Pest Control Technicians Help Keep Unwelcome Guests at Bay

Pests like rats, roaches, termites and bed bugs can damage homes and businesses, making them uninhabitable. Pest control technicians use their skills to help keep unwelcome guests at bay.

Pest control technicians typically need a high school diploma or GED certificate and may need to complete a training program from a community college, technical center or other educational institution before getting certified through a state pesticide regulatory agency.

Prevent Pest Entry

Pests come into homes looking for food, water, shelter, warmth and other things they need to survive. They often enter through small cracks, crevices and holes, including those around doors, windows and foundations.

To prevent these pests from entering, keep the inside of your home clean and free of clutter. This includes washing dishes immediately after using them, emptying trash cans outside and keeping items in basements and attics sealed up. Piles of newspapers, magazines and other items also provide breeding and hiding places for pests.

In crawl spaces, look for gnaw marks, tracks, burrows and odors to spot pest activity. If you need to store things in a crawl space, keep them tightly sealed in plastic containers. Also seal gaps and cracks, including those around plumbing pipes. Lastly, place a dehumidifier in any rooms with humidity problems to reduce moisture. Keeping pests away from your establishment will help prevent them from spreading germs and contaminating supplies, such as those in healthcare or hospitality settings.

Keep Your Home Clean

Pest control technicians are the people who deal with ants, rats, fleas, and other unwelcome guests. They help prevent and eradicate infestations by using traps, baits, chemical spraying, and fumigation. They also provide advice on prevention and treatment to clients.

To protect themselves and their clients, pest control technicians use personal protective equipment such as gloves, a respirator, and safety goggles. They may also need a hat and safety boots depending on the nature of the job.

Before the technician arrives, it’s important to clean any areas that are affected by pests and make sure that there are no food or water sources near where they will be working. Once they leave, follow their directions on how long to wait before cleaning and do not disturb any baits or traps that have been placed. This will allow the chemicals to work properly and give you the best possible results. A good quality pest control treatment should result in a significant reduction in pests within one to two days.

Fix Any Leaky Pipes or Faucets

A leaking faucet may seem harmless, but it can create a watering trough for rats and other pests. It can also support mold growth and provide a place for termites to make their homes.

If a leak is found, a pest control technician can use caulk or other materials to seal the area around the leak. He can also use hinged metal collars to cover the openings of pipes where they enter structures or run through walls.

As with any chemical application, the pest control technician must always follow the instructions on the product label. This includes wearing any required protective gear, such as gloves, a respirator and a helmet. A technician should also thoroughly clean equipment after each job, which can help prevent contamination. Customer service skills are also important for this type of work, as pest control technicians often interact directly with customers. They should be able to explain the process of a treatment in a way that is easy to understand.

Seal Any Cracks or Gaps

If pests can get into your house through small cracks, you may be able to prevent them from returning by sealing these openings. You can use caulking to seal the cracks and gaps in your home. Make sure to clean off any loose dirt or debris before applying the sealant. You can also use a flexible putty knife to gently tool the sealant after it has dried.

If you want to work in this field, you can obtain on-the-job training from pest control companies. You can also take pest control classes and workshops, read trade publications, and pursue certification to boost your skills.

Pest control technicians are service workers who inspect and treat pest infestations in homes, businesses, restaurants, farms, and other structures. They use pesticides, traps, and other tools to eliminate unwanted insects, bugs, and rodents. The following cities pay above the average salary for this job: Santa Cruz, El Cerrito, and Sunnyvale. These salaries were sourced from ZipRecruiter and are based on the number of jobs posted in each city over the past year.