Pest exterminators prevent and control infestations of insects, rodents, and other organisms. They use various strategies such as pesticides, fumigation, trapping, and education. Exterminators must complete an apprenticeship program and pass licensing exams. The demand for skilled exterminators is consistent, and environmental policies are forcing them to alter their pest control strategies.
A pest exterminator is a professional who prevents and controls infestations of insects, rodents and other organisms that pose a threat to people and property. Many exterminators offer a wide range of services, although some specialize in the type of pests they target or the procedures they use to control populations. A pest exterminator may employ a number of different strategies, such as applying pesticides to an area, fumigating a home or building, trapping animals, and providing educational resources to individuals on how to prevent future infestations.
One of the most common tasks for many pest exterminators is spraying a farm, home or commercial building with pesticides, a mixture of chemicals designed to kill pests and preserve the health of plants, pets and people. An exterminator will usually inspect an area for concentrations of pests and spray them with a specialized applicator. An overwhelming infestation of insects such as bed bugs or termites may require a pest exterminator to quarantine and fumigate an entire building. Specialized fumigators seal buildings and release poisonous gases to destroy living pests and their eggs.
Professionals also employ traps and barriers to control pest populations. A pest exterminator can place rodent traps in a building or repair holes in walls or foundations to prevent the critters from burrowing. Often, sealing holes and thoroughly sanitizing a building effectively deters ants, roaches, and other insects that thrive in dark, dirty environments.
Pest exterminators often provide farmers and homeowners with information on how to control pest populations. A professional can inform an individual about the likelihood of seasonal infestations, recommend safe commercial products, and explain the importance of preventative strategies. A mosquito exterminator, for example, might suggest that a homeowner prevent standing water and close septic tanks to make their property less attractive to pesky bugs.
To become a pest exterminator, a person must typically complete an apprenticeship program to learn the fundamentals of the job. The length and nature of internships vary by location and employer, although most new employees spend up to two years training. Individuals receive classroom instruction and hands-on training to learn about different pest control strategies, the safe use of chemicals, and environmental regulations. Most states and countries require new exterminators to pass licensing exams upon completion of apprenticeship programs.
There is a consistent demand for skilled exterminators in both urban and rural settings. A growing global focus on environmental policy is resulting in tighter regulations on pesticides and other chemicals, forcing exterminators to alter their pest control strategies. Many professionals avoid chemical treatments altogether, focusing instead on traps, barriers, and public awareness to prevent unwanted critter invasions.
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