Starter kit: what the first paid job needs
Pest control runs on sprayers, dusters, bait and the license that lets you apply them. Check your state's applicator rules before you buy chemicals.
| Item | Why you need it | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Backpack or compression sprayer | Exterior perimeter treatments | Varies by brand |
| Hand duster and bulb duster | Wall voids, cracks and crevices | Varies by brand |
| Bait gun for gel baits | Roaches and ants inside | Varies by brand |
| Flashlight and inspection mirror | Finding activity behind appliances | Varies by brand |
| Rodent bait stations and snap traps | Rodent programs | Varies by brand |
| PPE: gloves, respirator, eye protection and coveralls | Required by most labels | Varies by brand |
| Locking chemical storage box for the truck | Safe transport and storage | Varies by brand |
| Spill kit and label binder | What labels and state rules expect on board | Varies by brand |
Pro kit: what a busy shop adds
Add these when the calendar is full and the starter kit is slowing you down. Most pest control companies buy them one at a time, when a job pays for one.
| Item | Why it pays | Price on the maker's site |
|---|---|---|
| Powered backpack sprayer and mistblower | Mosquito and large perimeter work | $860 (STIHL SR 450 backpack sprayer and mistblower, STIHL) |
| Truck-mounted spray rig with hose reel | Lawns and big exteriors | Varies by brand |
| Moisture meter | Termite and moisture inspections | Varies by brand |
| Exclusion tools and materials | Sealing rodent entry points for good | Varies by brand |
| Step ladder | Attics and eaves | $229 (Little Giant King Kombo 6 ft fiberglass Pro bundle, Little Giant) |
Van stock: what you restock every week
Parts and supplies that let you finish on the first visit. Keep a short list on your phone and restock on the same day each week.
- Liquid concentrates you are certified to use. Perimeter and spot treatments.
- Gel and granular baits. Interior and exterior baiting.
- Dusts. Voids and crevices.
- Glue boards and monitors. Tracking activity between visits.
- Rodent blocks and replacement stations. Restocking stations each visit.
- Service tickets or the app open on your phone. Recording product, rate and area on every visit.
What a pest control kit costs
None of the 8 starter kit items has one maker's list price we could check, because brands and sizes vary so much. Price them with your supplier.
The 2 pro kit items we could price add up to $1,089 at the maker's listed price, out of 5 on the list. The rest vary too much by brand and size to give one honest number, so price them with your supplier.
A spray rig and a powered backpack sprayer swing the total most. Chemical costs grow with the route, so many shops price plans to cover them.
Prices are the ones shown on each maker's own site on the date in the sources. Dealers and sales change them, so treat them as a starting point.
Where to buy it
Most pest control companies buy hand tools and small parts wherever is closest, and set up a trade account for the items they buy every week. Our pest control suppliers list names the distributors and pro programs for this trade, and the Home Depot Pro vs Lowe's Pro page compares the two big-box programs row by row.
With Koira: the office side of the kit
The kit gets you to the job. Koira runs the rest: estimates with signing and deposits, invoices and card payments and your day plan, all on the free Office plan. Start with the pest control services list to set your prices.
Sources
- STIHL: STIHL SR 450 backpack sprayer and mistblower, checked October 9, 2026
- Little Giant: Little Giant King Kombo 6 ft fiberglass Pro bundle, checked October 9, 2026
- EPA: How to get certified as a pesticide applicator, checked October 8, 2026
Last checked October 9, 2026. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change and differ by state and city, so confirm with the agency named before you act.