Nobody likes a mosquito at a barbecue, especially in Texas, where we take great pride in making our cookouts perfect every time.
Keeping the bugs away means relying on a pest control business, and now may be the ideal time to start your own. If you are wondering how to start a pest control business in Texas, our business formation lawyers can help.
While The Curley Law Firm team will leave the bug-busting up to the experts, in this article, we’ll explain what the pest control industry looks like and how to get your Texas pest control business entity formed. We will also give some pointers on successful entrepreneurship and when to call in the help of a lawyer.
For assistance, please don’t hesitate to call (832) 225-3448 or reach us online today.
Understanding the Pest Control Business
The pest control business is a rapidly growing industry. It is projected to grow by as much as 5% between 2022 and 2027. This growth may be due to the prevalence of bed bugs in the U.S. and the need for prevention and extermination services.
Bed bugs can be found anywhere, but they are most often found in hotels, college dormitories, and other group living situations. Over the last 20 years, they have been found in commercial locations as well. This combination of residential and commercial pest control needs has sparked a good deal of growth in the industry.
Identifying a Target Market
With the bed bugs case study in mind, pest control businesses usually market to either residential or commercial customers. While some exterminators market to both, they tend to be larger companies.
Four Steps You Can Take to Start a Pest Control Business in Texas
1. Create a Pest Control Business Plan
After making the decision to start a pest control business, the next step is to write a business plan. Business plans are usually required if you plan to get a bank loan or seek funding from third parties. Studies have also shown that having a business plan helps increase the odds of starting a successful business.
2. Form a Pest Control Business Entity
Selecting a business structure is the next challenge facing your pest control business. Typically business owners debate whether they want to operate as a limited liability company (LLC), sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation. This decision can impact your business taxes and the benefits you might receive from the state. It can also affect your taxes as a business owner.
Be sure to review the Texas Secretary of State’s helpful information about business structures. Speaking with a knowledgeable Texas business lawyer can also help you get a pest control business formed quickly and easily. The Curley Law Firm works with Texas entrepreneurs every day to form business entities.
3. Register for a Pest Control License in Texas
In Texas, you will need to obtain an exterminator license to operate your pest control business.
A pest control business owner may also need general business licenses or permits required by the town or county where their business is located.
You may need to obtain an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and a state tax identification number. Your business lawyer can help you check for relevant regulations and help submit your applications.
4. Invest in Operations
At this stage, you will want to start building your operational capacity.
Key tasks include:
- Opening a business bank account,
- Putting a marketing plan in place,
- Obtaining insurance,
- Purchasing equipment and vehicles,
- Implementing a branding strategy,
- Speaking with accountants and financial professionals,
- Getting the word out about your business on social media, and
- Hiring employees.
Hiring employees is an exciting part of the process. Be sure to consult with your business lawyer when planning your operations. Your lawyers can help you manage the risks of hiring employees and draft the right human resources policies to protect you and your business.
Depending on where you are located in Texas, you may have to comply with additional local ordinances to get your business up and running. An experienced business lawyer can help with this too.
The Curley Law Firm Difference
With over a decade of business law experience, founding attorney Adam Curley has helped hundreds of firms navigate their Texas business needs. Adam’s practice focuses on Texas entrepreneurs across industries. Our firm is devoted to helping business owners form, grow, and steward their businesses to success.
Contact The Curley Law Firm today if you’re ready to form your Texas business. Having an experienced attorney help you develop your business entity can help set you up for success.