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The William Blair/PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists total U.S. Pest Index increased 8 percent year over year in September 2026, below the index’s long-term average growth rate of 10 percent.
A reading above 10 percent signals strength for the month, while a reading below 10 percent signals softness.
“September was slightly better than August, which was up 7 percent year-over-year, but still below the long-term average of 10 percent,” William Blair equity researcher Tim Mulrooney said in a news release.
Dan Gordon, CPA, managing member of PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists, said the improvement doesn’t yet mark a turnaround: “While it’s encouraging to see growth moving in the right direction, we are now six consecutive months below the index’s long-term average of 10 percent, suggesting that the industry continues to face a softer growth environment.”
Commercial was the strongest segment for the month, while bed bug work posted the steepest decline. September results by segment:
- The Commercial Pest Index increased 12 percent year over year.
- The Residential Pest Index increased 8 percent year over year.
- The Termite Index increased 3 percent year over year.
- The Mosquito Index increased 3 percent year over year.
- The Bed Bug Index decreased 9 percent year over year.
About William Blair/PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists
The William Blair/PCO Bookkeepers & M&A Specialists Pest Index tracks the monthly performance of 159 privately held pest control companies across 40 states with combined annual 2025 revenue of $633 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.
