Pest+Control+Technician

Ryan Marshall Pests are unwanted creatures that infest households, buildings, or surrounding areas are pests that can pose serious risks to health and safety. The most common pests are roaches, rats, mice, spiders, termites, fleas, ants, and bees. It is a pest control worker’s job to remove them. Pest control workers locate, identify, kill, control, and repel pests. They use their knowledge of pests’ biology and habits, along with an arsenal of pest management techniques such as chemicals, traps, and even modifying structures to alleviate pest problems. The final choice of which type of pest management is used often is decided by the consumer. After a plan is agreed on, action needs to be taken. Some pests need to be eliminated and require pesticides. Pest control workers use two different types of pesticides—general use and restricted use. General use pesticides are the most widely used and are readily available. They are available to the public bulk. Restricted use pesticides are available only to certified professionals for controlling the most severe infestations. Their registration, labeling, and application are regulated by Federal Law and interpreted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), because of their potential harm to pest people and the environment.

Pesticides are not pest control workers’ only tool. Pest control workers also use a combination of pest management techniques, known as integrated pest management. One method involves using proper sanitation and creating physical barriers. Pests cannot survive without food and will not infest a building if they cannot enter it. Another method involves using baits, some of which destroy the pests and others that prevent them from reproducing. Yet another method involves using mechanical devices, such as traps, that remove pests from the immediate environment.

New technology has been introduced that allows pest control workers to conduct home inspections, mainly of termites, in much less time. The technology works by implanting microchips in baiting stations, which emit signals that can tell pest control workers if there is termite activity at one of the baiting stations. Workers pick up the signals using a device similar to a metal detector and it allows them to more quickly assess the presence of termites. Most pest control workers are employed as pest control technicians, applicators, or supervisors. Position titles vary by State, but the hierarchy—based on the training and responsibility required—remains consistent. Pest control technicians identify potential pest problems, conduct inspections, and design control strategies. They work directly with the customer. Some technicians require a higher level of training depending on their task. If certain products are used, the technician may be required to become a certified applicator. Applicators that specialize in controlling termites are called termite control technicians. They use chemicals and modify structures to eliminate termites and prevent future infestation. To treat infested areas, termite control technicians drill holes and cut openings into buildings to access infestations and install physical barriers or bait systems around the structure. Some termite control technicians even repair structural damage caused by termites. Fumigators are applicators who control pests using poisonous gases called fumigants. Fumigators pretreat infested buildings by examining, measuring, and sealing the buildings. Then, using cylinders, hoses, and valves, they fill structures with the proper amount and concentration of fumigant. They also monitor the premises during treatment for leaking gas. To prevent accidental fumigant exposure, fumigators padlock doors and post warning signs. Pest control supervisors, also known as operators, direct service technicians and certified applicators. Supervisors are licensed to apply pesticides, but they usually are more involved in running the business. Supervisors are responsible for ensuring that employees obey rules regarding pesticide use, and they must resolve any problems that arise with regulatory officials or customers. Most States require each pest control establishment to have a supervisor. Self-employed business owners usually are supervisors.

The people that are enlisted in this type of job can vary in personalities. Some of the people who go to this occupation are excited and love going to places to fight off the different types of bug and rodents. The people in Vex-con, who were shown in an episode of Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe, love killing pests. In the episodes they were shown in they were exited and ready to go.

The typical workplace is someone's house or business that has been overrun with pests. These pests can be very hazordous to someone's health, either the person being allergic to them or the pests carrying diseases and putting them into foods while rummaging through the house.

This type of job can be found pretty much anywhere people live. If someone has a house, business, school, or anything that can have food or what pests like, there are probably going to be a pest control center in a nearby town or city.

Within the nearby future, i think that this job will skyrocket with new technologies to help kill and prevent bugs or rodents.

The salary of this job depends on a lot of things, what type of pest there is, how big is the infestation, what will be needed to help control these pests, etc. If the infection is just a few rats, it probably won't take too much of a dent out of someone's wallet, if there is a kitchen full of termites or roaches, and they are in electronics, cabinets, sinks, etc. the cost will be higher.

A high school diploma or equivalent is the minimum qualification for most pest control jobs. Pest control workers must have the basic knowledge needed to pass certification tests. In many States, training usually involves spending 10 hours in the classroom and 60 hours on the job for each category of work that the pest control worker would like to perform. Categories may include general pest control, rodent control, termite control, fumigation, and ornamental and turf control. In addition, technicians must attend general training in pesticide safety and use. After completing the required training, workers can provide supervised pest control services. Pest control workers usually begin their careers as apprentice technicians. They receive both formal classroom and on-the-job training provided by the employer, but they also must study on their own. Because pest control methods change, workers must attend continuing education classes to maintain their certification, often provided by product manufacturers

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