What it takes to make a living in Pest Control

When your bird feeder becomes a "rat feeder" it's time to call the exterminator.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there were approximately 95,000 pest control workers employed in the United States as of May 2020. This number has been growing in recent years, due in part to the increasing demand for pest control services as populations grow and urban areas expand.

The demand for pest control services is expected to continue to increase in the coming years, as the global population grows and urbanization continues. This means that there is likely to be a continued need for pest control workers, especially in areas with high populations and high levels of urbanization.

While the number of pest control workers is relatively small compared to other industries, it is a growing field that offers a range of career opportunities for those interested in working in the environmental and agricultural sciences. With the right training and education, individuals can enter the field and build successful careers in pest control

Compared to some other industries, the number of pest control workers in the United States is relatively small. However, it is still a significant number of people and it reflects the importance of pest control services in maintaining public health and safety, as well as protecting crops and other valuable resources.
Quebec takes action on regulating pesticides

In addition, the demand for pest control services is expected to continue to increase in the coming years, due to factors such as population growth, urbanization, and the spread of invasive species. This means that the number of pest control workers is likely to grow as well, creating additional job opportunities for those interested in working in the field.

Overall, while the number of pest control workers may not be as high as in some other industries, it is still a significant number of people who play an important role in protecting public health and the environment.

There are several job titles that are related to pest control, including:

  1. Pest Control Technician: A pest control technician is responsible for inspecting and treating homes, businesses, and other structures for pests. They use a variety of methods, including chemicals, traps, and exclusion devices, to control pests and prevent infestations.
  2. Pest Control Specialist: A pest control specialist is an expert in the field of pest management who is responsible for developing and implementing pest control strategies for homes, businesses, and other structures.
  3. Pest Control Sales Representative: A pest control sales representative is responsible for selling pest control services to homes, businesses, and other organizations. They must have a strong understanding of pest biology and behavior, as well as the products and services offered by their company.
  4. Pest Control Manager: A pest control manager is responsible for overseeing the operations of a pest control company. This may include managing employees, developing and implementing pest control strategies, and ensuring that company standards are maintained.
  5. Pest Control Trainer: A pest control trainer is responsible for training new employees on the principles and practices of pest control. They must have a strong understanding of pest biology and behavior, as well as the products and services offered by their company.

How much do Pest Control workers make?

The average earnings in the pest control industry can vary depending on several factors, including location, experience, education, and the size and type of company you work for.

In the United States, the median annual salary for pest control workers was $38,560 as of May 2020, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the top 10% of workers in the industry earned more than $58,560 per year, while the bottom 10% earned less than $26,400 per year.

It’s also worth noting that salaries can vary depending on the specific type of pest control work you do. For example, those who specialize in high-end pest control services, such as bed bug extermination or termite control, may earn higher salaries than those who specialize in general pest control services.

In general, the average earnings in the pest control industry are similar to those of other trades and blue-collar jobs, and the earning potential can vary widely depending on a variety of individual factors and circumstances. To get a better sense of the average earnings in the industry, it is a good idea to research salaries in your area and speak with professionals in the field.

What about starting your own Pest Control business?

It is possible to make six figures working in pest control, although the specific salary will depend on several factors, including your experience, education, location, and the size and type of company you work for.

In general, those with more experience and higher levels of education and certification can earn higher salaries in the pest control industry. Additionally, working for a larger, more established company, or one that specializes in high-end pest control services, can also increase your earning potential.

It’s also worth noting that some pest control technicians choose to start their own businesses and become self-employed, which can potentially increase their earning potential as well. However, starting a business also involves risks and additional responsibilities, such as obtaining the necessary licenses and insurance, marketing the business, and managing finances.

In general, the potential to make six figures in pest control exists, but it will depend on a variety of individual factors and circumstances. To get a better sense of the earning potential in the industry, it is a good idea to research salaries in your area and speak with professionals in the field.

There are several costs associated with owning a pest control business, including:

  1. Start-up costs: This can include the cost of registering the business, obtaining licenses and insurance, purchasing equipment and supplies, and marketing the business.
  2. Equipment and supplies: This can include items such as protective clothing, tools, chemicals, and vehicles.
  3. Marketing and advertising: This can include costs for creating and distributing flyers, advertising in local media, and maintaining a website and social media presence.
  4. Employee salaries and benefits: Depending on the size of the business, you may need to hire employees to help with tasks such as customer service, sales, and field work.
  5. Office and storage space: You may need to rent or lease space for your office, storage, and equipment.
  6. Insurance: This can include liability insurance, worker’s compensation insurance, and vehicle insurance.
  7. Continuing education and certification: In the pest control industry, it is important to stay up-to-date with the latest techniques and regulations. This can include costs for attending training courses, obtaining certifications, and renewing licenses.

These are some of the main costs associated with owning a pest control business. The actual costs will vary depending on the size and type of business you start, as well as the location and regulations of the area in which you operate. It’s important to carefully research the costs and regulations in your area and to plan your budget accordingly.

Pest Control success stories

There are many inspiring examples of individuals who have built successful pest control businesses from the ground up. Here are a few:

  1. Glen Ramsey: Glen Ramsey started his pest control business in the basement of his home in the 1980s. Over the years, he built his business into one of the largest and most successful pest control companies in the Southeast United States.
  2. John Gwynn: John Gwynn started his pest control business in the 1980s and quickly grew it into a successful and well-respected company. He is known for his focus on customer service and his commitment to using environmentally friendly pest control methods.
  3. Laura Morey: Laura Morey started her pest control business in the 1990s and has since grown it into one of the largest and most successful companies in the industry. She is known for her innovative marketing strategies and her commitment to providing high-quality, affordable pest control services to her customers.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have built successful pest control businesses from the ground up. Each of these individuals faced unique challenges and opportunities, but they all had a strong commitment to their business and a drive to succeed. Their stories are inspiring and serve as a reminder of what can be achieved with hard work, dedication, and a focus on customer service.

Training

The training required to work in pest control can vary depending on the state or country in which you work. In general, the following steps may be involved in getting started in the pest control industry:

  1. High school diploma or equivalent: Most pest control companies require a high school diploma or equivalent as the minimum educational requirement.
  2. Training program: Many states require pest control technicians to complete a training program and obtain certification. Training programs can be completed through trade schools, community colleges, or on-the-job training with a pest control company.
  3. Licensing: Some states require pest control technicians to obtain a license to work in the industry. The requirements for licensing can vary, but typically include passing an exam and completing a certain number of continuing education courses.
  4. On-the-job training: Many pest control companies offer on-the-job training for new technicians, where they will learn about the different methods and techniques used to control pests, as well as safety procedures and regulations.
  5. Professional development: The pest control industry is constantly evolving, and ongoing professional development is important to keep up with the latest techniques and advancements. Many pest control companies offer continuing education opportunities for their employees.

In general, it takes several months to a year to become fully trained and certified as a pest control technician. The exact amount of time and training required will depend on the specific state or country in which you work and the requirements of the pest control company you work for.

Safety

Putting away poison, Ed Mills, Pest Control, Commercial Te… | Flickr
Putting away poison, Ed Mills, Pest Control, Commercial Technician, Sayfrog.com, Broadview, Seattle, Washington.

Working in pest control can involve handling chemicals and other materials that may be hazardous to your health if not handled properly. However, with the proper training and safety measures, the industry can be safe.

To minimize the risks associated with working in pest control, it is important to follow all safety procedures and regulations, such as wearing protective clothing, using equipment and chemicals as directed, and being aware of the potential hazards associated with the job.

Additionally, pest control companies are required to comply with safety regulations set by local, state, and federal agencies, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States. These regulations are designed to help protect the health and safety of workers in the industry, and companies that do not comply can be fined or face other penalties.

Overall, working in pest control can be safe as long as proper training, safety measures, and regulations are followed. If you are concerned about the safety of working in pest control, it is a good idea to research the industry and the specific company you are considering working for, and to speak with current or former employees to get their perspective on the safety of the job.