- New traps and poisons are always being developed with the hopes of finding a better way to get rid of pests. Before special licensing was required, along with the strong intervention of the EPA, (Environmental. Protection Agency), almost anything was allowed regarding application methods and products used. Dangerous poisons such as cyanide, strychnine and chlordane were employed without regulation, which often proved fatal to non-target species such as pets and even humans. Contamination of grounds, structures and water supplies was also too common. The pest control industry today is highly scientific, regulated and monitored. Each state issues specific licenses that are required by all operators, who must pass tests and pay a licensing fee. They must also comply to a specific amount of hours in special training about pest identification, elimination techniques, safety procedures, chemical mixtures, and equipment operations.
- The operator may be a full time employee receiving all job orders direct from one company or may be a subcontractor who is more or less a freelancer receiving job orders from various companies. Pay rates will vary depending on the employer and the operators experience level. There is no union or specific pay scale in place. Some operators, depending on their specific licensing, may be more involved with rodent control for instance, and others may specialize in termite control. Other operators may specialize in problem birds, or possibly bee and wasp control. The more categories and operator is proficient in naturally enhances his worth.
- The basic functions of the operator is to analyze a problem, and then develop and put forth a plan to eliminate the pests through the use of products such as traps, sprays, gels, powders, aerosols and other products available. In some cases, the reason for a problem may be due to a low sanitation level that can be corrected with a limited use of chemicals once the customer cleans the environment. Possibly sealing off an entry point into a building rodents are using may also solve a problem. A good operator will always suggest what the customer can do themselves to help out, making them understand the situation. The operator must also fill out reports for each job depicting what was done and what products and techniques were employed. There are always new product and procedures being introduced to the industry and the operator will also be required to attend seminars on a regular basis in order to be kept informed.
- One misconception is that a pest control operator runs a risk of inhaling poisonous fumes, coming in skin contact with dangerous chemicals or having to interact with disease carrying pests. This would be a true conception some years ago, but with all of the special safety equipment available and required by OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), along with EPA requirements and all the knowledge an operator must have before being out on their own, a thoughtful operator should never be at personal risk. Also, much of the work is providing preventative routine maintenance so a problem never even has a chance to develop.
- Before entering this field, the candidate should be certain they are a person who is detailed, responsible, willing to study hard and learn, meet new people daily while entering their homes or businesses, and of course not be squeamish over insects and rodents. Also, the operator will find himself working odd hours such as late evenings when a business has closed. This is not necessarily a 9 to 5 job.
