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The William Blair/PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists total U.S. Pest Index increased 6 percent year-over-year in May 2026, below the long-term average index growth rate of 10 percent.
“On a workday-adjusted basis, we estimate the index grew about 8% year-over-year,” said William Blair Equity Researcher Tim Mulrooney, in a news release, noting there was one less working day in May 2026. “A reading below 10 is a sign of softness for the month.”
Dan Gordon, managing member of PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists, added, “While the May results are disappointing, it’s too early to conclude that broader economic conditions are driving the slowdown. Before drawing that conclusion, we’d like to see how the index performs over the next few months. The overwhelming feedback we’re hearing from clients is that weather conditions so far this year have not been conducive to the level of growth we’ve experienced in recent years. The fact is weather remains the single biggest driver of both new sales and customer attrition in the pest control industry.”
The month’s results by segment include:
· The Residential Pest Index increased 7 percent year-over-year.
· The Commercial Pest Index increased 6 percent year-over-year.
· The Termite Index increased 3 percent year-over-year.
· The Bed Bug Index decreased 13 percent year-over-year.
· The Mosquito Index decreased 3 percent year-over-year.
About the William Blair/PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists Pest Index
The William Blair/PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists Pest Index tracks the monthly performance of 146 privately held pest control companies across 38 states with combined annual 2025 revenue of $583 million. The purpose of the report is to track the monthly performance of several U.S. pest markets. It does not include residential door-to-door companies.
