) draws on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6], U.S. Census Bureau, and SBA size standards database[7]. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, it provides valuation professionals, franchise analysts, and business brokers with current market data. The editorial analysis reflects the independent assessment of FairMarketValue.com's research team, with all quantitative claims sourced to publicly verifiable databases.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the exterminating and pest control services industry.
Share of Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
3.6%
By establishment count, 2022 Census[2]
NAICS Sector
56
Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services
Industry Definition & Overview
Exterminating and Pest Control Services (NAICS 561710) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in exterminating and controlling birds, mosquitoes, rodents, termites, and other insects and pests operating in residential, commercial, and industrial settings per the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. Fumigation services and targeted pesticide application for structural pest management are core activities within this classification. Agricultural pest control falls under separate crop production codes.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics[6] reports median annual wages for pest control workers at approximately $44,730, with about 93,600 workers employed nationally. Employment is projected to grow 5 percent through 2032, faster than average for all occupations. Most firms operate within defined service territories, with route density and recurring monthly contracts driving profitability. National chains like Terminix, Orkin, and Rentokil compete alongside thousands of independent operators.
Licensing requirements are universal; all 50 states require certified applicator credentials for commercial pesticide use, and many mandate business licensing, bonding, and continuing education. Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], the size standard is $18.0 million in average annual receipts. Termite treatment and general household pest control generate the largest share of revenue, with wildlife removal and bed bug remediation representing growing specialty segments. Seasonal demand peaks in spring and summer across most geographic markets.
What's Included in This Industry
- Residential pest control and extermination services
- Commercial and industrial pest management programs
- Termite inspection, treatment, and prevention
- Rodent and wildlife exclusion services
- Mosquito and flying insect control
- Bed bug detection and remediation
- Fumigation and structural treatment services
- Integrated pest management consulting
- Bird control and exclusion services
- Ongoing monitoring and maintenance contracts
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Sector | Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | 56 |
| Subsector | Administrative and Support Services | 561 |
| Industry Group | Services to Buildings and Dwellings | 5617 |
| NAICS Industry | Exterminating and Pest Control Services | 56171 |
| National Industry | Exterminating and Pest Control Services | 561710 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 561720 | Janitorial Services | Janitorial Services maintain building cleanliness and sanitation while pest control addresses biological infestations, with both serving property managers who require coordinated facility maintenance |
| 561730 | Landscaping Services | Landscaping Services maintain outdoor grounds where pest populations originate, creating demand for integrated pest management that addresses both landscape health and structural protection |
| 561790 | Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings | Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings provide specialized maintenance like pool and duct cleaning that complements pest control within broader property management contracts |
| 561740 | Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Services | Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning removes pest residues, allergens, and debris from interior fabrics after pest treatment, with cleaning often recommended following bed bug or flea remediation |
| 541320 | Landscape Architectural Services | Landscape Architectural Services design outdoor spaces where pest management must be considered, with designers consulting pest control professionals on plant selection and drainage planning |
| 115112 | Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating | Soil Preparation, Planting, and Cultivating services manage agricultural land where pest populations can migrate to nearby structures, creating cross-demand between agricultural and structural pest control |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | 14.0% | 2,253 |
| 2 | California | 12.0% | 1,933 |
| 3 | Texas | 9.2% | 1,476 |
| 4 | New York | 4.8% | 778 |
| 5 | Georgia | 4.4% | 705 |
| 6 | Arizona | 3.5% | 564 |
| 7 | North Carolina | 3.4% | 541 |
| 8 | New Jersey | 2.6% | 419 |
| 9 | Virginia | 2.6% | 416 |
| 10 | Tennessee | 2.5% | 409 |
% Of Establishments
0%
14%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
1,336
Total SBA Loans
$390.4M
Total Loan Volume
$292K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.32%
Average Interest Rate
8,936
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], Exterminating and Pest Control Services (NAICS 561710) has a size standard of $18.0 million in average annual receipts for federal contracting purposes. SBA 7(a) loans[8] support vehicle acquisition, equipment purchases, route acquisition, and working capital for qualifying firms. The recurring revenue model from monthly and quarterly service contracts makes pest control businesses attractive candidates for SBA financing. Additionally, 504/CDC loans[9] provide long-term, fixed-rate financing for major fixed assets such as real estate and equipment.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Live Oak Banking Company | 56 | $55.5M | $991K |
| 2 | Northeast Bank | 200 | $35.7M | $179K |
| 3 | U.S. Bank, National Association | 80 | $25.1M | $314K |
| 4 | Bank of America, National Association | 48 | $22.9M | $476K |
| 5 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 80 | $21.9M | $274K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses operate as pest control services?
Firms range from single-truck operators to national franchise chains like Orkin and Terminix. About 93,600 workers are employed nationally per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]. Specializations include general household pests, termite treatment, wildlife removal, bed bug remediation, and commercial integrated pest management programs.
How is the pest control industry structured?
National chains hold substantial market share, but thousands of independent operators compete on local service quality and pricing. Revenue comes from one-time treatments, recurring monthly or quarterly contracts, and real estate transaction inspections. Termite work and general pest control generate the largest revenue segments per the U.S. Census Bureau[5].
What is the SBA size standard for Pest Control Services?
Per the SBA Table of Size Standards[7], NAICS 561710 has a size standard of $18.0 million in average annual receipts. This determines eligibility for SBA loans, federal contracting set-asides, and small business programs.
What NAICS codes are related to pest control services?
Related codes include NAICS 561720 (Janitorial), NAICS 561730 (Landscaping), NAICS 561790 (Other Building Services), NAICS 561740 (Carpet Cleaning), and NAICS 541320 (Landscape Architecture) per the U.S. Census Bureau[5]. Each provides complementary property maintenance functions.
Which industries hire pest control services most?
Property management companies, restaurants, hotels, healthcare facilities, food processing plants, and residential homeowners generate the most demand. Real estate transactions also drive inspection volume, with termite clearance letters required for many home sales.
What activities are included in NAICS 561710?
Core activities include residential and commercial extermination, termite treatment, rodent control, mosquito abatement, bed bug remediation, fumigation, bird exclusion, wildlife removal, and integrated pest management per the U.S. Census Bureau[5].
Can pest control businesses get SBA loans?
Yes, firms meeting the $18.0 million size standard qualify for SBA 7(a) loans[8] covering vehicles, equipment, route acquisitions, and working capital. The recurring revenue model from service contracts makes pest control businesses strong SBA loan candidates.
What licensing is required for pest control businesses?
All 50 states require certified applicator credentials for commercial pesticide use per the Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]. Most states also mandate business licensing, bonding, liability insurance, and continuing education for technicians. Requirements vary by state and service type.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [7]SBA Table of Size Standards sba.gov
- [8]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [9]504/CDC loans sba.gov
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