While pest management professionals (PMPs) are optimistic about 2026, they are also clear-eyed about the economic challenges ahead. Balancing these projected obstacles with strategic opportunities is the key to profitability. This data is part of the full 2026 State of the Industry: PMPs Share an Optimistic Outlook report.
Top obstacles & opportunities
Despite the strong spending projections, PMPs are keeping a close eye on economic headwinds. Material and equipment costs, labor costs and inflation are the top three projected obstacles for 2026.
Projected top 5 obstacles:
- Material & equipment costs
- Labor costs
- Inflation
- Fuel costs
- General economy
Denise Trad Warren, ACE, CEO of Trad’s Pest Control, also noted weather as a potential rising obstacle, “Climate and heat make it harder to service customers, keep teams safe and produce results.”
In contrast to these external pressures, PMPs are focused on organic growth, with “increase referrals” and “improve customer retention” as their top two opportunities.
Projected top 5 opportunities:
- Increase referrals
- Improve customer retention
- Upsell services
- Increase repeat business
- Increase prices
The Bottom Line
The 2026 outlook is one of cautious optimism. While external economic factors like inflation and labor costs present clear challenges, PMPs are focusing their strategy on what they can control: customer retention, referrals and upselling. The data shows that PMPs who can navigate these obstacles while capitalizing on organic growth will be best positioned for a profitable year.
About the Author
Heather Gooch is the editor-in-chief for PMP magazine. She can be reached at hgooch@northcoastmedia.net or 330-321-9754.
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