A pest control worker is sometimes referred to as an exterminator. Exterminators go to client homes and businesses to inspect for insects or rodents. Pest control workers then use the appropriate method to remove or terminate the pest, whether that be a pesticide, trap, or another method. Pest control workers may also specialize in a particular area of pest control and their titles and positions may vary by state.
Watch a video to learn what a pest control worker or exterminator does:
How to Become a Pest Control Worker / Exterminator
A pest control worker must have a high school diploma or the equivalent. State laws also require these workers to be licensed which usually involves training and passing an exam. Some states require passing a background check as well. Many pest control workers begin as assistants and gain on-the-job training. Next, formal instruction is often delivered by an experienced professional working in the field. Their training can also include specialties such as termite control, rodent control, and fumigation.
All pest control workers are required to complete training in pesticide use and safety as there are health risks involved. This training normally takes less than 3 months to complete.
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Job Description of Pest Control Worker
A pest control worker travels to sites that have possible insect or recent infestation. They perform inspections to determine the problem and type of treatment needed to eliminate the pests. They also measure the dimensions of the area that is infested and give a cost estimate of their services. At times the structural integrity of a building may be at risk, therefore a pest control worker would need to design and carry out integrated pest control plans. They create barriers to prevent pests from entering a building and apply pesticides or traps.
A pest control worker may need to remove or kill a variety of bugs or animals to include bedbugs, roaches, termites, ants, rats, bats, or other wildlife. There are two types of pest control workers and their titles and positions vary according to each state. One is a pest control technician, which can only use a limited range of pesticides, identify pest problems, design control strategies, and work directly with the client to come up with solutions. The second worker is an applicator, who uses a wide range of pesticides and might specialize in a particular area of pest control. An example is a termites control technician; they use chemicals and modify structures to eliminate termites and prevent future infestations and possibly repair structural damage done by termites. Another applicator is a fumigator; this person uses gases to treat specific kinds of pests or large-scale infestations.
Pest control workers are employed full time and often work overtime. They are required to work indoors and outdoors to the nature of their work. They work weekends and evenings as well to meet their client’s demands and schedules. As mentioned above they are exposed to chemicals, therefore often wear protective gear such as respirators, gloves, and goggles while performing their job. In addition they work in small spaces and must be able to bend, crawl, and kneel regularly. They often work in tight spaces and come in contact with rodents or insects.
Pest Control Worker Career Video Transcript
When people in homes and offices hear a dreaded scratching in the walls or see something small and brown skitter across the floor, they are relieved to know a pest control worker is just a phone call away. Pest control workers remove unwanted creatures, such as roaches, rats, ants, bedbugs, and termites from homes, buildings, and surrounding areas. They typically inspect buildings for signs of pests, determine the treatment needed, and estimate the cost of their services for customers.
Their methods include using traps, pesticides and power spraying-equipped trucks to remove or kill pests. There are 2 types of pest control workers: Pest control technicians identify pest problems, conduct inspections, and design strategies. They work directly with customers and use a limited range of pesticides. Applicators use a wider range of pesticides and handle more serious pests such as termites, as well as fumigating houses to treat large-scale infestations. Most pest control workers work full time, often including evenings and weekends. Overtime is common. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required, and employers provide formal instruction and on-the-job training.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Pest Control Workers.
National Center for O*NET Development. 37-2021.00. O*NET OnLine.
The career video is in the public domain from the U. S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.
