Growing To 500k+ TikTok Followers For Pest Control: Adam Holt

Apr 9, 2025

TikTok might not be the first place you’d think to find success with pest control content. But after sitting down with Adam Holt, founder of Name.Bug and TikTok sensation with over half a million followers, it's clear that TikTok—and social media in general—is an untapped goldmine for the pest control industry.

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Adam Holt’s Unlikely TikTok Journey

Adam started his TikTok account during the COVID lockdown, initially posting 60-second science lessons for kids. However, it wasn’t until he shifted to what he calls “gross-out content”—videos featuring ticks, lice, and mites—that his account really took off. Adam’s genuine fascination with parasites and disease transmission (he even did his master's on bird lice!) turned into engaging, educational content that resonated widely.

The Power of Posting Frequency

Adam’s first breakthrough came from realizing the importance of posting consistently:

Post Three Times a Day: According to Adam, posting frequently is essential. It may sound like a lot, but it significantly increases the chances of a video going viral.
Use AI to Simplify: With AI tools readily available, you can batch-create and schedule posts effortlessly. Adam noted even simple scheduling tools like GoDaddy’s blogging feature make regular posting manageable.

Cracking the TikTok Code

To achieve sustained growth on TikTok, Adam discovered a few critical strategies:

Hashtags are Vital: Adam researched the top viral hashtags on TikTok and began incorporating them into every video. Popular hashtags like #FYP, #viral, and #bugtok helped drive massive visibility.
Trending Background Music: Matching popular background tracks to his videos dramatically improved engagement. TikTok's algorithm favors trending sounds, giving videos a substantial visibility boost.

Going Viral with "Gross-Out" Content

One of Adam’s early viral hits was a duet (a TikTok feature where you respond side-by-side to another video) showing the effective removal of a tick using dental floss. This video exploded to nearly 10 million views within days.

Why does "gross-out" content work so well? According to Adam, it's captivating because it’s visually striking, anxiety-inducing, and undeniably engaging—exactly what social media thrives on. Infestations of spiders, bed bugs, and ticks particularly grab attention because they evoke visceral reactions.

Monetization: Turning Views into Revenue

Adam highlighted a less-known aspect of TikTok—the potential for monetization:

Creator Campaign: After reaching 10,000 followers, creators can earn roughly $100 per million views for videos over one minute long.
Massive Payoffs: Adam had two videos exceed 50 million views, each earning approximately $5,000.

The Importance of Cross-Posting

Adam's success extended beyond TikTok because he consistently repurposed content:

Instagram and Facebook Reels: Adam shared how quickly he grew on Facebook Reels, jumping to 16,000 followers within weeks just by reposting existing TikTok content.
LinkedIn Networking: Adam emphasized the professional opportunities LinkedIn brought, noting that many business opportunities arose from this platform.

Practical Advice for Pest Control Companies

For pest control business owners considering TikTok, Adam offered clear, actionable advice:

Film Your Work: Capture genuine moments from your daily operations—cockroach infestations, bed bugs, rodent captures.
Easy Equipment: No need for professional cameras—smartphones with good lighting and a basic tripod are sufficient.
Green Screen and Voiceovers: Record pest control scenes on-site, then overlay yourself later for a professional, engaging video.

Leveraging Trends and News

Adam recommended using current news and seasonal pest trends to create relevant content. For instance, he cited recent viral concerns like mosquitoes spreading malaria and bed bugs transmitting MRSA—perfect opportunities for pest control companies to demonstrate expertise and urgency in their messaging.

Future-Proofing Your Business

Adam pointed out that Gen Z increasingly uses TikTok as their primary search engine—up to 40% according to recent data. For pest control businesses, establishing a presence now is crucial as younger generations become homeowners.

The Bottom Line: Content is Free and Powerful

Echoing the marketing guru Gary Vee, Adam reminded listeners that content creation is essentially free and has immense potential to attract and retain customers. The return on investment for putting out consistent, engaging content can be enormous—far outweighing traditional paid marketing methods.

Ultimately, Adam Holt's success underscores a vital lesson: don't underestimate the potential of platforms like TikTok, especially in industries that seem unlikely to succeed there. Authenticity, consistency, and a willingness to engage audiences directly can transform your pest control business, creating massive visibility, trust, and growth.

P.S. Watch the full episode here: