Pest controller

Pest controllers identify, catch and destroy pests and vermin, such as rats or cockroaches, which could cause damage to buildings or are a health risk. Pest controllers are also responsible for setting traps, laying poison and disposing of dead pests.

Work activities

Pest controllers use traps and chemicals to control pests, such as rodents (rats and mice) and insects, that are a risk to public health. Some controllers also deal with creatures that might be a nuisance, like pigeons and starlings, which can cause damage to buildings and spread disease. They might stop pests getting into property or exterminate (get rid of) them. Pest controllers visit properties such as houses, shops, warehouses, farms and factories 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. They might have to inspect confined areas such as lofts, roof spaces, cellars, sewers or sheds. They try to find out how and where the pests are getting into the property. Identifying the size and scale of the problem with insects such as wasps, ants, fleas, cockroaches and bed bugs can involve estimating numbers from those visible and other traces. When insects are found in stored products, controllers might take away samples of the infested goods for analysis.

Once the cause has been found, the pest controller decides on how to treat the problem. In some cases, pest controllers use traps, or more usually a special bait. 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’s vital that materials are used safely without risk to people, other animals (such as domestic pets) and the environment. They might also use ‘biological’ controls, which involves using a natural enemy of the pest to control it. A common example is using cats to control mice populations. Pest controllers might also give advice and recommendations to stop further infestation happening. They might do minor repairs to fill in holes or gaps where pests are getting in. They also write reports. Pest controllers carry out routine preventative inspections for regular clients; they identify and assess risks and provide advice to clients on how to avoid problems. Protective clothing, such as overalls, gloves and masks, is normally provided. Travel throughout the local area is normally required.

Personal qualities and skills

As a pest controller, you need:

To follow strict guidelines on health and safety.
To enjoy practical tasks and not be squeamish.
Knowledge of relevant laws, such as those relating to wildlife and conservation, (as some birds or animals – even if they are considered a pest by many – might be protected by law).
Good hand skills for setting up and operating equipment.
Number skills for measuring/calculating quantities of materials.
Planning and prioritising skills.
To keep accurate records.
To work well with people and have good communication skills.
To work well on your own, using your initiative.
Good decision-making and problem-solving skills.
Fitness, for bending, lifting and reaching into awkward places.
To keep up to date with changes in relevant laws, industry developments and use of equipment.
Good powers of observation, paying close attention to detail.

An interest in science is useful. You will usually need a current driving licence.

Pay and opportunities

The pay rates given are approximate. Pest controllers earn around £22,000 per year, rising to £30,000 with experience.

Many pest controllers work full-time hours, Monday to Friday. However, extra hours might be required on occasional weekends. This weekend work might be done through an on-call rota system.

Employers include local authority environmental services departments and branches of large pest control companies. Opportunities for pest controllers occur in towns, cities and rural areas throughout the UK.

Opportunities occur for experienced pest controllers to become self-employed in their own business.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on local authority websites and job boards, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Large employers have their own websites, where vacancies are advertised as they arise.

Entry routes and training

A level 2 (intermediate) apprenticeship in the role of pest control technician could be a great place to start.

Training is usually on-the-job with experienced staff. This could be combined with off-the-job training courses. The Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) offers Award/Certificate/Diploma courses in Pest Management. The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) and The National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) also offer other relevant training courses.

Some pest controllers move into supervisory or managerial positions. Others who work for local councils might move into other departments within the council. Some become self-employed.

Qualifications

If you wish to enter this career through an apprenticeship, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme. A relevant work-related qualification, such as an Edexcel (BTEC) level 2 First qualification, may also be accepted for entry. A full, clean driving licence is often required.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: 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.

Related careers

Cleaner – industrial
Healthcare assistant
Refuse collector