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

Aug 27, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

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Pest control technician helpers play an important role in the pest control industry. By assisting the technician onsite, they help to ensure the pest problem is solved quickly and efficiently. This saves time, money and frustration for both the business and the customers.

The helpers job is to prepare the area for treatment, set up the equipment, use safety gear, apply insecticides and rodenticides, clean up after treatment, and provide customers with advice and information. They also help to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment and carry out follow-up inspections. By taking these steps, pest control technicians can ensure that the problem has been addressed and ensure the customers satisfaction.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most employers prefer applicants who have a high school diploma or GED, although some will consider applicants with equivalent experience.
Take a training program. Taking a training program through a trade school or vocational college can give you the basic knowledge and skills needed to become a pest control technician helper.
Gain experience. Many employers prefer applicants who have some experience in pest control. Consider working as an apprentice with an experienced pest control technician to gain hands-on experience.
Obtain certification. In some states and localities, certification is required to work as a pest control technician helper. Check with your local government to find out if certification is required in your area.
Find employment. Once you have the necessary training and experience, you can begin searching for a job as a pest control technician helper. You can look for job openings in newspapers, online job boards, and through professional organizations.

The key to becoming a reliable and competent Pest Control Technician Helper is to be well-trained, detail-oriented, and hardworking. Proper training helps to ensure that the technician is up-to-date on the latest techniques and methods of pest control, while also developing the necessary skills to identify and address potential infestations. attention to detail is essential in order to properly evaluate a situation and take the required steps to resolve the issue.

Finally, hard work and dedication are essential for completing the job correctly, efficiently, and safely. With these traits and a passion for the work, any Pest Control Technician Helper can become a reliable and competent professional.

You may want to check Pest Control Technician Educator, Pest Control Technician Specialist, and Pest Control Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Assist pest control technicians with services, inspections, and treatments.
Follow safety and health guidelines while performing service activities.
Set traps, bait, and other pest control devices.
Clean and maintain vehicles, equipment, and work areas.
Identify pests through visual inspection and using traps.
Perform routine maintenance to equipment and vehicles.
Record job related data in log books and reports.
Follow instructions from technicians and supervisors.
Carry tools and materials to job sites.
Participate in training courses and safety seminars to increase knowledge and skills.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of safety protocols for handling chemicals, pesticides, and other hazardous materials.
Ability to work independently and with minimal supervision.
Ability to follow detailed instructions accurately.
Good physical strength and endurance.
Ability to stoop, bend, twist, climb and lift heavy items.
Knowledge of common insects and pests, their habitats, and preferred environments.
Knowledge of pest control techniques and products.
Ability to safely operate and maintain equipment used in pest control services.
Ability to use basic computer and handheld technology.
Good communication and customer service skills.

Pest control technician helpers must possess a variety of skills to be successful in their role. The most important skill for a pest control technician helper is the ability to identify various types of pests. This includes being able to distinguish between different types of insects, rodents, and other small animals.

Identifying the type of pest is essential for the technician to be able to determine the best methods for eradicating them. a pest control technician helper must be able to safely and effectively use the necessary tools and equipment required for the pest control process. This includes safety gear, sprayers, traps, and baits.

In addition, they must be able to properly apply the pesticides and other treatments in accordance with safety regulations. Being familiar with the local laws and regulations regarding pest control is also important since they may vary by state or locality. Finally, being organized and detail-oriented is essential for a pest control technician helper since they will be responsible for documenting the work they do and helping to keep track of the inventory of supplies and treatments.

Overall, having the right skills is essential for a successful pest control technician helper.

Pest Control Inspector, Pest Control Supervisor, and Pest Control Manager are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in the pest control industry?
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest techniques for pest control?
What safety measures do you take when performing pest control activities?
Do you have any experience using pest control equipment, such as sprayers, traps, and lures?
Have you ever had to handle a difficult situation while dealing with a customers pest problem?
Are you familiar with local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to pest control?
How do you go about diagnosing and treating a pest infestation?
Are you comfortable working independently or with minimal supervision?
What strategies do you use to stay organized and efficient when dealing with pest control issues?
Do you have any suggestions for how we can improve our pest control services?

Common Tools in Industry

Vacuum. Used to remove pests from hard to reach areas. (Eg: Vacuum under furniture to remove insects)
Insecticide. Chemical used to kill insects. (Eg: Spraying insecticide around windows to prevent infestations)
Traps. Used to catch pests. (Eg: Placing glue traps around the home to catch rodents)
Protective Clothing. Used to protect the technician while dealing with hazardous materials. (Eg: Wearing protective gloves, masks and overalls when applying insecticides)
Dusters. Used to dust away cobwebs and other particles. (Eg: Duster used to remove spider webs from corners of rooms)
Sprayers. Used to apply insecticides and other chemicals. (Eg: Spraying a liquid insecticide around the perimeter of a house)
Flashlights. Used to inspect dark areas for pests. (Eg: Using a flashlight to inspect crevices for insects)
Ladders. Used to reach high areas for inspection and treatment. (Eg: Using a ladder to reach the roof of a house to apply insecticide)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
North American Pest Management Association (NAPMA)
Entomological Society of America (ESA)
Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC)
National Association of Exterminators (NAE)
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)
Association of Structural Pest Control Operators (ASPCO)
Pest Control Technology Magazine (PCT)
Pest Management Professional Magazine (PMP)

We also have Pest Control Technician Specialist Trainer, Pest Control Exterminator, and Pest Control Technician Consultant jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pest Control. The practice of controlling pests, such as insects, rodents, and other organisms that can cause harm to humans, plants, and animals.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A pest management system that uses a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical methods to reduce pest populations to an acceptable level.
Pesticides. Chemicals used to control or kill pests.
Exclusion. The use of barriers, such as screens and door sweeps, to prevent pests from entering a home or facility.
Baiting. The use of bait to attract and kill pests.
Sanitation. Keeping areas clean and free of debris and food sources that attract pests.
Habitat Modification. Changing the environment to make it less desirable for pests, such as removing potential nesting sites or eliminating food sources.
Monitoring. Regularly inspecting areas to detect pest activity and identify potential problem areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to be a Pest Control Technician Helper?

Generally, the minimum qualifications required to be a Pest Control Technician Helper include a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid drivers license, and some experience working in the pest control industry.

What duties does a Pest Control Technician Helper typically perform?

A Pest Control Technician Helper typically performs duties such as preparing treatment materials, setting up equipment, applying insecticides and rodenticides, cleaning and maintaining equipment, and providing general customer service.

What type of work environment does a Pest Control Technician Helper typically work in?

A Pest Control Technician Helper typically works in both indoor and outdoor environments. The job may require working in a variety of environments, from residential to commercial settings.

What is the average salary of a Pest Control Technician Helper?

According to PayScale, the average annual salary for a Pest Control Technician Helper is $28,819.

How many hours per week does a Pest Control Technician Helper typically work?

The typical work week for a Pest Control Technician Helper is 40 hours. However, depending on the employer, the position may require some overtime or weekend work.

Web Resources

Pest Control | The University of Chicago Facilities Services facilities.uchicago.edu
The Masters Lawn Care is hiring Lawn Pest Control Technician fctc.edu
A Pest Control Program - Purdue University www.extension.purdue.edu