Pest Control Workers

Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.

Median Annual Wage: $30,660

Education: High school diploma or equivalent (90%); Post-secondary certificate (9%); Some college, no degree (1%)

Projected Growth: Faster than average (15% to 21%)

Related Job Titles: Pest Control Technician; Pest Technician; Termite Technician; Pest Control Chemical Technician; Pest Control Applicator; Pest Control Operator; Certified Pest Control Technician; Commercial Pest Control Technician; Exterminator; Residential Pest Control Technician

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Source: O*NET OnLine information for Pest Control Workers.

More Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance Careers

  • 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.
  • Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings, or wood, or over marshlands, ditches, or catch basins.
  • Clean work site after completion of job.
  • Drive truck equipped with power spraying equipment.
  • Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service.
  • Study preliminary reports or diagrams of infested area and determine treatment type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation.
  • Direct or assist other workers in treatment or extermination processes to eliminate or control rodents, insects, or weeds.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Pest Control Workers.

  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
  • Social Perceptiveness - Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
  • Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Service Orientation - Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Source: O*NET OnLine information for Pest Control Workers.

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