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PEST CONTROL WORKING ENVIRONMENT
High density population areas such as cities are where most exeterminators work. Especially good opportunities for pest control employment exist in cities with many aging buildings that are havens for bugs and rodents.
Termite exterminators on the other hand work primarily in suburbs in homes and small frame buildings where termites have opportunity to take hold on the structures. Hours are pretty standard for employed exterminators and most work regular work weeks. However they may work longer hours in spring and summer in particular. For businesses they sometimes have to work at night when the establishment is closed. It pays to plan on being somewhat flexible when going to work for an exterminating company.
Exterminator working conditions require most controllers to work alone, driving to their working destinations to deal directly with customers. They commonly carry equipment weighing up to around 50 pounds and the job requires working indoors and out in all kinds of weather. They may have to crawl under houses in tight spots and the work can be extremely dirty. They must not have an aversion to strong odors such as rat urine and feces where concentrations are found. And it goes without saying anyone who is afraid of bugs or rodents need not apply.
Chemicals used in general exterminating are not harmful to humans or pets if mixed and applied properly. However some could injure if it is inhaled or left on bare skin for an extended period of time. Protective clothing worn by pest control workers includes rubber gloves, dust or chemical masks, disposable overalls, rubber boots and more according to the job being performed. Large pest control companies routinely take blood tests from their workers to be sure levels of chemicals are not building up in their bodies.
In general, exterminators work in a mixture of environments with some being quite pleasant to others being difficult and potentially dangerous. Clothing worn will reflect, not the temperature or comfort of the working environment, but what chemicals and extermination methods the pest controller is using. Consequently uncomfortable clothing and protective equipment is the norm rather than the exception.
