SIC 7342 Disinfecting and Pest Control Services
SIC 7342
This industry covers establishments primarily engaged in disinfection and in termite, insect, rodent, and other pest control, generally in dwellings or other buildings. Establishments primarily engaged in pest control for lawns or agricultural production are classified in various agricultural service industries.
561720
Janitorial Services
561710
Exterminating and Pest Control Services
The building disinfection and pest control industry is a multibillion dollar industry that overlaps with the building cleaning and maintenance service industry (see SIC 7349: Building Cleaning and Maintenance Services, Not Elsewhere Classified). For example, Service Master LP, a leader in the building cleaning and maintenance field, owns Terminix, Inc., one of the nation's largest pest control concerns.
Disinfecting and pest control companies are either independently owned enterprises, franchises, or part of a national company. Two of the largest franchise companies in the United States are Terminix, Inc. and Orkin Exterminators.
Current research targets development of new types of pesticides, cleaning products, and other compounds for everyday use that are earth-friendly and non-toxic to humans and other animal life. But while development continues, the first choice among commercial establishments is to use those chemicals that have been formulated for the industry. Most products in use today are still toxic to the pests they are designed to eliminate, but toxicity is relative to exposure. While the level of toxicity of many of these products has been diluted in recent years, they still present a hazard to humans and domestic animals if used improperly. The industry recognizes the need for less toxic materials and such materials are in the development stages.
Several methodologies other than the toxic chemical method of pest control are available. Preventive measures include sanitation and moisture control that aim to maintain unattractive environments for pests to dwell and reproduce. Mechanical means include caulking, screening, and traps. Insecticidal soaps are most effective against insects such as fleas. Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) and pheromones are both hormonal methods for treating...
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