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

Jun 11, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Pests can cause a lot of problems for homeowners, businesses, and even public health. They can spread diseases, contaminate food, and cause significant damage to property. To protect against these risks, pest control specialists are hired to identify, prevent, and remove pests from a given area.

These professionals use a combination of techniques such as trapping, baiting, and chemical treatments to get rid of pests. They also inspect properties for signs of infestation and recommend steps to prevent future problems. By hiring a pest control specialist, people can rid their homes of pests and prevent the risks associated with them.

Steps How to Become

Complete a Pest Control Training Program. Look for a program that offers hands-on training and is approved by your state. Programs can be found at community colleges, technical schools, or through a private company.
Obtain a License. Most states require that you obtain a license to work as a Pest Control Specialist. Requirements vary by state, but generally involve passing both written and practical exams.
Purchase Necessary Equipment. Invest in the equipment you need to do your job. This may include insecticides, traps, protective gear, and other tools.
Market Your Services. Develop marketing materials such as business cards, flyers, and a website. Reach out to potential clients and let them know about your services.
Stay Up-to-Date on Industry Trends. Take continuing education courses to stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices. This will help you stay competitive in the field.

Pest control specialists must have reliable and capable qualities to be successful in their field. To be reliable means to be dependable and consistent in providing quality services. This means that a pest control specialist must arrive on time, be organized, and remain respectful and professional throughout the job.

Being capable means that the specialist has the skills and knowledge necessary to complete the job effectively. This includes possessing knowledge of different pest control techniques, identifying potential pests, using proper safety protocols, and providing effective treatments. When a pest control specialist has both of these qualities, they are able to provide quality pest control services which leads to satisfied customers and a successful business.

You may want to check Pest Control Technician Analyst, Pest Control Operator, and Pest Control Technician Foreman for alternative.

Job Description

Identify pests and develop plans for their removal.
Utilize a variety of pest control techniques such as traps, chemicals, fogging, baiting and non-chemical solutions.
Inspect premises and investigate sources of pest problems.
Prepare detailed reports on the types of pests found, the areas they were found in, and the solutions used to eradicate them.
Monitor infestations to ensure that treatment is effective and follow up with customers to ensure satisfaction with the services provided.
Educate customers on preventative measures to reduce the chance of recurring pest infestations.
Apply pesticide or other chemical treatments to control or exterminate pests in residential or commercial settings.
Maintain equipment, vehicles and storage areas in a neat and orderly manner.
Adhere to all safety regulations when handling chemicals, insecticides and other hazardous materials.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pest biology and behavior
Understanding of pest control methods, including use of pesticides
Familiarity with safety regulations related to pest control
Ability to inspect premises for signs of pests
Skills in identifying and eliminating potential pest harborages
Ability to identify and recommend preventive measures
Knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations
Excellent customer service skills
Excellent communication skills
Problem solving and troubleshooting skills
Organizational and time management skills
Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy
Physical stamina for long days of work in varying climates and conditions

Pest Control Specialists play an important role in keeping our homes and businesses free from pests and other unwanted creatures. The most important skill for a Pest Control Specialist to have is a comprehensive understanding of pest behavior and biology. They must be able to identify, analyze, and develop effective strategies to remove pests from the environment.

A thorough knowledge of the various types of products and treatments available for use is also critical. Proper use of pesticides and other treatments can help to reduce the spread of disease, protect the environment, and limit the damage caused by infestations. Pest Control Specialists need to be able to identify and analyze potential risks associated with the use of these products, as well as understand how to properly apply them in order to maximize their effectiveness.

Good communication skills, a strong commitment to safety, and the ability to work independently are also essential qualities for a successful Pest Control Specialist.

Pest Control Manager, Pest Control Technician Lead, and Pest Control Technician Operator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in pest control?
Describe a difficult pest control issue you had to solve.
What techniques do you use for pest control?
Are there any pests you are not comfortable working with?
How do you handle customer complaints about pest control services?
How do you keep up with changes in pest control technology?
What safety procedures do you follow when conducting pest control services?
How do you prioritize tasks in a busy pest control schedule?
What is your experience with chemical and non-chemical pest control measures?
How would you handle a situation involving a customer who is not satisfied with the results of your pest control services?

Common Tools in Industry

Traps. Used to capture pests, such as mice and roaches. (Eg: Snap traps)
Insecticides. Chemicals used to kill insects. (Eg: Pyrethrin)
Aerosol Sprays. Used to target and kill specific insects. (Eg: Wasp and hornet spray)
Rodenticides. Used to target and kill specific rodents. (Eg: Anticoagulant bait)
Fumigants. Used to eliminate pests from large areas, such as attics, basements, and crawl spaces. (Eg: Sulfuryl fluoride)
Baits. Used to attract pests and lure them into traps. (Eg: Peanut butter bait)
Dusts. Used to fill cracks and crevices in walls, floors, and ceilings. (Eg: Diatomaceous earth)
Ultrasonic Devices. Electronic devices that emit sound waves to repel pests. (Eg: Ultrasonic pest repeller)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
Entomological Society of America (ESA)
National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA)
International Pest Control Association (IPCA)
Pesticide Regulatory Officials Forum (PROFOR)
American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
Vector-Borne Disease Network (VBDN)
Society for Vector Ecology (SVE)
Structural Pest Control & Pest Management Association of Canada (SPMA)
Bed Bug Central Professional Network (BBCPN)

We also have Pest Control Technician Inspector, Pest Control Technician Educator, and Pest Control Technician Assistant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pest Identification. The process of correctly identifying the type of pest present in an area.
Pest Control. The use of various methods to prevent and/or eliminate pests from an area.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A comprehensive, long-term approach to managing pest populations that combines natural, biological, cultural, and chemical control methods.
Baiting. The practice of using food or other attractants to lure pests into traps or other control measures.
Fumigation. The process of releasing a gas or vapor into an area to kill pests.
Exclusion. The practice of preventing pests from entering an area by sealing off entry points.
Habitat Management. The practice of modifying an environment to make it less hospitable to pests.
Insecticides. Chemicals used to kill or control insect pests.
Rodenticides. Chemicals used to kill or control rodent pests.
Disinfection. The process of cleaning an area with disinfectants to remove germs and bacteria that can spread disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of training is required to become a Pest Control Specialist?

Pest Control Specialists typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete a certification program offered by the state.

What duties are associated with being a Pest Control Specialist?

Typical duties of a Pest Control Specialist include inspecting homes and businesses for signs of infestation, identifying the source of the problem, and recommending and applying treatments to eliminate the pests.

What type of tools and equipment do Pest Control Specialists use?

Pest Control Specialists use a variety of tools and equipment such as traps, pesticides, rodenticides, and foggers to remove pests from an area.

How long does a typical pest control treatment take?

The length of a typical pest control treatment depends on the size of the infestation and can range from one to several hours.

What safety precautions should be taken when using pesticides?

When using pesticides, safety precautions should include wearing protective clothing, eye wear, and respirators, following all safety instructions on the pesticide label, and keeping all treated areas well-ventilated.

Web Resources

Pest Control | Facilities Management www.facilities.cuimc.columbia.edu
Pest Control | The University of Chicago Facilities Services facilities.uchicago.edu
A Pest Control Program - Purdue University www.extension.purdue.edu