Unwanted creatures that infest households, buildings, or surrounding areas are pests that can pose serious risks to health and safety. The most common pests are roaches, rats, mice, spiders, termites, fleas, ants, and bees. It is a pest control worker's job to remove them.
Pest control workers locate, identify, destroy, control, and repel pests. They use their knowledge of pests' biology and habits, along with an arsenal of pest management techniques such as applying chemicals, setting traps, operating equipment, and even modifying structures to alleviate pest problems. The final choice of which type of pest management is used often is decided by the consumer.
After a pest management plan is agreed upon, action needs to be taken. Some pests need to be eliminated and require pesticide application. Pest control workers use two different types of pesticides—general use and restricted use. General use pesticides are the most widely used and are readily available. They are available to the public in diluted concentrations. Restricted use pesticides are available only to certified professionals for controlling the most severe infestations. Their registration, labeling, and application are regulated by Federal law and interpreted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), because of their potential harm to pest control workers, customers, and the environment.
Pesticides are not pest control workers' only tool. Pest control workers increasingly use a combination of pest management techniques, known as integrated pest management. One method involves using proper sanitation and creating physical barriers. Pests cannot survive without food and will not infest a building if they cannot enter it. Another method involves using baits, some of which destroy the pests and others that prevent them from reproducing. Yet another method involves using mechanical devices, such as traps, that remove pests from the immediate environment.
Integrated pest management is popular for several reasons. Pesticides can pose environmental and health risks and some States heavily restrict the application of pesticides. Some pests are becoming more resistant to pesticides in certain situations. Finally, an integrated pest management plan is more effective in the long term than use of a pesticide alone.
New technology has been introduced that allows pest control workers to conduct home inspections, mainly of termites, in much less time. The technology works by implanting microchips in baiting stations, which emit signals that can tell pest control workers if there is termite activity at one of the baiting stations. Workers pick up the signals using a device similar to a metal detector and it allows them to more quickly assess the presence of termites.
Most pest control workers are employed as pest control technicians, applicators, or supervisors. Position titles vary by State, but the hierarchy—based on the training and responsibility required—remains consistent.
Pest control technicians identify potential pest problems, conduct inspections, and design control strategies. They work directly with the customer. Some technicians require a higher level of training depending on their task. If certain products are used, the technician may be required to become a certified applicator.
Applicators that specialize in controlling termites are called termite control technicians. They use chemicals and modify structures to eliminate termites and prevent future infestation. To treat infested areas, termite control technicians drill holes and cut openings into buildings to access infestations and install physical barriers or bait systems around the structure. Some termite control technicians even repair structural damage caused by termites.
Fumigators are applicators who control pests using poisonous gases called fumigants. Fumigators pretreat infested buildings by examining, measuring, and sealing the buildings. Then, using cylinders, hoses, and valves, they fill structures with the proper amount and concentration of fumigant. They also monitor the premises during treatment for leaking gas. To prevent accidental fumigant exposure, fumigators padlock doors and post warning signs.
Pest control supervisors, also known as operators, direct service technicians and certified applicators. Supervisors are licensed to apply pesticides, but they usually are more involved in running the business. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees obey rules regarding pesticide use, and they must resolve any problems that arise with regulatory officials or customers. Most States require each pest control establishment to have a supervisor. Self-employed business owners usually are supervisors.
Work environment. Pest control workers travel to visit clients. Pest control workers must kneel, bend, reach, and crawl to inspect, modify, and treat structures. They work both indoors and out, in all weather conditions. During warm weather, applicators may be uncomfortable wearing the heavy protective gear; such as respirators, gloves, and goggles that are required for working with pesticides.
There are health risks associated with pesticide use. Various pest control chemicals are toxic and could be harmful if not used properly. Health risks are minimized, however, by the extensive training required for certification and the use of recommended protective equipment, resulting in fewer reported cases of lost work.
About 47 percent of all pest control workers work a 40-hour week, but 26 percent work more hours. Pest control workers often work evenings and weekends, but many work consistent shifts.
| 1. | Record work activities performed. |
| 2. | Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall and roof porosity, and access to infested locations. |
| 3. | Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings or wood, and over marshlands, ditches, and catch-basins. |
| 4. | Clean work site after completion of job. |
| 5. | Direct and/or assist other workers in treatment and extermination processes to eliminate and control rodents, insects, and weeds. |
| 6. | Drive truck equipped with power spraying equipment. |
| 7. | Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, using rule, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service. |
| 8. | Post warning signs and lock building doors to secure area to be fumigated. |
| 9. | Cut or bore openings in building or surrounding concrete, access infested areas, insert nozzle, and inject pesticide to impregnate ground. |
| 10. | Study preliminary reports and diagrams of infested area and determine treatment type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation. |
| 11. | Dig up and burn, or spray weeds with herbicides. |
| 12. | Set mechanical traps and place poisonous paste or bait in sewers, burrows, and ditches. |
| 13. | Clean and remove blockages from infested areas to facilitate spraying procedure and provide drainage, using broom, mop, shovel, and rake. |
| 14. | Position and fasten edges of tarpaulins over building and tape vents to ensure air-tight environment and check for leaks. |
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