Pest control officer

Pest control technicians identify and get rid of pests like rats, mice and cockroaches.

Salary range: £17,000 to £30,000

How to become a pest control technician

You can get into this job through:

• an apprenticeship
• applying directly
• training with a professional body

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a pest control technician intermediate apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships

Direct application

You could apply directly to become a pest control technician. Employers usually look for GCSEs in English and maths.

Experience in the building trade or in handling chemicals may be useful, but many companies will offer training on the job if you have the right qualities.

Other routes

You could start by doing an online foundation course through a professional body like the British Pest Control Association. You could then move on to further training to get industry-recognised qualifications.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Pest Control Association and National Pest Technicians Association for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about working in pest control through the British Pest Control Association.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• customer service skills
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work on your own
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and requirements

You’ll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include:

• investigating and identifying pests
• collecting dead animals and samples for analysis
• finding out how pests are getting in
• choosing a method of control
• spraying chemicals to get rid of insects
• laying poison and traps or using air guns to control birds and animals
• repairing an area to stop pests returning
• advising people how to prevent further problems
• completing reports and keeping records
• handling and storing chemicals
• getting rid of dead or captured animals

Working environment

You could work at a client’s business or at a client’s home.

Your working environment may be at height, dirty and cramped.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

With experience you could be promoted to supervisor or manager.

You could also start your own business.

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