Pest Controller
A Pest Controller is a professional who specializes in identifying and eliminating unwanted pests, such as insects and rodents, from residential and commercial properties. Their work is essential for maintaining health and safety by managing infestations of pests like cockroaches, termites, bees, and bedbugs. Typically, pest controllers utilize tools like pesticides, traps, and baits, and they are required to follow strict regulations regarding the use of chemicals, often needing certification as mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The work environment can vary widely, encompassing homes, warehouses, restaurants, and office buildings, and requires both indoor and outdoor tasks. Physical activity is common, as pest controllers may need to crawl, kneel, or wear protective gear while performing their duties. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are vital for effectively engaging with clients to assess pest issues and discuss solutions.
To enter this field, a high school diploma is generally the minimum educational requirement, with some positions offering on-the-job training. While a college degree is not mandatory, pursuing studies in entomology or business management can be beneficial for career advancement, especially for those interested in starting their own pest control businesses. The median annual salary for pest controllers is approximately $43,470, with job growth projected to remain steady.
Subject Terms
Pest Controller
Snapshot
Career Cluster(s): Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources, Manufacturing
Interests: Fumigation, pesticides and chemicals, entomology, construction, customer service
Earnings (Yearly Median): $43,470 per year $20.90 per hour
Employment & Outlook: 3% (As fast as average)
Entry-Level Education High school diploma or equivalent; license requirements vary by state
Related Work Experience None
On-the-job Training Moderate-term on-the-job training
Overview
Sphere of Work. Pest controllers use different tools, chemicals, and methods to locate and eliminate unwanted pests from residential homes and commercial buildings. These pests include cockroaches, termites, rodents, bees, bedbugs, and other insects that can pose a threat to health and safety. The most common tool used by pest controllers is pesticide. Due to the harmful nature of commercial pesticides, only certified professionals are allowed to apply restricted-use pesticides under federal law as specified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Pest controllers also use bait, traps, and other devices.
Work Environment. Pest controllers work inside and outside the buildings of clients. Outside a building, a pest controller will commonly spray pesticides around the foundation of the building or inspect the building’s exterior for cracks or holes that pests can use to get inside the structure. Inside, a pest controller sets traps, places bait in strategic areas, and removes any nests created by pests. This interior work involves physically exerting movements such as kneeling and crawling. Oftentimes, these actions are performed while wearing heavy gear, including masks and gloves, to protect against the pesticides.
Occupation Interest. Being a pest controller involves a lot of time on the road, traveling from client to client. This profession attracts people who enjoy working on their own and who may not be comfortable sitting behind a desk for forty hours a week. Since pest controllers work closely with their clients to fully understand the pest problem, a pest controller should possess great interpersonal and communication skills and be outgoing as well as personable.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities. Once a pest controller arrives at a client’s location, they will first inspect the inside and outside of the building. Pest controllers examine common pest hiding places, such as basements, foundations, and under any nearby plant life. There are a variety of infestation warning signs they look out for, including holes, nests, and droppings. After the inspection, pest controllers will commonly write up a report for the client that explains what they found and how they recommend solving the pest problem. Commonly, this initial inspection is performed free of charge.
The client and pest controller will then schedule an appointment for the job. On the day of the appointment, there may be some precautionary safety measures for the client to perform at the request of the pest controller. These measures may include the removal of food-service items, pets, and anything else that may be harmed by the pesticides, traps, or bait. If hazardous chemicals are being used during the job, the client is usually required to vacate the premises, sometimes for several days, for larger fumigation jobs.
The pest controller, who may work with a team on larger jobs, then begins the process of spraying pesticides and insecticides, setting traps and bait, and performing any other actions they feel are necessary to rid the location of pests and keep them away. After the job is performed, the pest controller and client may schedule routine follow-up appointments to ensure the location stays pest-free. The pest controller will document any work done for billing purposes.
Termite Exterminators (383.364-010). Termite Exterminators treat infested and fungus-damaged wood in buildings. By studying diagrams of the building, they determine the best way to reach pest-infested areas and cut openings in the building to gain access to infested areas. They may also replace damaged wood in areas or pour concrete to raise the height of the foundation to prevent reinfestation.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical Environment. The work environment of a pest controller changes from client to client. Pest controllers perform their tasks in a large variety of environments, including homes, warehouses, restaurants, and office buildings.
Human Environment. Depending on the size of the job and the severity of the infestation, pest controllers may work alone or with a team. Interaction with clients is necessary to ensure they understand what needs to be done and what safety precautions to take.
Technological Environment. Pest controllers use a variety of tools to distribute pesticides and other chemicals, including sprayers, dusters, and fogging equipment. These must be used while wearing safety gear, such as masks and gloves. They also use different baits and traps. If a pest controller is also a small business owner, they may need to use scheduling and billing software, as well as Internet communication tools.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. Most established pest-control companies require applicants to have a high school diploma or the equivalent. This is commonly the minimum requirement for the pest-control industry. Applicants should have a basic knowledge of core studies such as science and mathematics, and some knowledge of construction and building materials is a plus.
Postsecondary. While most pest-control companies do not require their employees to have any college education, it would be a benefit for anyone looking to start up their own pest-control business to have some managerial training. Entrepreneurs in the pest-control business should have some advanced knowledge of business, management, and chemicals.
Those looking for specialized or advanced positions in pest control should consider pursuing a degree in entomology or a related biological science. This will provide a pest controller with an advanced knowledge of insects and related biology subjects that are relevant to the profession. Most pest controllers, at any level, are required to obtain certification from the state in which they operate.
Bibliography
“Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2023: 37-2021 Pest Control Workers.” Occupational Employment Statistics. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 3 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes372021.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.
“Pest Control Workers.” Occupational Outlook Handbook. Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor, 17 Apr. 2024, www.bls.gov/ooh/building-and-grounds-cleaning/pest-control-workers.htm. Accessed 23 Aug. 2024.