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

Dec 21, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Pest control technicians play an important role in preventing the spread of pests in residential, commercial and agricultural settings. When these technicians are not properly trained and equipped, the consequences can be severe. Without proper pest management, populations can grow rapidly, leading to property damage, health risks, and financial losses.

Furthermore, inadequate pest control can also lead to an increase in the use of harmful pesticides and other chemicals, which can put the environment and public health at risk. Therefore, it is essential that pest control technicians are properly trained, knowledgeable and use the right tools and techniques to ensure effective pest management.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer to hire those who have at least a high school diploma or GED.
Enroll in a Pest Control Technician training program. Most employers will require you to be certified in order to be hired as a Pest Control Technician.
Obtain state licensing. Most states require Pest Control Technicians to be licensed in order to practice. Youll need to check the regulations in your state to see what requirements you must meet in order to become licensed.
Complete hands-on training. Most employers will provide on-the-job training and mentoring so you can learn the necessary skills to do the job correctly and safely.
Choose a specialty. There are different types of pest control, such as termite, rodent and lawn & garden, so it may be helpful to choose a specialty to focus on.
Start applying for jobs. Once you have all the necessary qualifications, you can start applying for jobs as a Pest Control Technician.

Pest control technicians must be reliable and competent to ensure successful pest control services. Proper training and education are essential for a technician to be successful; they should be knowledgeable about the types of pests they are dealing with, how to safely use the necessary equipment and chemicals, as well as the proper safety protocols for handling them. In addition, it is important for a technician to be organized, have good communication skills, and stay up-to-date on the latest pest control practices.

Finally, a technician must be trustworthy, as they will be entering clients homes and potentially dealing with sensitive information. All of these qualities are necessary for a pest control technician to be reliable and competent, and they are essential for success in this field.

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Job Description

Perform pest identification, pest control strategies and treatments in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Inspect indoor and outdoor areas for signs of pests, diseases, or other infestations.
Set up and use traps, baits, and other pest control devices.
Apply predetermined amounts of insecticides, herbicides, and other pesticides to targeted areas.
Monitor treated areas to ensure that pest infestations have been eliminated.
Make recommendations for preventative measures to deter future pest infestations.
Keep accurate records of all treatments applied, including dates, times, locations, and type of treatment used.
Clean and maintain all equipment used in the course of duties.
Educate customers on proper pest prevention techniques and discuss post-treatment recommendations.
Follow all safety regulations and protocols when handling and disposing of hazardous materials.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of pest control products and techniques
Ability to identify and identify different types of pests
Safety and security knowledge and training
Ability to keep up-to-date with the latest pest control products and techniques
Excellent communication and customer service skills
Knowledge of applicable laws and regulations
Good problem-solving and organizational skills
Understanding of local building codes
Ability to use basic hand tools and equipment
Attention to detail and accuracy

Pest control technicians require a range of skills in order to effectively tackle the challenges of pest extermination. The most important skill for a pest control technician is their knowledge and understanding of the biology and behavior of different pests. When technicians understand how different pests reproduce and spread, they are better equipped to develop strategies to eradicate them.

they must be able to identify the signs of infestation and recognize potential entry points for pests. An effective pest control technician must also be able to use a variety of tools and methods, such as traps, pesticides, and fumigation, to effectively remove pests from a property. Finally, they must be able to communicate clearly with customers, both in person and through written reports, in order to ensure the safety of their customers and the successful resolution of any pest-related issues.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have with pest control?
Are you familiar with the various types of pest control techniques?
What safety measures do you take when applying pest control products?
How do you handle customer complaints about pests?
What methods do you use to identify pest infestations?
How do you determine which type of pest control product is best for a particular situation?
Are you comfortable working with hazardous chemicals?
How do you handle unexpected situations when dealing with pests?
What special tools and equipment do you use for pest control?
What do you do to ensure that your work meets all relevant safety regulations?

Common Tools in Industry

Insecticides. Chemical compounds used to kill or repel pests, such as mosquitoes and cockroaches (e. g. Raid).
Sprayers. Devices used to apply insecticides, pesticides and other treatments to targeted areas (e. g. Solo Backpack Sprayer).
Traps. Devices that lure and capture pests, such as mice and rats (e. g. Victor Electronic Rat Trap).
Rodenticides. Poisoned baits used to kill rodents (e. g. Tomcat Bait Chunx).
Fumigants. Gases that can be used to eliminate a wide range of pests (e. g. Vikane Gas Fumigant).
Dusts. Powders used to control crawling insects (e. g. Diatomaceous Earth).
Baits. Chemicals placed where pests congregate, such as cockroach bait stations (e. g. Maxforce Roach Bait Station).
Sprinklers. Devices used to distribute insecticides and other treatments over large areas (e. g. Aqua-Spy Water Sprinkler System).

Professional Organizations to Know

National Pest Management Association (NPMA)
National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA)
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
National Association of Exterminators (NAE)
Pest Control Operators of California (PCOC)
Pest Control Canada (PCC)
National Pest Management Association of Australia (NPMAA)
British Pest Control Association (BPCA)
Canadian Pest Management Association (CPMA)
European Pest Management Association (EPMA)

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Common Important Terms

Integrated Pest Management (IPM). A comprehensive approach to pest management that combines multiple methods of pest control, including biological, cultural, physical, and chemical controls.
Pesticide. A chemical or biological substance used to control pests.
Repellents. A type of pesticide that repels pests from a particular area.
Exclusion. A method of pest control that involves the physical exclusion of pests from an area by sealing off entry points such as cracks, crevices, and other openings.
Baiting. A type of pest control that involves the use of bait to lure pests away from an area.
Trapping. A method of pest control that involves the use of traps to capture pests.
Fumigation. A method of pest control that involves the use of toxic gases to kill pests.
Insecticides. A type of pesticide specifically designed to target and kill insect pests.
Rodenticides. A type of pesticide specifically designed to target and kill rodent pests.
Fungicides. A type of pesticide specifically designed to target and kill fungal pests.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are required to be a Pest Control Technician?

The qualifications required to be a Pest Control Technician vary by state and jurisdiction, but typically include a high school diploma or equivalent, completion of a pest control training program, and receiving a valid state pesticide applicator license.

What type of duties does a Pest Control Technician perform?

The primary duties of a Pest Control Technician include inspecting buildings for evidence of infestations, applying pest control treatments, identifying potential entry points for pests, and providing advice on how to prevent future infestations.

How much does a Pest Control Technician earn?

The median annual salary for Pest Control Technicians is around $35,000. However, salaries can vary depending on experience and location.

Are there any safety precautions that Pest Control Technicians should take?

Yes, there are several safety precautions that Pest Control Technicians should take such as wearing protective clothing, using the right safety equipment, following all safety regulations, and properly storing and disposing of hazardous materials.