New research into the UK Pest Control industry by Apex Insight sees growth in demand and a changing supply structure

Apex Insight’s latest report on the Pest Control market shows ongoing growth through the recession and strong performance by some of the commercial pest control operators but significant scaling back of the services offered by local authorities. The total value of the UK market is now approaching £350m, having grown despite the economic downturn, according to a new Pest Control market report from Apex Insight, the business services market analysis and consulting firm. The study shows that growth has been driven by overall increases in the numbers of premises – such as food processing sites, grocery stores, hotels, restaurants and residential blocks – which must be kept free of pests, as well as increased uptake of pest control contracts and trends towards higher service levels. Growth is not uniform across these areas. More hotels, residential blocks and local grocery stores are being built but significant numbers of pubs are closing. Furthermore, while we are eating more processed food, the current horse-meat scandal illustrates the international nature of the food industry with an increasing level of work – and hence pest control activity – now being carried out at production sites located outside the UK. The study shows that demand for pest control is not directly proportional to the number of pests. In the business-to-business segment, which accounts for four fifths of the market, there is a strong insurance element to the purchase to ensure not only that premises are kept pest-free but that best practice processes have been followed. Consumer pest control tends to be more reactive to outbreaks but there is evidence that, in the recession, some consumers are resorting to a DIY approach to save money. In part, this is because the traditional first calling points of consumers, local authority pest control services, are being scaled back significantly as councils try to cut costs to meet government spending objectives. Another interesting supply trend is the bundling of pest control with other facilities services. The study finds that some customers are keen on this concept, while others are firmly in favour of single-service specialists, and that it may have implications for industry pricing and margins. The full market report: “UK Pest Control: market insight report” is available from www.apex-insight.com/research Contact Frank Proud / frank.proud@apex-insight.com / 020 7100 7239 About Apex Insight Apex Insight is an independent provider of research, analysis and consulting services covering business services markets in the UK and Europe. In addition to Pest Control, it has recently published market reports covering sectors including Integrated Facilities Management, Contract Catering, Security, Outsourced Call Centres, Waste Management, Tool & Equipment Hire, Express Parcels and Vehicle Leasing. Companies mentioned in the report Rentokil Ecolab MITIE Pest Control Cannon Pest Control Safeguard Pestokill Prokill