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Pest control technician

Alternative titles for this job include Pest control officer

Pest control technicians identify and get rid of pests like rats, mice and cockroaches.

Average salary (a year)

£17,000 Starter

to

£30,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

45 to 47 a week

You could work

between 8am and 6pm

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become a pest control technician

You can get into this job through:

  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • training with a professional body

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a pest control technician intermediate apprenticeship.

When you have successfully completed your apprenticeship you can apply to become a British Pest Control Association (BPCA) registered pest control technician.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

Direct Application

You could apply directly to become a pest control technician. Employers usually look for GCSEs in English and maths.

Experience in the building trade, health and safety, or in handling chemicals may be useful. Many companies will offer training on the job if you have the right qualities.

Other Routes

You could start by doing an online foundation course through a professional body like the British Pest Control Association. You could then move on to further training to get industry-recognised qualifications.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

You could join the British Pest Control Association and National Pest Technicians Association for professional development and training opportunities.

Further information

You can find out more about working in pest control through the British Pest Control Association.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • to be thorough and pay attention to detail
  • the ability to work on your own
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

A driving licence may be required for some roles.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to-day duties you may:

  • investigate and identify pests
  • collect dead animals and samples for analysis
  • find out how pests are getting into buildings
  • choose a method of control
  • spray chemicals to get rid of insects
  • lay poison and traps or use air guns to control birds and animals
  • repair an area to stop pests returning
  • advise people how to prevent further problems
  • complete reports and keep records
  • handle and store chemicals
  • get rid of dead or captured animals

Working environment

You could work at a client's business or at a client's home.

Your working environment may be at height, dirty and cramped.

You may need to wear protective clothing.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

With experience you could be promoted to supervisor or manager.

You could also start your own business.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a pest control technician right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Are you interested in becoming a pest control technician?

Search for training courses near you.

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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