What to reply when a new pest enquiry lands

Why the first reply matters

New enquiries often sit unanswered while you’re on a job. Silence loses the thread; a wall of text or a made-up price does too. A short first reply that confirms you saw the message, asks for the few details you need, and names the next step (call, photos, or inspection) keeps the quote path moving — without promising work you haven’t quoted.

Fill every [bracket]. Keep “Before you send” notes for yourself. Send only the customer-facing text from your own tools. Only contact people you have permission to message.

New enquiry — short SMS

Before you send: Use when a new enquiry arrives by text, form, or Facebook/IG DM you’ll answer by SMS. Keep it short. Don’t invent a fixed price.

Hi [Name], thanks for getting in touch with [Business name].

Got your enquiry about [pest / general pest / termites]. To quote properly, can you reply with:
• suburb / postcode
• house, unit, or commercial
• when you’ve noticed it

I’ll then [call / text] to arrange [photos / a quick inspect] before we finalise a quote.

— [Your name]

New enquiry — email

Before you send: Same intent as the SMS, with a little more room. Swap the next-step line for whatever you actually do (call-only, photo quote, or on-site inspect).

Subject: Re: your pest enquiry — [Business name]

Hi [Name],

Thanks for contacting [Business name] about [pest / general pest / termites].

To put a clear quote together, could you reply with:
• suburb or postcode
• property type (house / unit / commercial)
• roughly when you first noticed the issue
• any photos (optional but helpful)

Once I have that, the next step is usually [a short call / reviewing photos / an on-site inspection], then a written quote. No obligation.

If it’s urgent (active swarm, bite risk, food-prep area), say so and we’ll prioritise where we can.

Cheers,
[Your name]
[Business name] · [phone]

After you’ve quoted and it goes quiet, see quiet quote follow-up. Free pest sample: /pest-control/sample.

Quick rules

• Reply within a timeframe you can actually keep (same day when possible).
• Confirm pest type + suburb before inventing a price.
• Name the next step toward a quote — call, photos, or inspect.
• Only message people who contacted you or opted in.
• Materials only — no promised bookings or recovered quotes.

Also useful: quiet quote follow-up · rental vacate quote follow-up · Google Business Profile tips · termite season GBP post.

Pest Lead Fix Pack

Want part of this written for you? The Pest Lead Fix Pack writes a missed-call reply kit, a Google review kit and Google Business Profile fixes for your pest control business, from your website and Google listing. Written for your business within 2 business days. A$39, paid only if you keep it.

FAQ

What should I reply when a new pest control enquiry comes in?

Thank them, confirm you got the enquiry, ask for pest type (or confirm what they named), suburb or property type, and preferred contact window, then say whether the next step is a call, photo, or on-site inspection before you quote.

Should the first reply include a fixed price?

Usually not. Pest jobs vary by species, infestation, and access. A clear next step toward a quote is better than inventing a number you can’t keep.

Does a fast first reply guarantee a booked job?

No. Materials only. LocalePulse does not promise bookings, recovered quotes, or revenue.

Is there a done-for-you option?

The Pest Lead Fix Pack (A$39 one-off) writes a missed-call reply kit, a Google review kit and Google Business Profile fixes for your pest control business. The first-reply templates on this page are free to use.