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

Jul 17, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Pest Control Technician Trainees are responsible for performing a variety of duties in order to eliminate pests from a property. These duties include inspecting and evaluating infested areas, applying pesticides and insecticides, and setting traps. As a result of these activities, the technician trainee will be able to effectively identify the problem and eliminate it, while protecting the health and safety of the inhabitants of the property.

This can lead to a reduction in the spread of potential diseases, an improved quality of life, and an increase in property value. this career can provide a steady income and job satisfaction.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma. The first step to becoming a pest control technician trainee is to earn a high school diploma or equivalent. This is important in order to gain the basic skills and knowledge needed for the job.
Obtain a Pest Control License. Depending on the state, pest control technician trainees may need to obtain a license before they can begin working. Requirements vary by state, but may include passing an exam, completing a certain number of hours of training, and/or having a certain amount of experience in the field.
Complete an Apprenticeship. Apprenticeships typically last between one and four years, depending on the program. During this time, trainees will be working under the guidance of experienced pest control technicians and receiving hands-on training.
Seek Employment. Once the apprenticeship is complete, trainees can seek employment in a variety of places, such as pest control companies, agricultural businesses, and government agencies.
Advance in the Field. After gaining some experience, trainees may be able to advance to higher positions within the field, such as pest control supervisor or manager.

The path to becoming a skilled and efficient pest control technician involves hard work and dedication. Attending a certified training program is paramount to becoming a successful technician. During the program, technicians will learn the proper use of equipment, safety protocols, and techniques for a variety of pest control situations.

It is also important to stay up-to-date on the latest products and industry regulations to ensure that all services are provided in a safe and effective manner. As technicians gain experience, they can also become certified in specific areas of pest control, allowing them to build on their knowledge and abilities. With the proper training and dedication, pest control technicians can become highly skilled and efficient professionals.

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

Job Description

Follow instructions from experienced pest control technicians to learn the basics of the job.
Complete all necessary pest control service training and certification.
Conduct inspections to identify and report pest infestations.
Utilize pesticides, traps, and other pest control methods in accordance with safety standards.
Document pest activity and treatment plans for each job site.
Monitor and track customer satisfaction with pest control services.
Maintain accurate records of all pest control activities.
Follow safety procedures for using and storing chemicals, equipment, and tools.
Clean and maintain tools, equipment, and the pest control vehicle.
Work collaboratively with other pest control technicians to achieve desired results.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pest identification and control techniques.
Ability to use and maintain pest control equipment and supplies.
Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.
Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
Understanding of safety regulations and procedures.
Knowledge of relevant local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
Good communication and problem-solving skills.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to troubleshoot equipment and make necessary repairs.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other computer programs.

Pest control technician trainees must possess a variety of skills to be successful in their role. Most importantly, they need to be organized and detail-oriented. This means they must be able to keep accurate records of their activities and follow instructions closely.

Good communication skills are also essential, as they must be able to explain pest control procedures effectively to both customers and coworkers. they need to be comfortable with using various types of equipment, such as traps, sprays, and baits. Lastly, they must understand and adhere to safety regulations to ensure efficient and safe pest control practices.

All of these skills combined will help a pest control technician trainee become a successful professional in the industry.

Pest Control Supervisor, Pest Control Technician Assistant, and Pest Control Technician Educator are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What relevant experience do you have in pest control?
What do you find most rewarding about pest control work?
Are you comfortable working with hazardous materials?
How would you handle a situation where a customer is not satisfied with the results of a pest control service?
How would you go about identifying the source of a pest infestation?
What safety protocols do you keep in mind while on the job?
How would you respond to an emergency situation related to pest control?
What do you think are the most important qualities for a successful pest control technician?
What pest control methods have you used in the past?
Do you have any questions for us about this position?

Common Tools in Industry

Insecticide. A chemical used to kill insects. (e. g. Pyrethrin)
Rodenticide. A chemical used to kill rodents. (e. g. Bromethalin)
Sprayer. A device used to disperse insecticide or rodenticide in a controlled manner. (e. g. Handheld sprayer)
Safety Gear. Protective clothing and equipment that helps keep the technician safe while performing pest control duties. (e. g. Respirator, goggles, and long sleeves)
Baiting Traps. Devices used to capture pests by using bait. (e. g. Rat trap)
Glue Boards. Sticky boards used to capture live pests. (e. g. Fly glue board)
Insect Light Traps. Devices that use ultraviolet light to attract insects and then trap them in a container for removal. (e. g. Electric fly swatter)
Dusting Tools. Devices used to apply insecticide dusts into cracks and crevices for pest control purposes. (e. g. Duster gun)
Foggers. Devices that disperse insecticides into the air in order to kill flying insects. (e. g. Thermal fogger)
Monitoring Tools. Devices used to detect pests and monitor their activity in an area. (e. g. Pheromone traps)

Professional Organizations to Know

National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA)
National Association of Exterminators (NAE)
American Bird Conservancy (ABC)
Entomological Society of America (ESA)
International Pest Control Association (IPCA)
Pest Control Operators of North America (PCOAN)
Integrated Pest Management Institute (IPMI)
American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA)
National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC)

We also have Pest Control Technician Helper, Pest Control Manager, and Pest Control Technician Foreman jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Pest Control. The practice of controlling and managing pests, such as insects and rodents, that can cause damage to people, property, and/or the environment.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A strategy for controlling pests that combines different methods, such as biological control, cultural control, physical control, and chemical control.
Biological Control. The use of living organisms to control pests. Examples include using predators to control insect pests and using fungi to control weeds.
Cultural Control. The use of cultural practices such as crop rotation, sanitation, and other practices to reduce pest numbers or make them less damaging.
Physical Control. The use of physical barriers, such as fences or traps, to keep pests out of an area or away from a target.
Chemical Control. The use of chemical pesticides to kill or repel pests.
Insecticides. Pesticides specifically designed to kill insects.
Rodenticides. Pesticides specifically designed to kill rodents.
Herbicides. Pesticides specifically designed to kill weeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The average salary of a Pest Control Technician Trainee is typically around $26,000 per year.

What types of pests do Pest Control Technician Trainees typically deal with?

Pest Control Technician Trainees typically deal with a variety of pests, including rodents, insects, spiders, birds, and other small animals.

What type of education is required to become a Pest Control Technician Trainee?

Most employers require that applicants have a high school diploma or GED. Some additional training may be required.

What skills are necessary to be successful as a Pest Control Technician Trainee?

To be successful as a Pest Control Technician Trainee, one must have good customer service skills, knowledge of pest control techniques and products, and the ability to work independently.

How long does it typically take to become a certified Pest Control Technician Trainee?

It typically takes about two to three months to become a certified Pest Control Technician Trainee.

Web Resources

Pest Control Course - Training & Consultancy Services | TME: tme.edu.au
General Pest Control Training Webinar - Mississippi State University extension.msstate.edu
Pesticide Registered Technician Training Package extension.psu.edu