Pest Control Workers

Also called: Bed Bug Exterminator, Certified Pest Control Technician, Chemical Applicator, Commercial Pest Control Representative, Commercial Pest Control Technician

Varies

estimated salary

Pest control 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.

  • 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.
  • Drive truck equipped with power spraying equipment.
  • Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service.
  • Study preliminary reports or diagrams of infested area and determine treatment type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation.
  • Direct or assist other workers in treatment or extermination processes to eliminate or control rodents, insects, or weeds.
  • Post warning signs and lock building doors to secure area to be fumigated.
  • Set mechanical traps or place poisonous paste or bait in sewers, burrows, or ditches.
  • Cut or bore openings in building or surrounding concrete, access infested areas, insert nozzle, and inject pesticide to impregnate ground.
  • Clean and remove blockages from infested areas to facilitate spraying procedures and provide drainage, using brooms, mops, shovels, or rakes.
  • Position and fasten edges of tarpaulins over building and tape vents to ensure air-tight environment and check for leaks.
  • Dig up and burn, or spray weeds with herbicides.
Work Context
  • In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment — 95% responded "Every day".
  • Face-to-Face Discussions — 81% responded "Every day".
  • Outdoors, Exposed to Weather — 82% responded "Every day".
  • Telephone — 72% responded "Every day".
  • Exposed to Contaminants — 67% responded "Every day".
  • Freedom to Make Decisions — 52% responded "Some freedom".
  • Contact With Others — 55% responded "Constant contact with others".
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Work Activities
  • Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment — Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public — Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
  • Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
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Detailed Work Activities
  • Recommend products or services to customers.
  • Estimate maintenance service requirements or costs.
  • Document work hours or activities.
  • Inspect buildings or grounds to determine condition.
  • Treat greenery or surfaces with protective substances.
  • Clean facilities or sites.
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Knowledge

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.
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.
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

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.
Critical Thinking
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Writing
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Speaking
  • Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Abilities

Near Vision
  • The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
  • The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Speech Clarity
  • The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Oral Expression
  • The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Achievement/Effort
  • Persistence
  • Initiative
  • Leadership
  • Cooperation
  • Concern for Others
  • Social Orientation
  • Self Control
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Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Video creation and editing software
  • YouTube Hot Technology
Word processing software
  • Microsoft Word Hot Technology
  • Report writing software
Project management software
  • Microsoft SharePoint Hot Technology
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