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

Jun 23, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Pest control technician specialists are responsible for providing expert pest control services to residential and commercial properties. They use specialized techniques to effectively eliminate pests such as rats, mice, cockroaches, spiders, and other insects. By using appropriate products and techniques, they can ensure that the pests are completely removed from the premises.

The pest control technician specialists also provide advice on preventative measures that can be taken to keep future infestations from occurring. As a result of their services, businesses and homeowners can rest assured that their pest problems are properly handled and will not become a recurring issue.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or GED. Most pest control technician jobs require a high school diploma or GED.
Obtain a pest control license. Some states require pest control technicians to obtain a license before they can begin practicing. Requirements for obtaining a license vary from state to state.
Pursue an apprenticeship or on-the-job training. Many pest control companies offer apprenticeships or on-the-job training programs for new technicians. This is a great way to learn the ropes of the job and get hands-on experience.
Consider earning an associate's degree. An associate's degree in entomology or related fields can give you an edge when it comes to finding a job as a pest control technician.
Participate in continuing education courses. Most states require pest control technicians to participate in continuing education courses in order to maintain their licenses.
Join a professional organization. Joining a professional organization, such as the National Pest Management Association, can be a great way to stay up-to-date on industry news and trends and connect with other professionals in your field.

Pest control technician specialists are a vital part of any pest management program. Reliability and qualifications are essential to ensure successful pest control. Without these two components, the risk of an infestation or re-infestation increases substantially.

To ensure reliable and qualified pest control technicians, businesses should always look for those that have a solid background in the industry, as well as valid certifications and licenses. they should research the company they are looking to hire, as well as references and reviews. By taking these steps, businesses can rest assured that they are making the right decision when it comes to hiring a reliable and qualified pest control technician specialist.

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

Job Description

Perform routine inspections and treatments of residential and commercial properties to eliminate and control pest infestations.
Utilize a variety of techniques, equipment, and products to treat the interior and exterior of structures.
Identify pest infestations and develop plans to eliminate existing infestations.
Make recommendations on how to prevent future pest problems.
Provide detailed reports on findings and treatment plans to clients.
Attend continuing education classes to stay up-to-date on industry developments and techniques.
Investigate customer complaints and take appropriate action to rectify the situation.
Follow all safety protocols when handling hazardous materials and equipment.
Monitor infestations over time to ensure that all pest problems have been eradicated.
Maintain accurate records of services performed and materials used for each job.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pest identification and eradication practices
Ability to apply pest control treatments and products to specific pest problems
Ability to use traps, baits, dusts, and other pest control methods
Ability to use safety equipment and follow safety protocols
Knowledge of government regulations related to pest control
Ability to identify potential health risks associated with pests
Ability to diagnose and treat pest-related problems
Ability to prepare written reports on pest control operations
Knowledge of integrated pest management principles
Ability to work with customers to develop customized pest control plans
Ability to properly store, mix, and apply pesticides and treatments
Ability to operate and maintain pest control equipment
Knowledge of sanitation and sanitation-related pest control techniques
Knowledge of the life cycle of pests and their behaviors
Ability to properly dispose of hazardous materials related to pest control
Ability to maintain accurate records of treatments and services performed

Being a Pest Control Technician Specialist requires a unique set of skills and knowledge to ensure successful pest control. One of the most important skills to have is knowledge of pest behavior and biology. Knowing this information allows technicians to identify how and where the pests are entering a property, as well as the types of treatments they should use to eliminate the infestation.

it is essential to understand the proper use of pesticides and other pest control solutions, in order to minimize any potential risks to humans or pets. Furthermore, excellent customer service skills are necessary for a Pest Control Technician Specialist, as they must be able to effectively communicate with customers in order to assess their needs and provide recommended solutions. Finally, good organizational and problem-solving skills are also necessary for success in this field, as technicians must be able to prioritize tasks and troubleshoot any issues that arise during the process of providing pest control services.

Pest Control Technician Consultant, Pest Control Technician Inspector, and Pest Control Technician Lead are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in pest control?
What methods and techniques do you use to control pests?
How do you prioritize customer requests?
How do you stay up to date on the latest pest control practices and products?
What safety procedures do you follow when using pesticides?
What challenges have you faced in your previous pest control roles?
Describe a successful pest control project you have completed in the past.
How do you assess a property to determine the type of pests and the best approach to controlling them?
How do you handle customer complaints and queries?
What customer service skills do you possess?

Common Tools in Industry

Insecticide Sprayer. A tool used to spray insecticides to exterminate pests. (eg: Raid® Ant & Roach Killer)
Baiting System. A pest control system that uses bait to lure and trap pests. (eg: Victor® Mice Bait Station)
Fogging Machine. A device that emits a fog-like mist to treat large areas with pest control products. (eg: Vectorfog C150+ Electric ULV Fogger)
Glue Traps. A sticky surface designed to capture insects and other pests. (eg: Catchmaster® Mouse & Insect Glue Traps)
Aerosol Sprayer. A device used to apply aerosolized pesticides to a specific area. (eg: Ortho® Home Defense Insect Killer)
Rodenticides. Poisonous substances used to kill rodents and other small mammals. (eg: Tomcat® Rat & Mouse Killer Bait Chunks)
Dusts. Powders that contain insecticides or other pest control agents. (eg: D-Fense Dust Insecticide)
Traps. Devices that are designed to capture pests, such as rodents and insects. (eg: Victor® Easy Set Rat Trap)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC)
American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA)
National Association of Professional Pest Inspectors (NAPPI)
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)
Pest Control Australia (PCA)
National Bed Bug Council (NBBC)
Entomological Society of America (ESA)
International Organization for Biological Control (IOBC)

We also have Pest Control Technician Assistant, Pest Control Technician Coordinator, and Pest Control Technician Analyst jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A pest management system that focuses on preventing pests from entering the environment, or controlling their populations through the use of non-chemical methods.
Pesticides. Chemicals used to control pests, such as insects, rodents, and weeds.
Exclusion. The practice of sealing off entry points to a building to prevent pests from entering.
Sanitation. The practice of keeping food and areas clean to deter pests.
Baiting. The practice of using bait to lure pests into traps or other methods of pest control.
Monitoring. The practice of regularly checking an area to identify and assess pest populations.
Trapping. The practice of using traps to capture pests.
Fumigation. The practice of using chemicals to fill an enclosed area to kill pests.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

To become a Pest Control Technician Specialist, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and pass the National Pest Management Association's (NPMA) certification process.

What duties do Pest Control Technician Specialists perform?

Pest Control Technician Specialists are responsible for inspecting, detecting and eliminating infestations of pests from interior and exterior environments. They use a variety of methods such as traps, baits, pesticides and other pest control techniques to eliminate the pests.

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

The time to become a Pest Control Technician Specialist depends on the individuals experience level and the type of certification they pursue. Typically, it takes between 6-12 months to become certified.

What are some of the safety measures that Pest Control Technician Specialists must take?

Pest Control Technician Specialists must always wear protective clothing and equipment, such as respirators and gloves, when handling hazardous substances. They must also be aware of the potential hazards of the materials they are using and take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and the public.

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

The average salary of a Pest Control Technician Specialist is $34,000 per year. Salaries vary depending on experience and certification level.

Web Resources

The Masters Lawn Care is hiring Lawn Pest Control fctc.edu
Pest Control | The University of Chicago Facilities Services facilities.uchicago.edu
Pest Management - Fullerton College cte.fullcoll.edu