How to Be Commercial Pest Control Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 1, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Commercial Pest Control Technicians play an important role in protecting businesses from the destruction and damage caused by pests. Their expertise in pest control helps to prevent infestations, which can lead to costly damage to premises, equipment, and products. Furthermore, a pest control technician's services can help to avoid health risks to employees, customers, and the general public, due to the spread of diseases and allergens from pests. By keeping businesses pest-free, commercial pest control technicians help to preserve the integrity of the business and the safety of its occupants.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers require pest control technicians to have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Obtain any necessary certifications. Depending on the state you live in, you may need to obtain certain certifications in order to work as a commercial pest control technician.
Take a pest control course. You will need to take a pest control course in order to become a commercial pest control technician. This course will teach you about the different types of pests, how to identify them, and how to safely and effectively use pesticides.
Find an apprenticeship or job. Once you have completed your pest control course, you can look for an apprenticeship or job with a commercial pest control company.
Work as an apprentice. As an apprentice, you will learn the trade from experienced technicians and gain hands-on experience.
Obtain your license. Once you have gained the necessary experience and passed the required tests, you can obtain your license. This will allow you to work as a commercial pest control technician in your state.

The commercial pest control technician needs to stay up to date with the latest industry trends and techniques in order to remain capable. This means regularly reading and researching the latest developments in pest control, attending conferences and seminars, and networking with others in the field. Additionally, they need to stay up to date with changes in regulations affecting their industry and keep their certifications current. By staying informed and making sure their skills are up to date, the commercial pest control technician is able to provide the best service possible to their customers.

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Job Description

Inspect, evaluate, and identify pest issues in commercial establishments.
Implement appropriate pest control measures to control or eliminate pests.
Follow health and safety guidelines when applying pesticides and other treatments.
Monitor and document pest activity, treatments, and results.
Keep accurate records of services performed, chemicals used, and progress reports.
Provide customer service by responding to customer inquiries and complaints.
Educate clients on proper pest prevention techniques.
Identify potential harborage areas and exclusion techniques.
Maintain the proper storage and handling of chemicals, insecticides, and other pest control products.
Assist with the development of integrated pest management plans.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pest identification and eradication techniques.
Understanding of government regulations related to pest control.
Ability to identify potential pest entry points and structures conducive to pest infestation.
Proficiency in the safe and proper use of pesticides and other pest control products.
Ability to use monitoring and inspection equipment, such as traps and moisture meters.
Ability to formulate and implement pest control plans.
Ability to read and interpret product labels.
Good communication skills to explain pest control procedures to customers.
Good organizational skills to keep accurate records of services performed.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

A successful commercial pest control technician must have an array of skills to effectively control pests. Problem-solving and critical thinking are essential components in order to identify and assess the pest infestation and develop an appropriate treatment plan. The technician must also have an understanding of the biology of the pest and a knowledge of the products and application techniques that can be used to control it.

strong communication skills are needed in order to explain the details of the treatment plan to the customer. Lastly, the ability to use modern technology such as GPS, apps and data management systems is necessary to ensure the most efficient use of resources and accurate record keeping. All of these skills are essential in order for a commercial pest control technician to be successful in controlling pest populations and providing a safe environment for customers.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the pest control industry?
What technical training or certifications do you have in pest control?
How do you handle customer complaints or concerns?
What safety protocols do you follow when dealing with pesticides and chemicals?
Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation involving a customer.
What methods do you use to identify and treat infestations?
How do you stay up to date on the latest regulations and standards?
What methods do you use to document treatments and results?
How do you prioritize tasks when working with multiple clients?
What would you do if you found evidence of an infestation that you could not immediately identify?

Common Tools in Industry

Sprayer. A device used to spray pesticides and other chemicals for pest control. (eg: Knapsack Sprayer)
Protective Clothing. Clothing designed to protect the user against exposure to chemicals and other hazards. (eg: Tyvek Suit)
Dusters. Devices used to apply dusts and powders to pest control areas. (eg: Hand-Held Bellows Duster)
Traps. Devices used to capture or kill pests. (eg: Glue Traps)
Insecticides. Chemicals used to kill or repel insects. (eg: Pyrethrins)
Rodenticides. Chemicals used to kill rodents. (eg: Bromadiolone)
Baits. Chemicals used to attract and poison pests. (eg: Rodenticide Bait Blocks)
Gels. Chemicals used to attract and poison pests. (eg: Ant Gel Bait)
Foggers. Devices used to disperse insecticides in the form of a fine mist. (eg: Thermal Fogger)
Vacuums. Devices used to suck up pests and their eggs. (eg: Bed Bug Vacuum)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC)
Structural Pest Control Association (SPCA)
Pest Control Canada (PCC)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)
Bureau of Pesticide Safety (BPS)
National Pesticide Safety Education Center (NPSEC)
International Pest Control Association (IPCA)
American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)

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Common Important Terms

Integrated Pest Management (IPM). An approach to pest control that takes into account the environment, population dynamics, and other factors to reduce pest populations and minimize the use of chemical pesticides.
Pesticides. Chemicals used to control and/or eliminate pests.
Baits. Chemicals or bait stations used to attract and kill pests.
Traps. Devices used to capture or monitor pests.
Exclusion. Strategies used to keep pests out of buildings or other areas.
Sanitation. Keeping areas clean to reduce the presence of pests.
Inspection. Routine examination of an area to identify potential pest problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to become a Commercial Pest Control Technician?

To become a Commercial Pest Control Technician, you'll typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and a state-approved pest control technician certification.

How long does it take to become a Commercial Pest Control Technician?

Becoming a Commercial Pest Control Technician typically takes around six months of training and on-the-job experience.

What kind of tasks does a Commercial Pest Control Technician perform?

As a Commercial Pest Control Technician, you'll be responsible for identifying and treating pest infestations in commercial buildings, including inspecting for signs of pests, applying chemical treatments, and monitoring ongoing infestations.

What is the average salary for a Commercial Pest Control Technician?

The average salary for a Commercial Pest Control Technician is around $45,000 per year.

Are there any safety precautions I should take as a Commercial Pest Control Technician?

As a Commercial Pest Control Technician, you should always wear personal protective equipment when handling chemicals and be sure to follow safety procedures when applying treatments.