requirements-of-pest-control-jobs

REQUIREMENTS OF PEST CONTROL JOBS

A high school diploma is minimal for any type of exterminating career. While college is not usually required, more than half of the people in this field have attended college or earned a college degree. Vo-tech, math and chemistry are among classes or courses that would be beneficial if going into this line of work.

Requirements for pest control jobs initially include training on the job, working in an apprentice position while learning about pesticide use, safety, legalities, etc. Most will choose to work in one or more specialty areas such as nuisance control, termite control, ornamental and turf control, etc. On average around 10 hours of classroom and 60 hours on the job for each specialty area are required to be licensed. In training, applicants have up to one year to complete the written examinations to become licensed.

Under federal standards, all pesticides are classifiedby the level of hazard they pose to people, animals and the environment. Consequently pest controllers have to be licensed in all states. Some states require the applicant to pass a written exam specific to that state. In some states, the employee is allowed to work in an apprentice role before being licensed. An employee of most any pest control company must be 18 with no criminal record and bondable. Because they frequently have access to homes and businesses, this is always the case in legal operations. They must be able to use good judgement and follow written and oral instructions well. They should show a high level of conscientiousness due to the potentially hazardous results of incorrect application of the products they handle.

Pest control workers should be in good health, and reasonably fit to withstand uncomfortable and sometimes heavy work. They will commonly be crawling into blazing hot attics during summer and freezing basements in the winter. Manual dexterity and mechanical ability are important. In addition, because most exterminators will be driving routes, they must have a good driving record.

Pest control employment opportunities statistically have historically grown as fast as the growth of all occupations. Due to increasing concerns over the environment and safety, new technology is creating new oportunities, particularly in the specialty areas of the industry.