Pest Index Increased 9 Percent YOY in November

The total U.S. William Blair/PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists Pest Index increased 9 percent year-over-year in November 2024, decelerating from the 12 percent result in October. The November results are slightly below the long-term average pest index growth rate of 10 percent.

“After normalizing for one less workday in November, index performance grew at a low-double-digit rate, which was actually slightly higher than October and the long-term historical average,” said William Blair Equity Researcher Tim Mulrooney. “On a sequential basis, the index declined 14 percent from October, which is weaker relative to normal seasonal trends. Total pest revenue in the index typically declines at a high-single-digit rate sequentially in November.

Dan Gordon, managing member of PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists, said, “We believe that this month’s results and the index trend reflect the nervousness of the general business community as it relates to the economy, inflation and interest rates. On the bright side, there is a new business-friendly administration heading to Washington, so we’ll keep an eye on future sentiment.”

The month’s results by segment include:
· The Residential Pest Index increased 11 percent year-over-year.
· The Commercial Pest Index increased 11 percent year-over-year.
· The Termite Index was flat year-over year.
· The Bed Bug Index increased 4 percent year-over-year.
· The Mosquito Index increased 19 percent year-over-yea