The pest control industry is more competitive than ever, and homeowners have plenty of options when choosing an exterminator. If you want to grow your business in 2025, relying on outdated marketing tactics won’t cut it. The best pest control companies are using a mix of highly targeted online and offline advertising strategies to generate quality leads, increase bookings, and maximize return on investment. Whether you’re looking to improve your Google rankings, run more effective ads, or generate word-of-mouth referrals, here are the most powerful advertising methods to grow your pest control business this year.
1. Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) – The #1 Source for High-Intent Leads
Google Local Services Ads (LSAs) remain the most cost-effective way to generate high-quality pest control leads in 2025. Unlike traditional pay-per-click (PPC) ads, LSAs charge only when a customer contacts you, making them one of the highest-ROI advertising methods available. These ads appear at the very top of Google search results and include a Google Screened badge, which builds trust and increases conversions.
To get the best results with LSAs:
- Keep your response time fast since Google prioritizes businesses that reply to leads quickly
- Maintain a strong review profile since higher-rated businesses tend to rank better
- Ensure your profile is complete with service details, accurate business hours, and professional photos
- Dispute low-quality leads (wrong location, spam, etc.) to avoid unnecessary charges
Many pest control companies see a major boost in leads within weeks of launching LSAs, making them an essential part of any advertising strategy.
2. Hyper-Targeted Google Ads for Local Searches
Google Ads (PPC) are still one of the best ways to capture customers actively searching for pest control services, but in 2025, broad targeting won’t cut it. The key to maximizing your ad budget is hyper-local targeting with highly specific search terms.
To improve your Google Ads performance:
- Use exact-match and phrase-match keywords like “termite control near me” or “bed bug exterminator in [city]”
- Exclude negative keywords such as “DIY,” “home remedies,” or “free pest control” to avoid unqualified clicks
- Set location targeting to precise service areas instead of entire cities to attract more local leads
- Use ad extensions like call buttons, location links, and service highlights to increase click-through rates
Google Ads work best when combined with LSAs and a well-optimized website that converts visitors into paying customers.
3. Facebook and Instagram Ads for Brand Awareness and Retargeting
Not all pest control customers search for services immediately. Social media advertising on Facebook and Instagram helps keep your business top-of-mind so that when they do need pest control, they remember your brand.
For the best results with social media ads:
- Target homeowners in your service area based on interests, age, and homeownership status
- Run seasonal campaigns to address current pest problems, such as “Mosquito Control Special – Book Before Summer” or “Rodent Prevention for Fall”
- Use video content of your technicians in action to build credibility and trust
- Retarget website visitors with ads reminding them to book a service if they didn’t call the first time
Facebook and Instagram ads increase brand awareness over time, making your business the first choice when customers are ready to take action.
4. Local SEO – Ranking Your Business for Free Leads
Ranking on Google’s first page organically is one of the most cost-effective ways to generate pest control leads. Unlike paid ads, organic traffic is free and sustainable once you establish strong rankings. In 2025, local SEO is more important than ever because homeowners trust businesses that appear at the top of search results.
To improve your local SEO rankings:
- Optimize your Google Business Profile with updated contact info, services, and high-quality images
- Encourage more customer reviews to improve rankings and build trust
- Publish local blog content such as “Best Ways to Prevent Termites in [City]” to attract search traffic
- Build citations by listing your business on directories like Yelp, Angi, and HomeAdvisor
- Use geo-targeted keywords on your website, such as “Affordable Pest Control in [Neighborhood]”
A strong SEO strategy reduces reliance on paid ads by generating consistent, high-intent leads from Google searches.
5. Geofencing Ads – Targeting Customers Based on Location
Geofencing is a powerful advertising method that allows you to target potential customers based on their physical location. If certain neighborhoods or businesses in your area have frequent pest problems, geofencing ads can serve highly relevant ads to people in those locations.
For example, if there’s a termite infestation in a certain community, you can run ads specifically targeting homeowners in that zip code. When they browse the internet or use mobile apps, they’ll see your ad promoting termite treatment services.
Geofencing works well for:
- Neighborhoods with high pest activity
- Apartment complexes and property management companies
- Restaurants and food service businesses
- Home improvement stores where DIY homeowners might seek help
This hyper-targeted approach ensures your advertising dollars are spent only on potential customers who are most likely to need your services.
6. Nextdoor Advertising – Reaching Customers Through Local Recommendations
Homeowners trust recommendations from neighbors more than any other type of advertising, and Nextdoor has become a go-to platform for finding local service providers. Running Nextdoor ads or actively engaging in community discussions can drive highly targeted leads.
To maximize Nextdoor marketing:
- Encourage satisfied customers to recommend your services in neighborhood discussions
- Run local promotions exclusive to Nextdoor users, such as “Get $50 Off When You Book This Week”
- Respond to pest control-related questions with helpful advice to establish your expertise
- Use Nextdoor Ads to target homeowners in your exact service area
Because Nextdoor is hyper-local, engagement rates are often much higher than on other social media platforms.
7. Referral and Loyalty Programs for Word-of-Mouth Growth
Word-of-mouth marketing is one of the most cost-effective ways to grow a pest control business, but most companies don’t actively encourage referrals. A structured referral program rewards satisfied customers for spreading the word.
A successful referral program includes:
- A clear incentive for both the referrer and the new customer (e.g., $50 off their next service for each referral)
- A simple process for sharing referrals, such as a referral link or text-based system
- Regular promotion via email, social media, and customer follow-ups
Additionally, a loyalty program can increase repeat business by offering discounts or free inspections to returning customers.
8. Vehicle Wraps – Turning Service Vehicles Into Mobile Billboards
Your service vehicles are on the road daily, making vehicle wraps one of the best offline advertising tools for brand recognition. Unlike other ads, vehicle wraps require a one-time investment but generate years of exposure.
A great vehicle wrap should:
- Feature your company name, logo, and phone number prominently
- Use a bold call to action like “Call Now for Fast Pest Control”
- Display a clear image of pests you specialize in eliminating
Every time your truck is parked in a customer’s driveway, neighbors see your brand, leading to natural word-of-mouth referrals.
Final Thoughts
The best advertising strategies for pest control businesses in 2025 combine digital and traditional methods to maximize visibility, generate high-quality leads, and build long-term customer relationships. Google Local Services Ads, hyper-targeted PPC campaigns, social media advertising, SEO, geofencing, Nextdoor promotions, referral programs, and vehicle branding all work together to create a powerful, lead-generating system.
If your current advertising isn’t delivering the results you need, focus on one or two strategies from this list and start optimizing. As you refine your approach, you’ll see higher conversions, lower customer acquisition costs, and long-term business growth.
