Pest control operators protect people and property from rats, mice, common household insects such as flies and cockroaches, termites, mosquitoes etc. They might also inspect premises such as restaurants, hotels, food stores, hospitals and homes.
The work of pest control operators entails identifying pests that are causing problems and determining how to control them.
Pest control operators measure rooms to estimate how much pesticide to use and how much it will cost. In some cases, they cut openings into buildings to get to infested areas. They release poisonous gas through hoses and they set traps. Where necessary, they bore holes in walls and concrete around the perimeter of buildings to inject chemicals to kill termites; place poisonous bait in stormwater drains to kill rats; and spray chemicals in drainage ditches to kill mosquitoes.
Satisfying Aspects
- knowing your work helps protect people from pests
- working without supervision
- working in a variety of settings
Demanding aspects
- working overtime, especially during spring and summer months
- working at night to service stores and restaurants
- sometimes having to work in dirty and unpleasant environments
- fumes from pesticides that could be irritating
- possibility of injury on the job
Requirements
A pest control operator should:
- be honest;
- have respect for the law;
- be courteous and tactful;
- be able to work well without supervision;
- have manual dexterity;
- have mechanical ability;
- be in good health.
School Subjects
Grade 10 Certificate.
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, Mathematics
Training
Training takes place in a pest control firm. The duration of the in-service training is usually four years.
REGISTRATION:
A pest control operator must register with the Registrar of Pest Control Operators at the Department of Agriculture Economics and Marketing.
Employer
- pest control firms
- government departments
- provincial administrations
- municipalities
- self-employment, with enough experience, capital and initiative, can set up own business
Contact
Registrar of Pest Control Operators,
Department of Agriculture Economics and Marketing