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Article posted on October 31, 2020

Termite Control Services in high demand since COVID-19 in Australia

australia owned and operated

Australian operated

Free on-site visist & quote

Free on-site visit & quote

Over 14,000+ homes protected

Over 14,000+ homes protected

5/5 stars is most frequent rating

5/5 stars is most frequent rating

Why has COVID 19 had such an impact on termite control image

COVID-19 has turned the world upside down this year, now Australians have a higher priority on home lifestyle and protecting their biggest investment – their home.

The past 6 months proving to be devastating for small and big businesses across the globe, the spread of the virus has seen highs and lows for businesses across Australia with online businesses and trades thriving and cafes and restaurant owners closing their doors.

The termite control industry has always been a busy business for professional pest control firms and has its highs and lows depending on seasons and rainfalls etc.

Since COVID-19 Pest-Ex has seen a large growth in the termite division of the business, we’ve been in the pest and termite control business for over 12 years and have an advanced CRM system that provides market trends from all our enquiries.

termite inspection gold coast damage image

In 2020 from March to October we have seen a 30% increase in our termite division with increases across all termite services.

Termite Inspections – Up 33%

Termite Control– Up 21%

Termite Treatments (Termite baiting systems or barriers)- Up 34%

As the owner of the business I could clearly see an increase and was keen to see exactly why?

Why has COVID-19 had such an increase on our termite control services? I began to dive deep into the analytics side of the customer data and get a further understanding on why the reason for the increase.

There have been no climatic or abnormally wet seasons that would explain the high reasons for increase in termite services as in the past these climatic conditions have shown slight increases in the pest control business.

Our recent 3-month investigation has shown us some amazing results on why the increase on termite control services has occurred with homeowners.

termite control increase 2020 image

Approximately 50% of our new clients requiring termite services including termite inspections or treatments where homeowners that were a “At home” during the pandemic. Most homeowners have been placed on job keeper and at home with a whole lot of extra time on their hands than in the past.

20% of new clients had found active termites in their home during DIY renovations or clean-ups around the home, most of these clients had never considered investing in a termite inspection before the COVID-19 pandemic struck.

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20% of new clients invested in a termite inspection or termite treatment on their property as they were aware of the risk of termites in the home but never got the time or money to spend on getting the service done, most homeowners dont even know how much does termite control cost. “Job keeper payments averaged $750 per week per person” Most couples at home during the pandemic now had a combined income of $1,500.00 per week with little to spend the new income on.

10% of clients had considered selling their property’s and a termite inspection was top priority for homeowners considering selling. An unknown housing marked caused slight panic and uncertainty on the home market with homeowners that had their jobs affected by the pandemic.

So… Has COVID-19 Really increased termite attacks?

We believe no, termites have always been a serious threat for homes and structures across Queensland for many years, our recent in depth research into the sudden growth of our termite side of the company has proven to be due to the following reasons.

  • Homeowners are spending more time at home and around the gardens resulting in more termite attacks being found at earlier stages, the average damage bill for most clients was $7,000 or under, had COVID-19 not struck its assumed these clients would have not came across termites or considered a termite inspection therefore found the termites at a later stage with a lot more damage costs
  • Homeowners are investing in small renovations or additions to their homes finding evidence of termites they would never know about previously.
  • People in general have had the extra time and money on hand to invest in the protection or inspections of their home, after all their home is their castle and we have found more and more homeowners are investing in their homes

Is termite control a future proof business?

Yes, without a doubt pest control and termite control services are becoming top priority for homeowners in 2020, buyers nowadays are even well educated on the importance on pre purchase pest/termite inspections before they purchase a home, with housing pre purchase inspections also on the rise during the pandemic.

Going into 2021 we are predicting a 20% growth in the company with this rise in the termite division of Pest-Ex,

What have we learnt in our business from COVID-19 and how can we lead into the future post COVID-19.

  • paperless reporting and digital solutions for clients are preferred now
  • email conversations/live chat during bookings are on the rise by 18%
  • the demand for electronic payments has increased 40% since 2019
  • Cash payments are declining

We look forward to the new normal when the pandemic has passed, we feel the pandemic will never be completely gone as Australia’s small businesses will need to make changes to future proof of their business, after all were all on the journey into a new normal in 2021.

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5 Star Google reviews from both Gold Coast & Brisbane locations

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Kent Bailey
11 months ago
Just had my home barrier treatment for termites by Pest Ex. In every way a brilliant job and fantastic friendly service unlike...read more anything else I have struck on the Gold Coast. This is a very professional company and every person involved was excellent in every way. Strongly recommend them to all who read this review because you won't do better.
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Christie McCabe
a year ago
On time. Efficient. Friendly. Informative. Well priced. Our experience with Pest-Ex was easy from the moment Reception answered our call. Our routine...read more pest inspection could be done the next day (a Saturday which is most convenient for full time workers). Karl arrived at 7am with a smile to complete the service and carried out the work efficiently informing us of the process where required. Thanks team.
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Chris Burt
2 years ago
Very professional and able to identify our pest problem on the spot. Was on time and great communication with admin girls via...read more phone. Very conscious of keeping our pet safe after the treatment which was a classy touch. Highly recommend!
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Phill
6 months ago
Great people and always helpful and providing a good service.
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Lorrie Cruickshanks
a year ago
Thank you to Garyn who first identified the issues, he was extremely thorough and prompt and then to John and Janine and...read more the team who treated and area and placed the baits. The process was fully explained and they were extremely courteous and very professional. Thank you to all the team. The office also kept us up to date with when their representatives would be visiting and this is very much appreciated. Great work.
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Donna Hamerton
a year ago
After reading reviews, I'm glad that I chose Pest-Ex. Maria in the office was more than understanding to accommodate me and times....read more I was able to get a booking the same day I made the enquiry. Garyn my technician was even able to come earlier. When he arrived he was happy to explain everything that was going to happen and how to work around my pets and children. Need pest control done - hire these guys.
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Phoebe Worth
2 years ago
Impressed with the service. The technician Steve was on time, friendly and thorough - you could tell he was not rushing the...read more job. Will be using Pest-Ex again. Thanks guys!
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Mickey Ketch
a year ago
This company actually investigates the problem instead of just spraying your place and leaving. Very HIGH knowledge and experience in what they...read more do. They took the time to investigate the cause, the source of the problem and elimnated it completely which included going through every cupboard, cracks hiding spots the lot. We had a cochroach problem in our apartment for 3 months and we had 4 different companies come out and NONE of them investigated they only sprayed. After we called PestEx, Mr. Phillips was very knowledgeable and experienced eliminating our problem entirely. We also use PestEx in our shop and both Mr Phillips and Marty are EXCELLENT in resolving and maintaining pest problems. HIGHLY RECOMMEND PEST EX. BEST I'VE SEEN IN QUEENSLAND.