Pest management professionals (PMPs) are investing in their businesses, with 55 percent planning to increase their budgets in 2026. This data, part of the full 2026 State of the Industry: PMPs Share an Optimistic Outlook report, details where PMPs are planning to spend, what they plan to buy and the economic obstacles they’re watching.
Key takeaways
- A majority of PMPs (89%) plan to increase their budgets in 2026, while 7% expect them to stay the same.
- Bait varieties are among the top planned purchases in 2026, with over 80%
- Material/equipment costs, labor costs and inflation are the top three projected obstacles for 2026.
- PMPs see increasing referrals and improving customer retention as their two biggest opportunities.
2026 budget projections
The outlook for 2026 is strong, with 89 percent of PMPs projecting an increase in their overall budget. Thirty-nine percent expect their budgets to stay the same and only 6 percent project a decrease.
Cassie Ariel, marketing director of Greenhouse Termite and Pest Control, urges PMPs to be mindful of potential price increases, “there could be higher tariffs on imported products that could further increase expenses, making our budgeting and pricing more challenging.”
Top 2026 planned purchases
When it comes to capital, PMPs are focused on their inventory coverage, with Ant bait, bait stations and cockroach baits leading the list of planned purchases.
Top 10 planned purchases for 2026:
- Ant bait — 84%
- Bait stations — 83%
- Cockroach bait — 81%
- Glue boards & trays — 81%
- Granule insecticides — 81%
- Insect growth regulators — 80%
- Rodent traps — 77%
- Safety equipment — 73%
- Aerosol insecticides & applicators — 72%
- Personal protective equipment — 72%
- Spray concentrate insecticides — 71%
- Backpack sprayers — 69%
When it comes to staying prepared, Matt Chitwood, CEO of Critter Wranglers, advises, “Pre-order your products” and “Negotiate prices with vendors. Most of all, know your numbers and set prices accordingly.”
The bottom line
The 2026 data shows a clear picture: PMPs are in an investment mindset, prioritizing fleet and equipment upgrades to drive growth. While they remain wary of inflation and labor costs, they see a clear path to profitability by focusing on upselling, retention and referrals. This strategic spending, balanced against economic caution, defines the business outlook for the coming 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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