Pest Control Workers

Career summary

#No alternate titles to add beyond those used by WOIS CJ

Pest control workers locate and identify pests. They use their knowledge of pests' habits to select the best method to kill or drive them away. They often use a combination of methods at each site.

One method of pest control is the use of pesticides. Workers spray or dust chemicals into and over exposed areas. Pest control workers also use other methods. For example, they clean infested areas so that pests do not have a food supply. Workers may build physical barriers to keep pests out of buildings. Another method involves using baits to kill pests or prevent them from reproducing. Workers use traps or tools to trap, burn, or freeze pests.

There are three levels of pest control workers. Regardless of the level, all pest control workers drive trucks equipped with power spray equipment. They also clean work sites and record the work activities they perform.

Applicators

Applicators often specialize in one or more areas. Termite exterminators use chemicals and modify structures to get rid of termites. They drill holes and cut openings into buildings to treat infested areas. Fumigators control pests by using poisonous gases. They seal buildings spraying gases into infested areas. They monitor the buildings for leaking gas.

Certified pest control applicators perform many of the same tasks as technicians. They are permitted to apply all types of pesticides. They are licensed to train and supervise technicians in pesticide use.

Technicians

Pest control service technicians assist applicators. They identify problem areas and prepare buildings for the application of pesticides. They set up traps, dig trenches, and operate equipment. They may also make sales presentations to customers.

Supervisors

Pest control supervisors direct the work of service technicians and applicators and make sure they follow regulations. They are licensed to apply pesticides. They usually spend most of their time running the business. They also resolve problems with regulatory officials.

Related careers

This career is part of the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Building Maintenance Workers
• Farm and Ranch Workers
• Janitors
• Landscapers and Groundskeepers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to pest control workers.

• Use pesticides to control bugs and rodents. Spray or dust exposed areas.
• Clean exposed areas so that pests have no food and cannot survive.
• Build physical barriers or dig holes and trenches around buildings to keep pests out.
• Use baits to destroy pests or prevent them from reproducing.
• Use mechanical devices, such as traps, to kill pests.
• Identify problem areas and select best method or methods.
• Make sales presentations on pest control products or services.
• May supervise and train technicians in pesticide use.
• May specialize in one or more areas, such as termite extermination.
• Drill holes and cut openings into buildings to treat infested areas.
• Measure and seal buildings. Adjust valves to spray proper amount of fumigants.
• Direct service technicians and certified applicators.
• Ensure rules are followed. Resolve problems with regulatory officials.
• Clean work sites and record activities performed.
• Drive trucks equipped with power spray equipment.

Common work activities

Pest control workers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Get information needed to do the job
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Perform for or work with the public
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Document and record information
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Handle and move objects
• Evaluate information against standards
• Schedule work and activities
• Think creatively
• Process information
• Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Develop goals and strategies

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, pest control workers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Communicate with others by telephone and in person.
• Have a high level of social contact.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by other workers.
• May deal with customers who might be unpleasant or angry.
• May work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors, but sometimes work outdoors. It may not always be temperature controlled indoors, such as when working in a garage or shed.
• Travel to and from work sites in a truck or van.
• Are often exposed to contaminants, such as pesticides and poisonous gases.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions. There is only a low likelihood of slight injury from this exposure if safety precautions are followed.
• Sometimes wear specialized safety attire, such as respirators, gloves, and goggles.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous situations that produce cuts, bites, or stings. There is only a low likelihood of slight injury from this exposure.

Work performance

• Must be sure that all details are done and their work is exact. Errors could expose people, pets, or the environment to harmful chemicals.
• Regularly make decisions that affect clients and their company's reputation. They act independently, without talking to a supervisor first.
• Set most of their daily tasks and goals independently.
• Must meet strict daily deadlines.
• Work in a competitive atmosphere where different companies compete for business.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Most work full time.
• May work overtime during busy seasons.
• May work evenings and weekends to meet with customers.
• Travel to visit customers.

Physical demands

Pest control workers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Walk or run for long periods of time.
• Stand for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Bend or twist their body.

It is important for pest control workers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for pest control workers to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• Move arms and legs quickly.

Skills and abilities

Pest control workers need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand written information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.
• Motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
• Go back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information without becoming confused.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Look for ways to help people.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Solve problems by bringing others together to discuss differences.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Pest Management

Other programs of study to consider

• Agricultural Business and Management
• Landscaping and Groundskeeping

Training

To work as a pest control worker, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete moderate-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

No formal education beyond high school is required for this occupation.

On-the-job training

Pest control workers learn their skills on the job from experienced workers. They also get training to prepare them to pass state or federal certification exams. Training includes:

• pesticide safety and use; and
• pest control.

Training may last up to one year.

#note--apprenticeship program was the only listing, checked but wa doesn't offer any apps in this field so added an ag tech program that has some programs in farm pesticide application. lh 4/4/08.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Physical Education

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Employers prefer to hire applicants who have good communication and people skills. In addition, most pest control companies require their employees to have a good driving record. Employers also look for applicants with good health, because the job can be physically demanding. Workers must be able to withstand extreme conditions, such as the heat of climbing into an attic in the summertime while wearing heavy gear.

Those who have kept up to date and are familiar with new chemicals, equipment, and pest control techniques will fare best in the job market.

Tips

A neat appearance and pleasant manners are considered important. Course work in entomology and business administration is highly recommended. Some pest control services prefer community college graduates who have studied any of the above courses, plus sanitation, carpentry, and an introductory course to mechanical pest control equipment.

Costs to workers

A few workers may have to furnish their own protective clothing. Workers may need to pay for classes for pesticide applicator licensing recertification.

#no changes 4/4/08 lh. No change 3/26/10 lh. No changes 3/17/15, 12/13/16 cj.

Licensing/certification

Licensing for pesticide application is available through the Washington State Department of Agriculture and is required for those who work alone or supervise others. Pest control workers who own their business also must have a commercial pesticide applicator license. The annual licensing fee is $215 plus $27 for each additional pesticide apparatus used. Those who work for pest control businesses pay an annual license fee of $67.

To be licensed, the applicant must pass a written exam. Each exam is $25. Workers must renew their license every year. They must also complete recertification requirements every five years to maintain their license. Special training classes, conducted periodically, can be substituted for the recertification exam.

For information on pesticide application licensing, contact:

Washington State Department of Agriculture, Pesticide Management Division 
PO Box 42560
Olympia, WA 98504-2560
877.301.4555

Pest control trainees must be bondable and have a valid Washington State driver's license.

#Checked info 3/23/09, cj. Checked 3/26/10 lh. Checked licensing info; no change to fees, 3/21/11, cj. Added new exam fee; rest ok 4/16/13 cj. Okay 3/20/14 lh & 3/17/15, 12/13/16 cj. no changes here 3/5/18 lh, 4/5/19 cj.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Pest Control Workers 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by level of responsibility. In general, supervisors earn more than applicators, who earn more than technicians. Wages also vary by area of the country.

Many pest control workers earn a combination of salary and commission. This system rewards workers who sell more services. Some firms offer bonuses to workers who exceed their sales goals.

Benefits vary by employer. Pest control workers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

In Washington, the outlook depends on continued development of public health and sanitation programs. The demand for the refurbishing of existing homes affects the need for pest control workers, because older homes are more likely to become infested with pests. Increased population creates a need for workers, as there are more structures for pests to infest.

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Pest control companies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow about as fast as average. Some people may choose to control pests themselves rather than hire pest control workers. However, the growing number of pests may increase demand for pest control services.

Many openings will occur as pest control workers leave this occupation. Job prospects will be very good because limited numbers of people are interested in this occupation.

Other resources

National Pest Management Association 
10460 North Street
Fairfax, VA 22030
703.352.6762

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

Washington State Pest Management Association 
4600 Village Circle SE
Olympia, WA 98501
360.709.9309

References

Career cluster

• Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Pest Control Workers (37-2021.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Exterminator (389.684-010) 
• Exterminator Helper (383.684-010) 
• Exterminator Helper, Termite (383.687-010) 
• Exterminator, Termite (383.364-010) 
• Fumigator (383.361-010) 
• Mosquito Sprayer (379.687-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Enterprising

COPSystem

• Science Skilled