The Pest Control industry is going through a change with customers demanding eco-friendly insecticides
The global pest control market size was $19.73 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $31.94 Billion by 2027, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.31% during the forecast period. Similarly, Indian pest control market is expected to reach INR 421.7 Billion by 2032, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 6% during 2024-2032.
How does this industry work ?
Ravi Shankar Vyas who owns Premier Pest Control Limited says that he has been in pest control business for now almost 39 Years. For him, it’s a family business, which his father started in 1972.
His typical day comprises visits to commercial as well as retail sites. He says, although the industry is growing, It is the most disorganised industry. Anyone enters this industry. There are fly by night operators.
Actually, when you call a pest control guy in your house you are giving him the permission to spread poison in the house, if you don’t choose properly.
Market Trends in India?
Adoption of Smart and Sustainable (eco-friendly) Pest Control Measures:
New developments in biocontrol agents is emerging as a significant pest management method. In India also there have been some changes—there are insecticides that are odourless and stainless. The application of gel for killing cockroaches has come into practice—it’s completely non-invasive. Chlorinated hydrocarbons are being not being used at all now. Newer chemicals are being used with lesser concentration and lesser quantity. Newer baits also coming out for termites as termites have colonies and they need to come out. The baits are the most recent in technology.
Ravi Shankar Vyas said that even though the chemical pest control methods are still widely used, in the coming years it is likely to witness a drop due to toxicity threat associated with it.
Pest Control software: There are software for sales and operations. And there are software even to identify the insects. One App is there for professional pest control operators—Pestexpert 360 degree. It’s basically an app to help the professional pest control person.
Market growth Drivers?
Rising awareness over Prevalence of Vector-borne Diseases. The increasing number of vector borne diseases like malaria, dengue, zika virus fever, yellow fever etc., have been causing concern in the society. Ravi says, change in lifestyle is a very important reason.
Also FSSAI has made it mandatory to have a regular pest control programme in their premises which is properly documented. More Due to this the people are becoming aware due to the fatal nature of some of these and accordingly taking precautionary steps. Of these, pest control is one of them.
Rising urbanisation is contributing to market growth
Increasing urbanisation and movement from villages to cities is leading to growth in pest control market. Together with that rising awareness about cleanliness, hygiene, and health risks associated with the infestation of pests is fueling the demand, the apartment living is also adding to the demand for pest control.
Is it a seasonal business?
While pest control methods can vary with the seasons, pest control vigilance is a year-round endeavour. At different stages and different temperatures, insects and rodents act differently, so as a home or business owner you need to be ready to respond with effective seasonal pest control.
For Ravi it’s a year round business. There is some pest control requirement throughout the year. In case of hotels, restaurants, Pharma units and beverage units, it cannot be seasonal. Even for termite treatment the pre-construction treatment takes off as construction is in full swing in winter. Even though it may be slow in some seasons, it is definitely not a seasonal business. Each season has its own challenges, as we are ever fully free of creepy and crawly creatures.
Says Ravi, one should make year-round pest and rodent control part of their routines. He says, you need to have a professional person who can handle the insecticides.
