When a homeowner suspects, or confirms, a pest infestation on their property, the first reaction for many is to tackle the problem themselves. DIY pest remediation methods can generate mixed results.
Depending on the type of pest and the severity of the problem, it may be better for a homeowner to contact a trained pest control technician.
When choosing the right pest control company, homeowners should always research the companies they are considering. Ask for referrals, read online reviews, and check out each company’s websites and social media pages.
This due diligence is important so you as the homeowner know the company has the technicians with the right skills, credentials, and equipment to solve your pest problem. (Want to know why it’s so important to keep your home in great shape, and how a pest control company like The Pest Rangers can help you achieve that? Read how The Pest Rangers helped Martha Stewart).
Are there qualifications for being a pest control expert in Northeastern Pennsylvania?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level pest control technician positions typically require a high school diploma or equivalency. There are also specialized programs available to obtain a pest control technician job.
Courses can include termite control, fumigation, and other specific remediation methods. Depending on the program, it can take a few weeks or several months to receive your certification and begin a career as a pest control professional.
Besides their formal training, many entry-level techs receive valuable on-the-job training from their employer. The job outlook for this field is promising, with a 10% growth rate over the next decade. The average salary is approximately $18/hour or $40,000 per year.
Like most jobs, pest control technicians are expected to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in the industry. This can be anything from a new problematic pest wreaking havoc for homeowners, to a new remediation method, and anything in between.
Even technicians who have worked in the field for several years complete ongoing pest control training so they are addressing customers’ pest problems safely, effectively, and correctly.
You can find a job as a pest control technician through online job sites, in-person or virtual job fairs, or word-of-mouth referrals. Besides the technical knowledge, as a pest control technician, it’s important to have good customer service skills due to regular interaction with the public.
How can you confirm the company you choose has the right qualifications?
You always want to do business with professionals you can trust. Every pest control technician must pass a test to obtain their industry licensure. This information is usually available on the firm’s website, or ask them directly when you contact the company.
Requirements vary from state to state, but in Pennsylvania, you must be licensed to administer pesticides. The type of license you need will depend on who your employer is, and what pesticides you will be working with.
To receive your license, you must successfully complete a closed-book written exam in each category of application, as well as a Core Exam, with a grade of 70 percent or higher. (A valid ID is required to take the exam). The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture administers the tests at different times and locations throughout the Commonwealth.
The most common licensure for household pest control workers is a certified pesticide applicator license with a Core and Household and Health-Related pest control category certification. Entry-level technicians are Registered Pesticide Technicians and are covered under their employers’ licenses.
States require different licensures for different types of pesticide applications; it is best to visit their Department of Agriculture’s website to learn more about specific requirements.
What are the best questions to ask so you select the right company for you?
You want to select the best company for your needs. You want a company that can identify the pest problem in your home and, more importantly, how to get rid of it.
Below are a few of the best questions to ask when you are looking for a top-quality pest control company:
- “How long have you been in business?”
- “Are all of your technicians licensed?”
- “How do you decide the best treatment to use?”
- “How much training do your technicians receive?”
- “Are your treatments safe for people? Pets?”
When you have selected a company you feel comfortable with, below are a few of the most common questions to ask the tech at your first appointment:
- “What kind of pest is in my home?”
- “Have you ever removed (types of pest) before? What remediation methods did you use?”
- “How do you decide on the right treatment for this type of pest?”
- “How long before we see results?
- “Will a follow-up appointment be needed?”
- “What if the pests come back?”
Due diligence is important for finding the right type of professional you need. When you find and hire a pest control technician, it’s just as important to ask the right questions about the treatments they will be using, their effectiveness, and what happens if the treatment fails.
The Pest Rangers’ fully-licensed team of pest management professionals stand ready to work with you on all of your pest control needs. We guarantee residential customers will be satisfied with our results, or else we will continue to work on finding a solution for your pest problems until you are completely satisfied.
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