Bakersfield Exterminator can help homeowners, apartment residents, and businesses eliminate pests. They specialize in pest biology and behavior and can create detailed pest management plans that provide safer, more effective treatment than DIY solutions.
Though they aim to make homes more livable, pest control services and exterminators approach their work differently. Read on to learn more about how they differ.
An exterminator is a person who rids homes and businesses of pests. These include insects like ants, cockroaches and fleas, as well as rodents like rats and mice. A professional exterminator uses a variety of tools and techniques to eradicate these pests, including chemical treatments and traps. He or she also provides recommendations to the customer on how to prevent future infestations, such as improving sanitation and sealing cracks in walls.
To work as an exterminator, a high school diploma is required, and some form of formal education or on-the-job training is usually provided. Some employers may offer specific pest control specialty courses, such as fumigation or termite treatment. Experience with different types of pests is also helpful. Since an exterminator works with dangerous chemicals, he or she must be able to follow strict safety guidelines.
A successful exterminator will have strong communication skills and the ability to think quickly on his or her feet. He or she must be able to log accurate records of treatments and financial transactions. An exterminator may also be required to travel to different locations in order to meet with clients and complete inspections.
In addition to their technical expertise, an exterminator should be able to understand and comply with local and state regulations regarding the storage, transportation and use of pesticides. If the exterminator plans on running his or her own business, he or she will need to develop marketing and advertising strategies that will help generate leads and new customers.
Starting a pest control company from scratch is not for the faint of heart. Not only is it necessary to find a suitable location, but it’s also important to have a strong network of friends and family who can recommend the services of your business. As you begin to build up a client base, you can consider expanding your operation and hiring additional staff members. By investing time and effort into building your company, you can achieve success as an exterminator. By 2024, employment in this field is expected to remain steady with a below average rate of growth.
As with any occupation that involves working closely with chemicals, there are some training and education requirements for exterminators. These vary by state, but typically include a high school diploma or equivalent and extensive on-the-job training. Continuing education is also important in this field, with both state and national professional associations offering conferences throughout the year.
Obtaining pest control technician certification is another key step in becoming an exterminator. Certification demonstrates that you have undergone training and passed an exam covering pest management principles and state regulations. While not required in all states, obtaining this credential can enhance your job prospects and improve your professional standing.
Once you are certified, seek employment with a company that offers pest control services. This will give you valuable hands-on experience and a solid foundation of knowledge on the industry and specific pests. You should also complete any specialized training courses offered by your employer or the pest control industry. These can cover topics such as bed bug treatments or rodent extermination methods.
The work environment for an exterminator is often physically demanding. You must be able to navigate tight spaces and crawl into small places in order to inspect and treat areas for pests. You also need to be comfortable working outside in all types of weather. In addition, you may be driving from customer to customer in a truck that contains dangerous chemicals and equipment. Therefore, you must have a clean driving record and, depending on where you live, you may need a special license to transport these materials.
In addition to eradicating pests from homes and businesses, exterminators can prevent them by providing recommendations on how to minimize infestations in the future, such as improving sanitation or sealing cracks and gaps in buildings. Some exterminators specialize in a particular type of pest, such as birds or raccoons. These experts may use humane trapping techniques to capture the animals and relocate them to a safer area. Other exterminators focus on a particular type of chemical treatment, such as fumigation. This method of destroying pests is generally considered safe for the environment and people, but requires advance training and special equipment.
The work environment for a pest control worker is both indoors and outdoors, and may include many different kinds of weather conditions. The chemicals used by pest control workers are toxic to people if inhaled or ingested, so they must wear gloves and safety goggles when applying them. Workers must also be able to bend and crawl into small spaces, and must be in good physical condition.
Many of the duties of a pest control worker involve putting poison or traps in places where pests hide, and spraying large areas to force them out of hiding. The pest control industry also advises customers on ways to prevent pest problems, such as improving sanitation and sealing gaps where rats or other pests enter buildings.
Most exterminators work for private companies, although some work for government agencies or schools. A high school diploma or GED certificate is generally required for a job as an exterminator, but employers often give new hires on-the-job training with experienced workers. Workers who are interested in becoming a pest control technician should consider taking college courses in chemistry, biology, and business mathematics to prepare for the career.
Because a significant part of the job involves traveling to customer sites, a good driving record and a driver’s license are important requirements. Applicants should be in good health and able to lift fairly heavy objects. They must be able to follow oral and written instructions well, and be able to work independently. A good deal of the work of a pest control worker is repetitive, so a person who is easily bored by monotonous tasks should not apply to this occupation.
For some types of pests, such as termites, a pest control worker must drill holes in basement floors and pump chemicals into the ground under the house. Because of this, knowledge of carpentry is a plus for these workers. In addition, most companies expect their employees to be bonded. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulates the use of some hazardous chemicals, so workers must receive special training on how to handle and mix these substances safely.
Pest control workers, also known as exterminators, eliminate unwanted insects and rodents from homes, businesses, schools, restaurants, and other buildings. They use poisons, traps, sprays, and other means to rid buildings of pests such as rats, mice, cockroaches, bedbugs, bees, wasps, termites, and birds. They also remove pests from outdoor areas such as yards and garbage dumps. Exterminators can find work with private companies, government agencies, and local utilities.
Qualifications for a job as an exterminator include a high school diploma and on-the-job training. Most employers provide some formal instruction and may offer continuing education classes for their employees. Other qualifications for this career include the ability to maintain accurate records of chemicals used and the ability to work well under pressure. Because these professionals often work with dangerous chemicals, they must be able to follow strict safety rules and wear protective gear such as goggles and masks.
The outlook for jobs as an exterminator is favorable. The industry is booming and employment is projected to increase by more than 8 percent between 2024 and 2028. A shortage of skilled workers and the need to replace retiring exterminators will create many new opportunities for people interested in this field.
Exterminators can expect to make a decent salary and enjoy a comfortable work environment. The perks for this job include good health insurance, flexible hours, and the opportunity to travel. A good driving record and the willingness to work outdoors are important, since these professionals often need to drive between different locations. They are sometimes called upon to work in confined spaces, such as small attics and basements. These confined spaces require the workers to have certain skills, such as drilling and using chemical sprays.