Your services are only as good as the tools you use to deliver them.
But when it comes to running a pest control business, every dollar counts. You want to make intelligent, informed purchasing decisions. The exterminator equipment you invest in should be long-lasting and effective.
Your options are almost limitless. Separating the excellent from the mediocre is no easy feat. So, we put together this guide to help you get the most bang for your buck.
First, we’ll explain why quality equipment matters. Then, we’ll give you some pointers on evaluating commercial tools.
Next up, we’ll share our list of top picks—including the pros and cons to consider. To wrap it all up, we’ll give you some quick and easy get-started tips.
Let’s jump right into it!
Why Quality Exterminator Equipment Matters
Cutting corners never really works out, does it? Not in life and not in business.
In fact, cheaping out on your exterminator equipment only leads to trouble in the long run. High-quality, fit-for-purpose tools, on the other hand, make your job easier.
Here are three reasons why you should invest in the best equipment your budget allows:
1. Improve Your Results and Delight Your Clients
It goes without saying. Higher-quality equipment equals higher-quality services.
Why? Because the best tools on the market are precise and effective. They are stronger and better at what they do.
The result? Quicker results and happier clients.
2. Add New Services to Your Lineup
Sometimes, growing your business means attracting and converting more customers. Other times, it means expanding the services you offer.
To do this, you’ll need the right tools. High-quality equipment allows you to tackle a wider range of jobs.
For example, you might invest in tools that help you get into hard-to-reach places. You might also pick up a specialized machine to exterminate different pests.
3. Get a Higher ROI
ROI stands for return on investment. It’s about how much value you get in return for spending money.
So, while it might seem expensive upfront, think about the big picture. Quality equipment lasts longer. This means you won’t need to replace it as often.
Plus, unexpected equipment breakdowns can lead to downtime. This can delay your services—and commercial clients don’t respond well to delays.
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How to Evaluate Commercial Exterminator Equipment
Saying something is high-quality is a little ambiguous. What does quality really entail? What, specifically, should you be looking for?
We suggest using these criteria when weighing up your next purchase:
- Price: Yes, it might be tempting. But if you can, don’t jump right in and purchase the cheapest option available. Instead, compare and research. Keep an eye out for sales and discounts, too. You might be able to score top-tier products for a fraction of the price.
- Warranties: Opt for equipment that comes with a warranty. Make sure the warranty is comprehensive. You might want to test out the brand’s customer service, too. That way, should you need to make a claim, you can rest easy knowing it won’t be a total headache.
- Reviews: Read what other pest control professionals are saying. Online reviews, industry forums, and word of mouth from other exterminators can be really helpful.
- Durability: Commercial equipment takes a good beating. You need gear that lasts. Look for heavy-duty materials. Also, consider how often you’ll need to maintain or replace parts.
6 Best Commercial Exterminator Equipment for Pros
It’s time to make your wish list!
Here’s how we decided what to include in this guide:
- We looked for trusted brands. We reviewed their reputation.
- We considered how long you can expect the products to last. We want you to get maximum ROI.
- We prioritized performance. Does it do what it promises?
- We balanced price and value.
- We chose equipment that’s easy to maintain or repair.
The housekeeping is now out of the way. Here is some of the best commercial exterminator equipment on the market today.
Foamer: B&G VersaFoamer 4000
A foamer helps you apply insecticide foam in hard-to-reach areas.
You can use a foamer for all kinds of applications. For example, you might use it for termite treatment in a hotel or to rid a commercial kitchen of pests.
The B&G VersaFoamer 4000 is one of the best on the market. It’s an electric, compressed-air foaming system built specifically for professionals.
Benefits include:
- The electric compressor maintains constant pressure, so you always get a consistent foam.
- It comes with a one-gallon tank that can be removed easily. This makes it easy to use in confined spaces.
- It’s completely contained and leak-proof. This is a must for indoor applications.
- It’s ideal for treating wall voids and under cabinets.
Be aware of these potential drawbacks:
- It’s priced a bit higher compared to manual foamers.
- It needs a foaming agent to work.
Want to buy it? Get the B&G VersaFoamer 4000 here.
Insecticide Duster: Puffer-Style
A duster is a tool that applies powder insecticides in cracks, crevices, and other out-of-reach areas. It’s excellent for ridding commercial properties of crawling pests. Think ants and cockroaches.
A puffer-style duster is a piece of manual equipment. It’s cheap, cheerful, and won’t break down on you.
Benefits include:
- It’s easy to use—just fill it with dust, seal it, and squeeze.
- It includes a clean-out tool to prevent clogging.
- It’s durable and lightweight. It’s no trouble at all carrying it between jobs.
- At under $20, it’s a cheap piece of equipment that provides a ton of value.
Be aware of this potential drawback:
- It has limited use cases. For example, it’s not suitable for liquid applications.
Want to buy it? Get the insecticide duster here.
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Respirator: 3M Professional Paint Respirator
Safety gear is non-negotiable.
As a commercial pest exterminator, you’re regularly working with hazardous chemicals. A respirator can help mitigate the risks that come with them. How? By filtering our toxic particles.
3M is a well-known and highly regarded brand. That’s why we’ve picked their respirator to include on our list.
Benefits include:
- It’s adjustable, so you can create a comfortable fit and a tight seal.
- It’s effective at filtering hazardous particles from the air.
- The cartridges are replaceable. This means you can use it long-term.
Be aware of this potential drawback:
- Some users report that wearing glasses with the mask can be awkward.
One user shared, “I used this respirator at work and liked it so much that I bought one for use at home.”
Another noted, “It’s comfortable and seems to work fine, but wearing it with glasses is tricky.”
Want to buy it? Get the 3M Professional Paint Respirator here.
Hose: Flextral 800 PSI Spray Hose
You need a strong hose to help you apply pesticides or herbicides. It needs to be durable enough to withstand heavy use. It also needs to be flexible and lightweight—you’ll be carrying it around, after all.
The Flextral 800 PSI Spray Hose is a great choice. It’s built for long-term use and can handle just about any terrain or application.
Benefits include:
- It’s lightweight and durable. You get the best of both worlds.
- The kink-resistant material helps you avoid frustrating knots.
- It’s built tough, so it won’t split or rip when exposed to rough surfaces.
- It’s rated for 800 PSI, so it’s powerful enough for commercial applications.
Be aware of this potential drawback:
- The cost is higher compared to some other hoses. But the durability is well worth it.
One reviewer said, “We tried cheaper hoses but kept coming back to this one—it’s built to last.”
Another wrote, “It’s heavy-duty yet lightweight. I should have bought it years ago.”
Want to buy it? Get the Flextral 800 PSI Spray Hose here.
Bait Systems: B&G Robco 5-in-1 Termite Treatment Kit
The right baiting system can make short work of large infestations. They do, however, require a bit of patience.
They work by poisoning the pests over time. The poisoned pest takes the bait back to the colony. This results in long-term, highly effective pest management.
One great choice is the B&G Robco 5-in-1 Termite Treatment Kit. It gives you everything you need to treat termites.
Benefits include:
- It’s comprehensive and gives you several tools for varied termite treatments.
- The materials are high-quality and durable.
- It’s ideal for professional termite control, even for demanding jobs.
Be aware of this potential drawback:
- It can be a bit costly for smaller pest control businesses.
One review said, “The initial feel of this tool is that it is heavy duty and quality. All metal construction gives it a durable, long-lasting feel.”
Want to buy it? Get the B&G Robco 5-in-1 Termite Treatment Kit here.
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Fogging Equipment: Black Flag 190095 Propane Insect Fogger
Do you need to target large spaces fast? Foggers are a must-have.
This piece of equipment applies a fine mist of pesticide that fills up space. It’s ideal for attics, crawl spaces, and tight rooms. It can even work in smaller outdoor areas, like a restaurant’s patio.
One of the top choices in 2024 is the Black Flag 190095 Propane Insect Fogger. It’s portable and does a great job of warding off flying insects.
Benefits include:
- It immediately controls mosquitoes, biting flies, and other flying insects.
- It’s propane-powered for maximum portability. There’s zero need for cords or outlets.
- It dispenses a 10-foot cone of odorless fog. You can treat large areas fast.
Be aware of these potential drawbacks:
- Some users report that the fogger requires careful handling to avoid cross threading the propane tank.
- It takes time to heat up and cool down. This can slow you down during multiple applications.
One user said, “Second one I’ve owned. Puts out a ton of fog, yet uses very little liquid. Be careful on spraying—always fog in low wind conditions to avoid inhaling it.”
Another reviewer added, “The ignitor is a nice feature, but be careful attaching your propane tank to avoid cross-threading.”
Want to buy it? Get the Black Flag 190095 Propane Insect Fogger here.
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Top Tips for Selecting the Right Commercial Exterminator Equipment
Don’t spend hours trawling the internet or thousands on equipment you don’t need. Instead, follow these top tips:
- Identify your needs. What are the types of pests and environments you typically work with?
- Prioritize features. Decide what’s most important to you. Is it durability? Maybe eco-friendliness? What about the price?
- Set a budget. Speaking of, decide how much you want to spend.
- Research extensively before you decide. Hopefully, you’re not in a rush to make a buying decision. Take your time, read reviews, and wait for sales.