National
| Median wages (2008) |
$14.37 hourly, $29,890 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
70,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Faster than average (14% to 20%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
28,000 additional employees |
37-2021.00 - Pest Control Workers
Spray or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill pests and vermin, such as mice, termites, and roaches, that infest buildings and surrounding areas.
Sample of reported job titles:
Pest Control Technician, Chemical Applicator, Service Technician, Pest Technician, Technician, Termite Technician, Pest Control Chemical Technician, Pest Control Applicator, Pest Control Operator, Renewal Technician
Tasks
- Record work activities performed.
- Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall and roof porosity, and access to infested locations.
- Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings or wood, and over marshlands, ditches, and catch-basins.
- Clean work site after completion of job.
- Direct and/or assist other workers in treatment and extermination processes to eliminate and control rodents, insects, and weeds.
- Drive truck equipped with power spraying equipment.
- Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, using rule, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service.
- Post warning signs and lock building doors to secure area to be fumigated.
- Cut or bore openings in building or surrounding concrete, access infested areas, insert nozzle, and inject pesticide to impregnate ground.
- Study preliminary reports and diagrams of infested area and determine treatment type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation.
