Pest Control Workers
What is a Pest Control Worker?
Pest control workers are professionals who specialize in the detection, management, and eradication of pests that can cause harm to human health, property, and the environment. Their work primarily involves assessing various environments, identifying pest infestations, and implementing suitable treatments to eliminate or control these pests. These may include insects such as termites, roaches, and ants, as well as rodents like rats and mice, and other unwanted creatures. Pest control workers are trained to use a variety of techniques and chemicals safely and effectively to ensure that pest populations are reduced or eliminated while minimizing risks to humans, pets, and the surrounding ecosystem. This profession often requires knowledge of local regulations regarding pesticide use, understanding of pest behavior, and a commitment to ongoing education to stay updated on the latest methods and technologies in pest management.
Tasks
- Record work activities performed.
- Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall, or roof porosity and access to infested locations.
- Recommend treatment and prevention methods for pest problems to clients.
- Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings, or wood, or over marshlands, ditches, or catch basins.
- Clean work site after completion of job.
Technology Skills
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Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
- Report writing software
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Video creation and editing software
- YouTube
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Data base user interface and query software
- Database software
- Marathon Data Systems PestPac
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Electronic mail software
- Email software
Tools Used
- Animal control traps
- Dusters
- Hand sprayers
- Fog or mist generators
- Two way radios
Knowledge
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Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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High school diploma or equivalent
or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
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Some college, no degree
Work Activities
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
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Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Document work hours or activities.
- Inspect buildings or grounds to determine condition.
- Recommend products or services to customers.
- Block physical access to restricted areas.
- Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$30670.0 - $60430.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.