Boom or Bust? 2009 Forecast for UK Pest Control

Editor’s note: The world economy might be in recession but what is the mood in the UK pest control industry? In the launch issue of Pest magazine the editor, Frances McKim, canvassed industry opinions.

Yes. It’s official. The UK economy is in recession. The economy has shrunk for the second successive quarter meaning that the UK is now technically in recession. But what does the future hold for UK pest control?

Forecasts are mixed. What is bad for one sector opens up opportunities for another. One thing is certain though – basic manufacturing or the sale of high-value luxury goods are not the markets to be in.

In the UK, pest control provided by the local authorities, either free of charge or at what many argue are subsidized prices, has traditionally accounted for nearly half the total market.

A survey undertaken by the Local Government Association revealed that one in seven of the 388 councils in England planed to make redundancies. 22.1% of councils have introduced a recruitment freeze. (The position in Scotland and Wales is no better.)

Balancing a council’s budget is proving impossible. Council tax rises are frozen. Income is well down caused by a variety of factors, in particular the collapse of the housing market whilst demands on activities have increased, for example providing essential services such as help for the homeless and debt counseling.

All council activities are under the spot light – especially those deemed as discretionary (as is pest control) as opposed to statutory.

Householders attempting DIY pest control

One prediction everyone spoken to agreed on was the very strong likelihood of the cash-strapped private householder attempting DIY pest control having popped into their local hardware supermarket to see what was on the shelf.

The other factor everyone agreed on is the market in 2009 will depend very heavily on what sort of season it is – might this be the good insect or rodent year. This is something the industry has little control over.

Big is not seen as beautiful

Respondents felt that contracts with the big commercial companies are likely to be squeezed – food companies, retailers and hotel chains will be looking to save every penny they can. And when there is pressure on costs there is always someone out there prepared to do it for less.

Many private pest control companies feel that it is professionalism and customer care that will win the day. Companies who have put effort into caring for their customers will reap the rewards of loyalty. If a contract is based solely on price, is the right customer?

Personal service and attention to detail certainly seem to be key factors identified to help survive this recession. And these are often achieved much more easily by the smaller regionally or locally-based companies, as opposed to the large national outfits.

So, to conclude. Certainly a challenging year ahead. But not all doom and gloom – remember society dictates there are situations where pests must legally be controlled and are individuals really prepared to put up with pests?

A full version of this article can be viewed on the Pest website.