Core Insights - The pest control industry is facing rising material and equipment costs, with 89% of businesses reporting challenges that impact profitability, yet there is cautious optimism about market conditions [1][3] - Technology adoption is seen as essential for improving efficiency and profitability, with a shift towards digital tools and AI becoming increasingly important [2][6][7] Group 1: Economic Challenges - 35% of pest control businesses view a potential recession as a significant threat, a 15% increase from the previous year, but 35% still expect market improvement [3] - Concerns about material costs and maintaining profitable margins are the top risks, with an 18% increase in the number of businesses prioritizing margin maintenance compared to 2024 [3] - 44% of companies reported decreased lead times, indicating potential supply chain improvements despite economic uncertainty [3] Group 2: Workforce and Customer Experience - Retaining employees and enhancing customer experience are prioritized as key differentiators in a volatile market, with growing revenue and customer retention as top business goals [4][5] - 89% of companies plan to increase wages for technicians, reflecting a commitment to competitive compensation to improve staff retention and customer satisfaction [5] Group 3: Technology Adoption - Most pest control businesses utilize software for essential operations like accounting and payroll, but only 20% plan to invest in new technology this year [6] - The focus is on all-in-one business management solutions, with 66% prioritizing product features and integrations as key decision factors [6] - Despite low current investment in AI, leaders believe it will significantly impact marketing, field operations, and sales in the coming years [7]