Established
1901
Franchise Units
400
Minimum Investment
$200,000
Franchise Fee
Inquire
Total Investment Range
$500,000
Home Based
No
Description
Orkin is one of the most established and widely recognized pest control brands in the United States, with a legacy spanning more than 100 years. The brand has earned national trust for its science-based pest management solutions, consistent service quality, and strong operational systems. Orkin operates in a high-demand, essential services industry that serves residential homeowners as well as commercial clients across healthcare, hospitality, retail, food service, logistics, and property management sectors.
Pest control is a non-discretionary service, making Orkin well positioned even during economic slowdowns. The company’s focus on preventive treatments, long-term service agreements, and environmentally responsible practices has allowed it to maintain steady growth and customer retention nationwide. With advanced training programs, proprietary service methodologies, and strong national marketing support, Orkin is positioned as a premium pest control brand in the U.S. market.
Why Invest in This Franchise?
An Orkin franchise offers investors entry into a recession-resistant, recurring-revenue business model supported by one of the strongest brands in the pest control industry. Demand for pest management services continues to grow due to urban expansion, climate-related pest activity, stricter health regulations, and increased consumer awareness of hygiene and property protection.
Franchisees benefit from predictable cash flow through recurring residential service plans and long-term commercial contracts. The brand’s reputation, national advertising presence, and proven operating systems help franchise owners scale efficiently within protected territories. For investors seeking stability, essential-service demand, and long-term growth potential, Orkin represents a compelling franchise investment.
Background
Brand Name: Orkin
Industry Category: Pest Control & Environmental Services
Established Year: 1901
Founder: Otto Orkin
Ownership: Rollins, Inc. (Publicly traded parent company)
Market Presence: United States (Nationwide)
Franchise Active Units (USA): 400+ service locations
Orkin was founded in 1901 by Otto Orkin with a mission to deliver reliable, science-backed pest control services to American households and businesses. What began as a small local operation quickly evolved into one of the most respected names in the pest management industry, driven by a strong emphasis on customer guarantees, technician training, and research-based treatment methods.
Over the decades, Orkin played a pivotal role in professionalizing the pest control industry in the United States. The brand became known for its structured service protocols, investment in entomology research, and early adoption of standardized training programs. This commitment to quality and consistency helped Orkin expand rapidly across urban, suburban, and commercial markets nationwide.
Today, Orkin operates more than 400 active service locations across the U.S., making it one of the largest pest control service networks in the country. The brand serves millions of residential and commercial customers annually, including clients in healthcare, hospitality, food processing, retail, logistics, education, and property management sectors.
Support Training
Orkin is known for its comprehensive and structured franchise support system, designed to ensure consistency, regulatory compliance, and long-term success.
Pre-Launch Support:
Franchisees receive assistance with licensing, territory planning, business setup, vehicle procurement, equipment selection, and staffing strategies. The corporate team provides guidance to help franchise owners prepare for a successful market launch.
Operational Training:
Training includes in-depth instruction on pest biology, treatment techniques, safety protocols, and environmental compliance. Franchise owners and technicians participate in classroom sessions, hands-on field training, and ongoing certification programs to maintain service quality.
Marketing Support:
Franchisees benefit from national advertising campaigns, professionally developed branding assets, and localized marketing guidance. Centralized marketing efforts help strengthen brand recognition while supporting local lead generation.
Ongoing Support:
Ongoing support includes operational reviews, access to updated treatment technologies, CRM and scheduling systems, performance benchmarking, and continuous education programs. Franchisees also benefit from research and innovation initiatives that keep the brand competitive.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal Orkin franchisee is a hands-on business owner or investor with strong leadership and operational management skills. While prior pest control experience is not mandatory, experience in service-based businesses, operations, sales, or team management is highly advantageous.
Successful franchise owners are detail-oriented, process-driven, and committed to maintaining high customer service standards. They are comfortable managing technicians, overseeing field operations, and adhering to established systems and protocols.
Financially, franchisees should have sufficient capital to cover startup costs, working capital needs, and early-stage growth. Ideal locations include urban and suburban markets with dense residential populations, strong commercial activity, and favorable demographic trends.
Financial Detail
| Financial Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $200,000 – $500,000+ |
| Minimum Investment | Varies by territory size and market density |
| Franchise Fee | Included within initial investment structure |
| Franchise Active Units | 400+ service locations (USA) |
| Territory Type | Protected, territory-based operations |
| Infrastructure Cost | Service vehicles, pest control equipment, tools, uniforms, technology systems |
| Initial Marketing Budget | Local launch marketing supported by national brand campaigns |
| Working Capital Requirement | 3–6 months recommended for payroll, fuel, supplies, insurance, and operations |
| Royalty Fees | Ongoing royalties based on gross revenue |
| Advertising / Brand Fund | National and regional marketing contributions may apply |
| Expected ROI | Competitive returns driven by recurring service contracts |
| Break-Even Timeline | Approximately 18–36 months |
| Primary Revenue Streams | Residential recurring service plans, commercial contracts, termite services, specialty pest treatments, preventive maintenance programs |