You’re an avid pest control fan ready to pursue the trade. However, where should you begin? Do you apply for a job at a pest control shop, or need formal education? Learn what it takes to become a licensed pest control technician, and determine whether or not the job is right for you.
How to Become a Licensed Pest Control Technician
There are only a few colleges or universities that will offer a course in pest control. For the most part, you’ll need at least a high school diploma. You will also need to get certified by your state if you work with living creatures and hazardous chemicals.
The expected base salary across the nation is around $38,000 to start, however, every state is different. The salary you can expect might vary wildly from one place to another. Still, the field is growing steadily and work is expected to be quite secure over the next decade.
Extensive Skills and Training
You can get certified at places like technical schools, colleges, professional conferences, and pest control training centers. During your certification, you’ll learn all about applicator methods, fumigation practices, chemical safety, pest control, and much more. Certification exams can cost upward of $400 and take about three months to get through. Continuing this education is also required to maintain your certifications.
The upside is that you won’t have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a university degree to become a pest control technician. You will, however, need to build up a fairly extensive set of skills and experience along with a strong stomach.
The government’s Office of Personnel Management highlights three degrees of pest control technicians:
- A Pest Control Worker Grade 7 handles bait and sets traps, sprays/fogs infested areas, and does the manual work planned by more experienced workers.
- Pest Controller Grade 9 technicians work independently, are able to strategize on their own, and are qualified to deal with tougher infestations.
- Finally, Pest Controller Grade 10 technicians oversee the management of large commercial facilities, and design/implement strategies in an administrative capacity.
This Job Isn’t for Everyone
Pest control has a lot of job duties that require you to get down and dirty. You’ll need to go into tight, dank, and dark crawl spaces to look for signs of infestation. You’ll face dangers like rabid animals and wasp nests. You also will handle toxic chemicals daily, and you may be required to clean up the dead bodies of the creatures you exterminate. This isn’t a job for everyone. It has its dangers, and it can be stomach-turning.
Contact Dr. Death Pest Control
If you would like more information on becoming a licensed pest control technician or needing help with a current pest infestation, Dr. Death Pest Control is ready to help. To schedule your appointment, contact Dr. Death Pest Control today!