Some call them pest management professionals, while others refer to them as pest control technicians. Regardless of the term used, these workers help in eradicating pests from buildings, homes, schools, food manufacturing firms, and other establishments.
Primarily, the main task in most pest control jobs revolves around controlling or managing pests. Pest control professionals remove pests from apartment buildings, households, places of business, and other establishments, to protect people from harm and maintain structural integrity.
Since the method of eliminating or controlling pests varies from one pest to the other, the workers should generally be able to identify specific pests, know their habits, and understand the appropriate method to use when controlling or eliminating them.
Most pest control workers start as technicians who focus mostly on offering services to customers. However, because some control applications are highly specialised, most technicians tend to have speciality roles, such as fumigation, termite control, wildlife management, etc.
Getting Hired
The job of a pest control professional has minimal requirements. However, most agricultural recruitment bodies and companies prefer applicants who’ve completed their high school diploma. Recruiters mainly seek a high school diploma because the applicants have to undergo further training and education, and therefore getting someone with the qualification is beneficial to both the applicant and the company.
Also, most employers in the UK look for applicants with industry-related qualifications from the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH) or the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), which you can acquire once you start working in the pest control industry. Apart from the training, some employers may look for other prerequisites, such as a driving licence, before getting employment.
Irrespective of whether you want to work independently as a pest control professional or you want to open a company, you need the following to stand out among the many:
1. Get licensed and certified
Most companies and homeowners seeking pest control services are often keen to hire someone with necessary licences and certificates to show that they have accomplished their training in the field. Before anyone allows you into their establishment, they will ask for your identification details, licence and certification.
In some cases, pest control professionals can eliminate or control pests without chemicals, but in most cases, a pesticide application is necessary. Since some chemicals are EPA-registered for restricted use, the professionals should be certified and licensed to handle them. Generally, before you get the license, you have to show proof of documented training and passing the necessary exams. Additionally, because licenses and certifications require periodic renewals, pest control professionals must always update themselves on industry trends through continuous education.
2. Have the necessary knowledge and skills
As a technician or sales representative of a company, you should have a sound understanding of pest control procedures. If you are unsure about something, don’t hesitate to say you will seek clarifications and give feedback. Making up an answer to satisfy a client can lead to loss of credibility and deny you a contract.
3. Maintain a professional appearance
Typically, as a pest control professional, you’ll handle chemicals and track pests residing in dark and dirty alleys. Expectedly, the job can be muddy at times, but you must still maintain a professional appearance. When you visit a prospective client, you should be clean and professional. Ensure that your chemicals and equipment are packed in an orderly manner to show some degree of professionalism.
4. Have a robust portfolio of works
Most clients looking for pest control service prefer to seek referrals from neighbours and friends. As a professional in the field, ensure that you have a robust portfolio of works displayed on your website to bolster your credibility as a reputable pest control company or technician.
5. Brief the client before starting the job
Before you begin an assignment, always start by briefing your client on the pest control problem you’ve identified, what you’ve heard and seen, and ask any probing questions to ensure that you clearly understand the magnitude of the problem. Once you are on the same page with your client, inspect the home and establish the appropriate treatment plan.
6. Brief the client on the chemicals you intend to use
In most cases, pest control professionals tend to use chemicals to eliminate any unwanted creatures that infest buildings or surrounding areas, thereby posing severe health and safety risks. Whichever chemicals you use, always share the details with the homeowners and any of their adverse effects, too.
Moreover, if there is an option for using a non-chemical alternative, the professional should update the homeowner and seek his opinion. Importantly, the chemicals should be clearly labelled and have a professional appearance.
7. Document each procedure
After completing your assignment, provide a report showing the services you’ve performed in detail. Include any follow-up action that you plan to undertake and any advice you offer to the client. Also, include the service cost in your final report.
8. Provide consultation services
As you carry out the service, provide some recommendations for future prevention of the pests. However, the recommendations can come before, during, or after the exercise, depending on the service you are providing. For example, if during an inspection, the technician identifies an abode where the pests reside, he should inform you immediately for an urgent clean-up. On the other hand, if a structural issue is detected, the technician can wait until the completion of the exercise to inform you of the remedial measures you need to put in place.
9. Get insurance
If you are starting your own pest control company, it is essential to get insurance before you begin any work. Most clients prefer working with companies that have an insurance cover because they are assured that their property is protected, and they are also free from any liabilities. Identify an insurer who understands your needs to arrange a specialist insurance cover for you.
10. Consider offering guarantees to your clients
If you run a pest control company, provide your clients with some guarantee, even if it is the most basic one in the form of “satisfaction guaranteed.” Such an assurance makes your clients build trust and loyalty in your company.
Agricultural Recruitment Specialists are worldwide recruitment experts in agricultural, food, farming and rural recruitment and have a variety of executive and management positions available within agriculture, horticulture and the food and rural sectors throughout the UK and the rest of the world. To find out more about our agricultural job vacancies and discuss your future career, contact our team of agricultural recruitment professionals. You can visit our website here: www.agriRS.co.uk or call our team on: 01905 345 155 or email us at: info@agriRS.co.uk
Alternatively, if you are a client looking to expand your team, whilst using a professional recruitment / headhunting solution, then please call us today on 01905 345155 or email us at: info@agriRS.co.uk
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