ATO benchmarks for pest control
Pest control businesses treat homes, businesses and building sites for termites, insects and rodents, often with regular inspections, and spend on chemicals, vehicles, equipment, insurance and licensed technicians.
General information
Total expenses as a share of turnover
Low and high end of each published range
| Turnover range | Financial year | Low end | High end |
|---|---|---|---|
| $50,000 to $150,000 | 2023-24 | 43% | 62% |
| $50,000 to $150,000 | 2022-23 | 45% | 63% |
| $150,001 to $400,000 | 2023-24 | 45% | 66% |
| $150,001 to $400,000 | 2022-23 | 47% | 69% |
| More than $400,000 | 2023-24 | 64% | 81% |
| More than $400,000 | 2022-23 | 67% | 83% |
Australian Taxation Office, Small Business Benchmarks, key ratios for 2023-24 and 2022-23 (data.gov.au), licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU. Checked 15 Oct 2026.
What sits behind these figures in the books
- The main day-to-day expense lines are pest control chemicals and baits, vehicle running costs, spraying and inspection equipment, insurance, licence renewals and staff costs.
- Bills for chemicals, baits and protective gear are entered as they arrive, so the costs of each period include the supplies used on that period's jobs.
- Work vehicles fitted out for spraying are recorded as equipment, with fuel and servicing entered as running costs and any private use kept out of the business books.
Sources
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2023-24 financial year, released 16 March 2026. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2023-24 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
- Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks (key ratios)
Australian Taxation Office. 2022-23 financial year, released 17 March 2025. Checked 15 October 2026.
Based on Australian Taxation Office data, Small Business Benchmarks, 2022-23 Benchmarks, licensed under CC BY 2.5 AU Licence: CC BY 2.5 AU.
Get your books in order
Cost of sales and total expenses are only as reliable as the books behind them. Tell us how your business runs and we will suggest a bookkeeping plan that fits.