A Day in the Life of a Pest Control Technician
When pests invade your home or business, the friendly faces to the rescue are your local pest control team. On the surface, it might be hard to understand the appeal of being a pest control technician. However, there are plenty of good reasons many find the job meaningful.
For those up to the job, being in the pest control industry is a very active and rewarding job that positively impacts those they serve. Here, our team at Clegg’s Pest Control will provide you with an inside look at the day-to-day lives and experiences that go into being a pest control technician.
The Inspiration To Become a Pest Control Technician
Being in professional pest control comes with a wide range of benefits. Unlike many other jobs, pest control technicians don’t work directly out of an office building. It also means driving to various homes in a service area, conducting hands-on work, and utilizing problem-solving skills to remove your clients’ pest problems. On top of that, pest control experts usually have strong job security and work with little to no supervision.
The job comes naturally for moderately healthy people who maintain excellent customer service skills, enjoy working outside, like learning new things, and work well with others. Do you see these traits in yourself? You might be an ideal candidate to be a pest control technician yourself!
How Do You Become a Pest Control Technician?
Once you better understand what draws people in to being in pest control, it’s best to learn how someone becomes a technician! While requirements differ from state to state, being a pest control technician has several similarities. All practicing technicians must possess a high school diploma or GED, be 18 or older, and possess a valid state identification card or driver’s license.
From there, you must go through various additional steps and training to become a licensed pest control technician. Join us as we go through the most essential steps.
In-Class Training
You must attend a series of in-person courses at the beginning of your training. In these courses, you will learn a wide range of concepts and a core foundation for being a pest control technician. The topics that are usually covered include the following:
- Identifying signs of specific pests
- The life cycle and habits of pests
- Applications of ridding and preventing pests
- Best practices for particular pests
- Safe pesticide application, trapping, and fumigation procedures
These courses are traditionally taught through several institutions such as community colleges, technical schools, and pest control training centers. Additionally, hands-on training in pesticide use and safety is also commonplace.
Get a Pest Control License
After completing these courses, it’s time to start setting your sights on obtaining a pest control license. To get a license, you must complete an exam to assess your knowledge of pests found across your local area, common signs of an infestation, best practices for fumigation and pesticide application, and more. You will receive your license if you pass the exam alongside completing your state’s required courses.
However, licenses are not permanent. In North Carolina, for example, a license expires every two years. To continue practicing as a professional technician, you must get recertified. This might require you to learn new techniques, technologies, and changes in EPA regulations.
What Does a Pest Control Technician Do?
As we’ve guided you through how to become a part of the pest control industry, the next logical step is to learn what they do. Their job is to remove unwanted pests that infest buildings and their surrounding areas. However, there’s much more to their day-to-day work than just that. Continue reading to learn more about the precise steps and tasks of the job.
Typical Workday
What pest control workers do on a typical workday usually consists of several tasks:
- Inspect the building and surrounding areas for signs of a pest infestation.
- Determine the type of treatment needed for pest elimination.
- Use baits and set traps across the premises.
- Apply pesticides inside and outside of infested buildings.
- Drive trucks equipped with power spraying equipment.
- Develop barriers to prevent pests from entering buildings.
In addition to the above, a pest control technician must determine the type of pest in a building and the extent of the problem. Whether you have a minor problem with spiders or an infestation of cockroaches, it is your job to figure out the issue.
Preparation and Safety Protocols
While the job might look relatively straightforward, pest control professionals must adhere to several preparation and safety protocols to ensure the safety of their customers and themselves. There are several dos and don’ts of safe and proper pest control, from not mixing pesticides to keeping outdoor solutions in outdoor areas.
These safety procedures are not only applicable for experts, as many proper procedures and techniques can also be found online through the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
The Impact of Being in the Pest Control Industry
After a long day’s work, pest control professionals can reap more benefits than a clean space to look back on. They positively impact the lives of those they serve as if they were another family member. But don’t just take our word for it.
Warren Newton is a longtime pest control technician for Clegg’s Pest Control who has decades of expertise in the industry. Throughout his career, he’s treated hundreds of homes and businesses. He cherishes the memories of encounters like one with a curious young girl who trailed him from room to room during an inspection asking questions.
To Newton, being a pest control technician isn’t just about eradicating pests; it’s about providing comfort and relief to customers. “It carries you a long way,” he says, recalling these pleasant experiences as a pest control worker. “I just love what I do.”
Find the Best Pest Control Services at Clegg’s
To get the best results, go with the ideal team of pest control professionals at Clegg’s Pest Control. With over 50 years of experience, we have the expertise, knowledge, and tools to do the job. To request our services, find your nearest service area or contact us online to set up your initial inspection.
Are you a pest control technician in need of a job? Don’t wait! Join our team today!
