Your customers want to keep pests out of their homes and businesses, and adding perimeter pest control to your service offerings allows you to solve that problem. This takes the burden off the customer and offers you more profit in return.

The service is simple. You’ll make a barrier treatment around the exterior foundation of the building, three feet up and three feet out, creating a protective “shield” against ants, spiders, and other insects that want to get inside.

Why You Should Offer Perimeter Pest Control

It’s fast and profitable. A single perimeter application around a 3,000-square-foot structure takes 10 to 15 minutes, giving you a quick way to boost your bottom line. Depending on a customer’s service frequency, you can charge anywhere from $50 to $150 per application.

The barriers to entry are low. Getting started doesn’t require a big investment; a battery-powered backpack sprayer like the FlowZone Cyclone is more than sufficient. You’ll also need to make sure you have the necessary pesticide applicator certification and license for your state.

It allows you to build trust. Customers who already count on you to care for their properties trust your expertise. They also want to solve their bug problem ASAP. They’ll likely be open to adding the service since you’ve proven yourself to be trustworthy and you’re already on-site!

Some Standout Products

Scion is a pyrethroid insecticide designed to be used on hard surfaces. Unlike traditional products that break down quickly on hard surfaces, Scion provides residual control for up to 90 days. That’s up to three times the longevity of bifenthrin-based treatments, which usually offer 30–45 days of protection. Scion’s durability makes it ideal for bi-monthly or quarterly service programs, reducing the number of treatments without sacrificing results.

InTice is a boric acid granular bait that works by encouraging pests like ants and earwigs to consume it and carry it back to their colonies, eliminating the problem at its source. Just one pound per thousand square feet will deliver effective coverage. InTice also pairs well with Scion, giving your program multiple modes of action for the best possible results.

Making Your Applications

For your liquid applications, use a flat fan nozzle and apply at low pressure. You’re not looking to soak the surface, just coat it evenly. Also, make sure to wear proper PPE: waterproof gloves, long sleeves, eye protection, and rubber boots. Be sure to avoid spraying windows, and don’t spray near bird feeders or pet bowls.

Focus your applications on these key areas:

  • Three feet up and out from the foundation
  • Door thresholds and window wells
  • Deck perimeters and screened-in porch edges
  • Eaves and overhangs (especially for spider control)

For granular bait, simply place it around the perimeter of the building. InTice, in particular, is non-toxic and safe for use around dogs and children.

Depending on your region and each customer’s pest pressure, you can structure your offerings around these suggested service frequencies:

  • In the North, seasonal, bi-monthly, or quarterly intervals
  • In the South, monthly, seasonal, or bi-monthly intervals

For bi-monthly and quarterly applications, it’s best to use Scion for its extended residual control.

Small Add-On, Big Payoff

Ready to add pest protection to your lawn care program? Reach out to your ATS representative and take a look at our perimeter pest video to get started.