Bookkeeping and Accounting for Pest Control Services

In the pest control services industry, there are several specific expenses you can deduct in your business accounting. These typically include, but are not limited to:

• Purchasing and maintenance of equipment and tools associated with pest control.
• Chemicals and other materials used in providing pest control services.
• Insurances related to your business operations - for example, public liability insurance.
• Safety gear and uniforms for you and your employees.
• Expenses related to your business vehicle(s), such as gas, maintenance and depreciation.
• Costs of advertising and marketing your pest control services.
• Professional fees, such as legal and accounting, that are directly related to your business activities.
• Employee salaries, benefits and training costs.
• Office expenses, including rent, utilities, office supplies, etc.

It's important to accurately track all these expenses as part of your bookkeeping routine to optimize your deductions. Always consult a professional accountant or tax advisor to understand fully your tax obligations and opportunities.

Handling inventory management and accounting for pest control products and equipment requires careful tracking and documentation. The primary steps include:

• Inventory Cataloguing: It is vital to categorize all products and equipment, detailing the purchase date, cost, and any associated expenses.
• Inventory Valuation: The next step is to establish a method to value the inventory. This can be either the Weighted Average Method, the First-in First-out (FIFO) Method or the Last-in First-out (LIFO) Method.
• Inventory Updates: Regular updates for inventory changes such as new purchases, sales or damaging are essential to maintain accurate records. These changes should be recorded in your accounting software.
• Cost Accounting: This helps track the costs associated with your inventory. Recorded costs can include purchasing, holding, and ordering costs, and should also be logged into your accounting software.

By frequently tracking and updating your inventory, you can provide accurate financial insights about your pest control business. If this process seems overwhelming, hiring a professional bookkeeper can free up time and ensure accounting accuracy.

While there isn't a one-size-fits-all bookkeeping method for every business, pest control businesses could potentially benefit significantly from using an accrual method of accounting. This method records revenues and expenses when they are incurred, regardless of when cash is exchanged. Given the seasonal nature of pest control business, having a clear financial picture can help with budgeting and cash flow management. However, it's essential to discuss with a professional accountant or bookkeeper to find the method that best suits your business needs.

Nope! All bookkeeping is completed in-house.

Your bookkeeper will be your main point of contact, but at times you might hear from another member of your team. This is usually when your bookkeeper goes on vacation, is sick, or otherwise unavailable.

We handle the bookkeeping for you but sometimes we’ll need your input, especially at year-end. On average, expect to spend 15 minutes each month answering questions for your bookkeeper, or uploading supporting docs.