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Pest Control Workers

In the Pest Control Workers occupation, workers apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas. O*NET rates it as some preparation, which usually means a few months to a year of learning on the job. It leans on critical thinking, active listening, and writing. The job can ask you to record work activities performed. Its interest code is RCI. Realistic leads at 6.9 out of 7, so expect hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, with Conventional next at 4.2. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.

What they do

Apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.

Main tasks

  • Record work activities performed.
  • Clean work site after completion of job.
  • Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service.
  • Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings, or wood, or over marshlands, ditches, or catch basins.
  • Recommend treatment and prevention methods for pest problems to clients.
  • Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall, or roof porosity and access to infested locations.

Skills

  • Critical Thinking
  • Active Listening
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Monitoring
  • Time Management

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on critical thinking and active listening.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Also called

  • Commercial Pest Control Technician (Commercial Pest Control Tech)
  • Exterminator
  • Pest Control Applicator
  • Pest Control Chemical Technician (Pest Control Chemical Tech)
  • Pest Control Operator

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.