Pest control is a slowly booming industry expected to reach new record heights in size and revenue, and it’s easy to see why too. The climate is gradually changing; cold weather is getting shorter, while warm, sunny weather is getting longer. Pests, especially insects, like the warm weather, and it’s in these warm seasons they proliferate best. So, controlling the pest population has never been more important.
Pest control technician as a career option isn’t quite popular, so many people know relatively nothing about what it means to be a pest control technician. As a result, it is critical that we examine who pest control technicians are and what they do.
What Does Pest Control Technician’s Day to Day Look Like?
A pest control technician is an expert or professional thoroughly trained in removing or eliminating pests from buildings and neighboring outdoor areas. Pest control technicians are also hired to conduct site inspections on buildings and the surrounding environment to evaluate pest population and level of infestation. Pest control can be hazardous without proper training and equipment. Hence, a pest control technician receives appropriate and thorough safety training and is also required to wear protective gear while on the job.
Duties Of A Pest Control Technician
A pest control technician is expected to carry out the following activities:
- Creation and implementation of pest control strategies
- Inspection of buildings and environments for evidence of pest infestation
- Determining the dimensions of a house or surrounding environment that requires treatment.
- Installation of traps and baits to kill or eradicate pests
- Application of pesticides to structures and areas when needed.
Becoming A Pest Control Technician: Qualifications and Requirements
If you’re looking for information on becoming a pest control technician in California, you’re in luck! No matter the profession, there are always requirements to be met and “checkboxes” to be ticked before admittance and licensing, and the pest control industry is no different in this regard. This article contains all the vital information you need to know to get started as a pest control technician in California.
Before going into detail, however, on the steps you need to take in order to become a pest control technician in CA, you should know that not just anyone can become a pest control technician. There are some certifications you will need to have first. These pest control certification requirements are discussed below.
Covering the Basics of Pest Control Certification
Irrespective of what dream profession you have for yourself, you will need two main things, access to accurate information and good experience. This also applies if your professional dreams include becoming an engineer or pest control technician.
Contrary to what most people think or believe, becoming a pest control technician isn’t a “formality.” This is because there are career requirements to become a pest control technician. So just as you have to learn and gain experience in other professional niches, you also have to learn some things before being certified to practice as a pest control technician in California.
Do you have what it takes? Here are some of the career requirements you will need to meet to become a pest control technician:
- High school diploma or equivalent—additional training required in certain states
- Detail-oriented with customer service skills
- Certifications or completed courses through state programs
How to Become a Pest Control Technician in California
Pest control technician requirements usually differ in some form from state to state. So depending on your state, there may be specific training requirements necessary before you can become a certified pest control technician.
In California, you must first submit proof to the California Department of Consumer Affairs Structural Pest Control Board that you have completed pre-operators courses for the area you wish to work.
After the pre-operators courses are complete, California requires that you:
- Fill out and submit the Examination Application
- Complete the Fingerprint/Live Scan process
- Schedule and test for your examination within six months of application approval
- Upon passing, pay a $120 fee for your license
The Outlook for Pest Control Technicians
“Did you know that between 2016 and 2026, the number of pest control technicians hired is expected to increase by 8 percent?” This is probably a pointer to why pest control in California is at an all-time high.
Also, if you’re looking to get into the pest control industry, you may be wondering what your income will look like. According to PayScale, pest control technicians can make anywhere from $23,761 to $50,143 a year in total pay. Salary is determined heavily by location and overall experience. This means that as a certified pest control technician, work experience has a significant impact on just how much money you’re going to be able to make.
If you are a recently certified pest control technician looking for a company to work with, look no further than Preventive Pest Control. Preventive Pest Control is the perfect place to begin your journey and gain the experience you need as a pest control technician. At Preventive Pest Control, we love our team and serve in beautiful southern California.
Contact us today to know more about our company, culture, and why we are a premier pest control provider.