Pest Controller

Introduction

Pest controllers identify, catch and destroy pests and vermin, eg, rats or cockroaches, which are causing damage or are a health risk. They may be responsible for setting traps, laying poison, and disposing of the carcasses of dead pests.

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Work Activities

Pest controllers use traps and chemicals to control pests such as rodents and insects that are a risk to public health. Some operators also deal with nuisance pests, like pigeons and starlings, which can cause damage to buildings and spread disease. This includes exterminating pests and stopping them getting into property.

Pest controllers visit properties to examine the type and extent of the problem. They make a visual inspection, looking for evidence such as droppings, chewed timber, holes, nests and smear marks left by rats and mice. In some cases, controllers use traps, or more usually a special bait.

To identify insects, such as wasps, ants, fleas, cockroaches and bed bugs, pest controllers have to estimate numbers from visible and other traces. When insects are found in stored products, controllers may take away samples of the infested goods for analysis.

Pest controllers use a variety of pesticides, such as wheat-based rodenticides, insecticides, and toxic gases to get rid of a number of different types of pests. It is vital that materials are used safely without risk to people, non-target animals (such as domestic pets) and the environment.

Protective clothing, such as overalls, gloves and masks, is normally provided. Travel throughout the local area is normally required.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

This work might suit you if you enjoy practical tasks and are not squeamish. As a pest controller you need to be able to follow strict guidelines on health and safety. An interest in science is useful. You need good hand skills to set up and operate equipment. You should also be able to measure and calculate quantities of materials. You have to keep accurate records of all the premises you visit.

You should be able to work well with colleagues and communicate with customers. You should also be able to work on your own, use your initiative and make decisions.

You must be fit and active. You may have to lift heavy objects, bend, reach or climb into restricted spaces. For inspection work you need to be very observant and pay close attention to detail.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Pest controllers earn in the range of around £15,500 - £19,500 a year. Higher earners can make around £24,500 a year.

Many pest controllers work from 9 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday. However, extra hours may be required on occasional weekends.

Employers throughout the UK include local authority environmental services departments and independent companies with branches throughout the country.

Some experienced pest controllers set up their own business.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have relevant skills and abilities gained in dealing with the public.

• 29% of people in occupations such as pest controller are self-employed.
• 8% work part-time
• 22% have flexible hours
• 12% of employees work on a temporary basis

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