When people in homes and offices hear a dreaded scratching in the walls or see something small and brown skitter across the floor, they are relieved to know a pest control worker is just a phone call away. Pest control workers remove unwanted creatures, such as roaches, rats, ants, bedbugs, and termites from homes, buildings, and surrounding areas. They typically inspect buildings for signs of pests, determine the treatment needed, and estimate the cost of their services for customers. Their methods include using traps, pesticides and power spraying-equipped trucks to remove or kill pests. There are 2 types of pest control workers: Pest control technicians identify pest problems, conduct inspections, and design strategies. They work directly with customers and use a limited range of pesticides. Applicators use a wider range of pesticides and handle more serious pests such as termites, as well as fumigating houses to treat large-scale infestations. Most pest control workers work full time, often including evenings and weekends. Overtime is common. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required, and employers provide formal instruction and on-the-job training.
What they do:
Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.
On the job, you would:
Record work activities performed.
Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall, or roof porosity and access to infested locations.
Recommend treatment and prevention methods for pest problems to clients.
Business
customer service
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Social
understanding people's reactions
looking for ways to help people
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
Attention
do two or more things at the same time
pay attention to something without being distracted
Hearing and Speech
speak clearly
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Integrity
Dependability
Attention to Detail
Independence
Cooperation
Stress Tolerance
You might use software like this on the job:
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Report writing software
Data base user interface and query software
Database software
Marathon Data Systems PestPac
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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