Do Pest Control Exterminators
Pest control exterminators battle unwanted intruders like cockroaches, termites and fleas that not only spoil food and clothing but can cause structural damage to homes and buildings. They use their investigative skills to find the source of infestations and apply industrial-strength chemicals to eliminate pests, often working in extreme weather conditions. Some states require pest control workers to be licensed, and they must complete on-the-job training. They also must carry insurance to protect themselves and their clients from liability.
Typically, pest control technicians receive on-the-job training through an exterminator apprenticeship or entry-level position with a large company. They may also attend classes to learn about insect behavior, state regulations and what types of traps are best for a particular environment. This technical instruction can save a pest control technician time and money as they get their career started.
Some states only require a high school diploma or GED certificate to begin working as a pest control technician. Others require pesticide applicators to pass a short EPA course and a state licensing exam. Apprenticeships are common, and they allow new technicians to learn from more experienced team members. If a pest control business is a sole proprietorship, the owner must obtain a Certified Operator License from their state. This is a type of business license that proves the individual is responsible for making major pesticide decisions, training employees and establishing policies related to pest control operations.
What Qualifications and Certifications Do Pest Control Exterminators Need?
Pesticides are dangerous, and they must be handled with care. Pest control technicians are required to wear protective gear when applying chemicals, including gloves and respirators. They must also carefully inspect a property before and after an application to ensure the chemical doesn’t harm anyone or anything. They need to communicate effectively with customers, reassuring them their infestation problem will be solved and explaining how the treatment works.
If a pest control worker is injured on the job, they need general liability business insurance to protect themselves from lawsuits. They must also carry worker’s compensation, which provides medical benefits and lost wages to affected workers. Lastly, pest control workers need commercial auto insurance to cover the vehicles they drive to clients’ houses and businesses to transport their equipment and chemicals.
In addition to a commercial or private applicator license, the state of Florida requires pest control workers to pass a category and general exam with a score of 70% or higher. Applicants must also complete certification courses and pay a fee to become licensed.
If you want to work as a pest control exterminator, you should be prepared for hard work and long hours. Some jobs require you to be on-call at all times, and you will likely have to travel between client sites. If you have a valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle and an excellent driving record, this might be the perfect career choice for you. Good customer service is also crucial in this field, as you are often dealing with distressed and anxious customers who are desperate to solve their problems as quickly and cost-effectively as possible.