Pest Control Workers
Overview
Pest control workers are like detectives and problem-solvers who protect homes and businesses from unwanted insects and rodents. They inspect buildings to identify pest problems, then use specialized equipment, traps, baits, and safe pesticides to eliminate infestations and prevent future issues. This job combines hands-on work with customer service, as workers design custom treatment plans, operate high-tech spraying trucks, and educate clients about pest prevention. Many workers start with on-the-job training or short certification programs, and the field offers steady employment since pest problems never go away.
Did you know?
Most U.S. states require pest control specialists to obtain specific licenses and complete ongoing education to legally apply pesticides and operate in the field.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$43,420.82 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Management of Personnel Resources
Key Responsibilities
- Post warning signs and lock building doors to secure area to be fumigated.
- Clean and remove blockages from infested areas to facilitate spraying procedures and provide drainage, using brooms, mops, shovels, or rakes.
- Record work activities performed.
- Study preliminary reports or diagrams of infested area and determine treatment type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation.
- Set mechanical traps, or place poisonous paste or bait in sewers, burrows, or ditches.
- Cut or bore openings in building or surrounding concrete, access infested areas, insert nozzle, and inject pesticide to impregnate ground.
- Recommend treatment and prevention methods for pest problems to clients.
- Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall, or roof porosity and access to infested locations.
- Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service.
- Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings, or wood, or over marshlands, ditches, or catch basins.
- Drive truck equipped with power spraying equipment.
- Direct, or assist other workers in, treatment or extermination processes to eliminate or control rodents, insects, or weeds.
- Clean work site after completion of job.
Career Considerations
State Licensing Requirements
Most U.S. states require pest control specialists to obtain specific licenses and complete ongoing education to legally apply pesticides and operate in the field.
Chemical Exposure and Safety Risks
The occupation involves regular exposure to potentially hazardous pesticides and chemicals, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and protective equipment usage.
Seasonal Income Variability
Earnings often fluctuate seasonally as pest activity peaks during warmer months, potentially creating income instability during winter periods in many regions.