Pest Controllers (also known as Exterminators) use chemical solutions, toxic gases, and mechanical traps to rid residential and commercial buildings and areas of rodents, insects, birds, and other pests.

JOB DUTIES 

Pest Controllers may:

Inspect buildings to identify pests and determine appropriate treatment

Apply chemical sprays or solid chemicals to cracks in floors and walls, under sinks, and other places that provide shelter for pests

Set mechanical traps for rodents

Check the premises regularly to make sure they remain pest free

Advise customers of methods to keep pests from returning

Keep records of service dates and amounts of chemicals used or traps set

The equipment and materials used may include:

OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALTIES

Pest Controllers may specialize in these areas:

389.684-010 EXTERMINATORS use chemical solutions, toxic gases, or mechanical traps to kill pests that infest buildings and surrounding areas.

383.361-010 FUMIGATORS release poisonous gas in buildings to kill dry-wood termites, beetles, vermin, and other pests.

383.364-010 TERMITE EXTERMINATORS treat termite-infested or fungus-damaged wood in buildings. They may cut openings in the buildings or drill holes in the wood to reach infested areas. They then use pressure spray guns to force poisons into the infested area. If the wood is badly damaged, they may cut it out and replace it using carpentry methods and tools.

408.381-010 PEST-CONTROL WORKERS locate and exterminate plant and tree pests and diseases found in fields, brush, trees, and warehouses. They eliminate such pests as boll weevils, Japanese beetles, fire ants, and gypsy moths.

Some Pest Controllers also treat the grounds around buildings to prevent crawling insects from reinfesting them.

In addition to learning about these specialties, you may also find it helpful to explore the following MOIScripts:

084 BUILDING MAINTENANCE WORKER

WORKING CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Pest Controllers generally work alone or with another person on an assigned route. They usually work with little or no supervision after completing a training period. Most of the time they work indoors. They may spend time spraying pesticides outdoors around building foundations and spraying liquid or spreading granulated pesticides on a wide strip around buildings.

Pest Controllers must observe strict safety rules working with poisons that could harm themselves, other people, and pets. They may wear protective clothing, rubber gloves, and gas masks to avoid breathing or having skin contact with the poisons. During and after treating a building, they must make sure no partially-filled or empty containers are left where persons, especially children, may find them.

Pest Controllers generally work a 5-day, 40-hour week. They might have to work overtime to complete a project. Some businesses prefer Pest Controllers to work at the close of the business day, requiring some evening work. Many are assigned a certain number of jobs to complete within a given period of time. If they finish the jobs in less time, they may try to find new customers or take time off.

Because insects, rodents, and birds are more active in spring and summer, these seasons are the busiest for Pest Controllers. Most Pest Controllers travel to homes, restaurants, hotels, food stores, and other places which pests are likely to infest. They may have to furnish their own uniforms and other supplies such as gloves and gas masks. They might receive cleaning allowances or facilities supplied by the employer. Some Pest Controllers belong to unions and must pay periodic dues.

You Should Prefer:

• Working with things and objects

• Using machines, processes, or methods in your work

You Should Be Able To:

• Deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions

• Perform a variety of duties

• Repeat activities/tasks according to a routine procedure or sequence

• Rate information by personal judgment/standards which can be measured

• Work within precise limits or standards of accuracy

Math Problem You Should Be Able to Solve:

If a chemical is supposed to be added with water at the ratio of 50 to 1, how much water would you use with 2 ounces of the chemical?

Reading Example You Should Be Able to Read and Comprehend:

Pesticides, primarily insecticides, are applied to our soil, water, and atmosphere to destroy unwanted insects and other harmful animals.

Writing Example You Should Be Able to Produce:

You should be able to write a report explaining to your supervisor the extent to which you had to fumigate a house and for what reasons.

Thinking Skill You Should Be Able to Demonstrate:

You should be able to inspect a house and then decide what measures would best alleviate the pest problem.

The State of Michigan requires a license for this occupation.  Click here  for "Michigan Licensed Occupations," see Pesticide Applicator, Aerial;   Pesticide Applicator, Commercial;   Pesticide Applicator, Private (see Pesticide Applicator, Commercial); Pesticide Applicator, Registered (see Pesticide Applicator, Commercial); Pesticide Applicator, Registered Technician; or Pesticide Applicator, Approved Trainer for specific licensing information.

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EDUCATION AND PREPARATION OPPORTUNITIES

NOTE: On-The-Job Training provided by the employer, a High School Diploma or Equivalent, and/or a High School Diploma with specific Vocational Education classes may qualify a person for this occupation.

The following education and preparation opportunities are helpful in preparing for occupations in the MOIScript:

***SCHOOL SUBJECTS***

0100 AGRISCIENCE , 0700 CAREERS , 2900 SCIENCE

***VOCATIONAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS***

002 PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE

Approved vocational education programs in Production Agriculture prepare students for occupations that involve planning for and using facilities, land, water, machinery, chemicals, and labor in the production of plant and animal products.

The following courses may be required for completion of this program:

High school students should consult their guidance office for more information about the specific requirements of this program at their school or area vocational education center.

***POSTSECONDARY PROGRAMS***

There are no Postsecondary Programs related to this MOIScript  

Search for a College and/or Instructional Program  

***APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITIES***

There are no Apprenticeships related to this MOIScript

***MILITARY TRAINING PROGRAM***

There are no Military Programs related to this MOIScript  

E-Learning Courses and Programs  

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR EXPERIENCE AND METHOD S OF ENTRY

You may be able to find summer or part-time employment with pest control companies or pesticide manufacturers. Secondary vocational education programs in agricultural production may offer a co-op segment through which experience may be gained.

School-to-Work opportunities include:

informal apprenticeships

mentorships

job shadowing experiences

touring a local Pest Controller employer

internships

volunteer work with a Pest Controller employer

community service work with an agency

To find a job as a Pest Controller, apply directly to employers. Assistance in locating employers may be obtained from newspaper want ads, trade journal ads, high school placement offices, yellow pages of local telephone books, and local offices of Michigan Works!. In addition, you should access and search the Internet's on-line employment services sites such as:

Michigan Talent Bank ( http://www.michworks.org/mtb/user/MTB_EMPL.EntryMainPage )

Yahoo! Careers ( http://careers.yahoo.com/ )

Classifieds Employment ( http://www.classifieds2000.com )

Michigan Department of Career Development ( http://www.michigan.gov/mdcd )

Michigan Works! ( http://www.michiganworks.org/ )

            You should also enter an electronic resume on these on-line services.

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EARNINGS AND ADVANCEMENT

Earnings of Pest Controllers vary according to the employer, the Pest Controller's experience and level of responsibility, and the method of payment.

Nationally, based on limited data, the median annual earnings of Pest Controllers were $24,700 in 2001. However, most earned between $15,300 and $39,000 per year.  The median yearly earnings of  "all" workers in the U.S. were $31,044 in 2001.

Most Pest Controllers in Michigan work on a commission basis. Commissions are based on charges to customers and usually amount to between 20% and 25% of the total charge. In the Detroit area, earnings of experienced Pest Controllers ranged from about $18,700 to over $50,000 per year (mid 2002). Some Pest Controllers also receive a percentage of sales from accounts they open for new customers.

Depending on the employer, most Pest Controllers receive paid vacations and holidays; life, accident, disability, and hospitalization insurance; retirement plans; and sick pay. These benefits are usually paid for, at least in part, by the employer.

Pest Controllers usually begin as trainees and are trained on the job by supervisors and experienced workers. After a week or 2 of on-the-job training, and 2 or 3 months of detailed follow-up inspections, new Pest Controllers are ready to work alone. Individuals with leadership ability may advance to supervisory positions in large companies. Advancement depends on ability, experience, and training. Some Pest Controllers may open their own business.

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EMPLOYMENT AND OUTLOOK

In 2000, there were about 49,700 Pest Controllers employed nationally. Employment of Pest Controllers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010. Some openings are expected each year as workers retire, die, or transfer to other lines of work. About 12.2% of them were self-employed. The industry distribution for Pest Controllers looked like this:  

While some residential pest extermination is done by homeowners, new building construction is often treated professionally for pests such as termites, particularly in the southern United States. The pest control industry is expecting sizable increases in revenue during the next decade. The relaxation of government regulation on small businesses, as well as steady building construction growth will contribute to the positive employment growth for pest controllers.

There were 1,850 Registered Pesticide Technicians licensed in mid 2002 by the Michigan Department of Agriculture. Additionally, there were 1,500+ licensed pesticide application firms in Michigan in mid 2002.

Employment of Pest Controllers was concentrated in major metropolitan areas and large towns. Almost all Pest Controllers worked in the service industry for firms which specialize in this service. A small number worked for government agencies.

Employment of Pest Controllers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2008. Approximately 30 openings are expected annually, with 10 due to growth and 20 due to replacement of workers who retire, die, or leave the labor force for other reasons. Additional openings will occur as workers transfer to other jobs or occupations.

Because pests reproduce rapidly and tend to develop resistance to pesticides, their control is a never-ending problem. However, many residential applications of pesticides are being made by household members, not professional Pest Controllers. This will reduce employment opportunities in Michigan for Pest Controllers.

MICHIGAN'S EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK TO 2008

SOURCES OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Printed Occupational information is available upon written request from the sources below.

SUMMARY PROFILE

The occupation of Pest Controller can be summarized by the following:

Copyright © 2003 Michigan Department of Career Development