Day in the life of
Pest Control Specialist – Nicholas Martin
I’m an entomologist and exterminator with more than 25 years of experience.
My Typical Day
I worked as a solo contractor pest control specialist, so my routines included not only extermination. First of all, my job was about answering calls and messages on Facebook and WhatsApp. People described their pest problems to me, I instructed them on how to behave until I arrive, and appointed the extermination day. I always had my pickup truck equipped with tools and chemicals for all sorts of problems, so I rarely had to return to the office to get extra supplies. Due to this, I could provide almost immediate extermination service all around my city.
Pros and Cons
Being a pest control specialist is not a job for a squeamish person. You must have strong nerves and guts for this or not care about disgusting things. Of course, you can gain tolerance while practicing, but initial interest and tolerance to all sorts of bugs, spiders, snakes, rats, and other pests are good to have. It’s a dirty job that includes dealing with potentially infectious creatures and substances, so you always have to think about protection. Be ready that some insects, rodents, or snakes may bite you one day. I’ve been bitten by all three and those were not the best days of my career.
On the bright side, you have a chance to grow your yearly income up to $75,000, but this depends heavily on the state and city you live in and the number of clients you have. Bigger cities in the south generally pay more to exterminators simply because it’s hotter there and more infestations occur in households and business property.
You should also understand that solo contractors and pest control agency owners have bigger money than employees of pest control agencies. Working as a solo entrepreneur or an agency founder you are in charge of all the business routines as well as your normal exterminator job, but it usually pays off. It’s also important to consider seasonal revenue drops and have a strict balance in your personal and business expenditures to feel comfortable all year long.
Advice to aspiring Pest Control Technicians
To become a certified pest control technician, you need to have a high school degree or an equivalent and pass an EPA-approved training course. After that, you need to pass the state licensing exam to get your license. Education in entomology or a similar sphere is an advantage for your professional image, but it’s not necessary. You will benefit more if you pass a business training course to learn how to start your own pest control business.
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.