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

Sep 26, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Pest infestations can have serious consequences, leading to property damage, health risks, and financial losses. Pest control inspectors play an important role in preventing these issues by identifying infestations and recommending treatments. When an inspector visits a property, they will investigate the premises for signs of pests, such as droppings, nests, damage to walls and furniture, and other evidence.

If any pests are found, the inspector will recommend a treatment plan to eliminate the infestation, including specific pesticides and other methods for controlling the pests. By taking proactive steps to identify and manage pest infestations, property owners can help prevent further issues from occurring.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers require that a pest control inspector holds at least a high school diploma or equivalent.
Apply for certification. Different states may require that a person become certified in order to work as a pest control inspector. Certification requirements can vary by state, so research the requirements in the state you plan to work in prior to applying for certification.
Gain experience. Many employers prefer to hire individuals who have experience in pest control or related fields, such as agriculture or entomology. Obtaining an internship or working part-time for a pest control company can be a great way to gain experience.
Complete any additional training requirements. Depending on the state, an individual may need to complete additional courses and training in order to become a certified pest control inspector. Research the requirements and complete any necessary classes.
Apply for jobs. Once you have obtained the necessary credentials, you can begin applying for jobs as a pest control inspector. This may involve submitting resumes and cover letters to employers as well as interviewing with prospective employers.

Pest control inspections are an essential part of maintaining a safe and healthy environment. When left unchecked, pests such as rodents, insects, and other animals can spread disease, contaminate food, and damage property. To ensure that infestations are quickly identified and addressed, it is important to hire a qualified and experienced pest control inspector.

A capable inspector will have the knowledge and tools to identify potential infestations, identify the source of the problem, and provide a plan of action to address the issue. Furthermore, they will be able to properly use a variety of pest control techniques that are most effective in eliminating the pests while protecting the safety of people, pets, and property. The result of hiring a qualified inspector is that any infestations are quickly identified and eliminated, thus minimizing any potential health and safety risks.

You may want to check Pest Control Technician Inspector, Pest Control Technician Administrator, and Pest Control Operator for alternative.

Job Description

Develop pest control plans and develop strategies to effectively eliminate pests.
Inspect for evidence of pest infestations and evaluate severity of conditions.
Collect and analyze samples from a variety of sources, including soil, plants, and food items.
Identify pests and use a range of methods to control them, such as traps, sprays, and other chemical applications.
Monitor and document pest activity throughout the facility.
Advise clients on best practices for pest prevention and management.
Prepare detailed reports of findings for clients or superiors.
Stay up to date on new or changing regulations related to pest control and ensure compliance.
Maintain records of treatments, materials used, and other activities related to pest control.
Keep up to date on the latest pest control techniques and products.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pest control methods and practices
Ability to identify different types of pests
Knowledge of safety protocols related to pest control
Proficiency in using pesticide application equipment
Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Good physical condition and endurance to work in challenging environments
Ability to follow instructions accurately
Knowledge of relevant laws, regulations, and codes

Pest control inspectors play an integral role in keeping residential and commercial properties safe from pests and diseases. Their job involves inspecting properties, identifying any signs of pests, and applying treatments to control or eliminate the infestation. The most important skill for a pest control inspector to have is knowledge of the various types of insects and other pests that can cause problems.

They must be able to identify the source of the problem and know how to apply the appropriate treatments, such as insecticides and traps, to eliminate the infestation. they must be able to recognize the signs of an infestation in order to provide preventative measures, such as sealing cracks and removing debris. Finally, they must also be able to communicate effectively with property owners and provide guidance on proper pest control techniques.

All of these skills are essential for a successful pest control inspector to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people, animals, and plants.

Pest Control Technician Lead, Pest Control Technician Apprentice, and Pest Control Technician Officer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in pest control inspection and management?
What techniques do you use to identify pest infestations?
How do you investigate a suspected pest infestation?
How do you develop and implement pest control plans?
What safety precautions do you take when performing a pest control inspection?
What do you do to ensure that pest control services are correctly applied and monitored?
What challenges have you faced in pest control inspections and how did you overcome them?
How do you stay up to date with the latest pest control techniques and technologies?
How would you handle a customer who is not satisfied with the results of a pest control inspection?
How do you ensure that all necessary regulations and protocols are followed during a pest control inspection?

Common Tools in Industry

Moisture Meter. Used to measure the moisture content of soil, wood, and other materials (eg: Delmhorst J-Lite Moisture Meter).
Infrared Camera. Used to detect thermal changes in the environment (eg: Flir E4 Thermal Imaging Camera).
Gas Monitor. Used to detect the presence of hazardous gases (eg: RKI GX-2009 Multi-Gas Monitor).
Thermal Fogger. Used to spread insecticides in areas with high levels of pest infestations (eg: VectorFog C100 Plus Thermal Fogger).
Pesticide Sprayer. Used to apply liquid insecticides to areas with moderate levels of pest infestations (eg: Solo Backpack Sprayer).
Glue Board Traps. Used to capture small rodents and insects (eg: Victor Rat Glue Board Traps).
Probing Rods. Used to probe for pest activity under floorboards, insulation and other hard-to-reach areas (eg: Termatrac T3i Probing Rods).

Professional Organizations to Know

The National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
The Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC)
The International Pest Control Association (IPCA)
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA)
The Canadian Pest Management Association (CPMA)
The Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA)
The American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
The Structural Pest Control Association (SPCA)
The Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials (ASPCRO)
The National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA)

We also have Pest Control Technician Trainee, Pest Control Technician Specialist, and Pest Control Technician Assistant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pest Management. The practice of monitoring and controlling pests to reduce their population or impact on the environment.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A system of pest control that combines a variety of strategies to reduce pest populations and damage to crops.
Pesticides. Chemical substances used to control pests.
Fumigation. The process of using a gas to kill insects and other pests.
Bait Traps. Devices used to lure pests into a trap and keep them there.
Insecticides. Chemicals used to kill insects.
Rodenticides. Chemicals used to kill rodents.
Fungicides. Chemicals used to control fungus.
Nematodes. Microscopic worms used to control certain insects.
Biological Control. The use of natural predators or parasites to control pest populations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are needed to become a Pest Control Inspector?

To become a Pest Control Inspector, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent, valid driver's license, and certification from the Environmental Protection Agency in the specific areas of pest control in which you wish to work.

What type of tasks does a Pest Control Inspector perform?

A Pest Control Inspector typically inspects homes and businesses for evidence of pests and vermin, identifies the type of pest, makes recommendations on how to remove the pest infestation, and provides advice on how to prevent future infestations.

What is the job outlook for Pest Control Inspectors?

The job outlook for Pest Control Inspectors is expected to grow by 10% over the next decade according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is the average salary for a Pest Control Inspector?

The average salary for a Pest Control Inspector is $40,000 per year.

What safety protocols should Pest Control Inspectors be aware of?

Pest Control Inspectors must be aware of safety protocols such as proper storage of hazardous materials, wearing protective clothing, using appropriate equipment such as respirators when necessary, and disposing of waste in accordance with local regulations.