How to Become a Pest Control Technician
When a home or building has an infestation, a pest control technician is called upon to get rid of the unwanted creatures. Pest control technicians kills pests and vermin, like cockroaches, termites and mice using chemical solutions, gases or physical traps. According to the May 2008 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Wages and Employment data, the average salary for a pest control technician was $29,890. Job prospects are expected to be very good. Employment growth is projected to increase by a rate of 15 percent through 2018, which is considered faster than average.
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Instructions
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Instructions
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Get a high school diploma or its equivalent. The minimum qualification for most pest control jobs is a high school diploma or its equivalent, according to the BLS. Some jobs may not require any formal education, so it's important to do your research first.
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Get hired and receive training from your employer. Training usually lasts 3 months. According to the BLS, a pest control technician may receive a combination of formal classroom education and on-the-job training from an employer. Subjects may include general pest control, termite control, rodent control, fumigation, and ornamental and turf control. Technicians also attend training in pesticide safety and usage.
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Get a license. Pest control workers must be licensed, according to the BLS. Requirements vary from state-to-state and information on licensing can be found in specific state departments. For example, California's department is called the California Department of Pest Control Regulation. Generally, after a worker undergoes a training period, he must pass an exam. Some states require a high school diploma or its equivalent, as well as a background check. In some states, individuals may work as apprentices prior to becoming licensed.
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Workers provide pest control services under the supervision of an experienced pest control worker. As the worker gains more experience, she may be able to work without supervision.
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- Photo Credit cockroach 5 image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com
