Pest Controllers and Fumigators

Nature of work

Pest controllers and fumigators inspect buildings and outside areas for pest infestation and spray chemical treatments to kill noxious and destructive insects, rodents and other pests or set cage traps to capture and remove animals. They work for pest control companies, or they may be self-employed.

Job duties

Pest controllers and fumigators:

• Inspect buildings and outside areas at regular intervals or at specific request of property owner to detect signs of infestation.
• Determine type of treatment required and provide cost estimate to clients.
• Prepare and spray chemical mixture on infested areas using mechanical or electric sprayer to kill insects, rodents, and other pests.
• Fumigate households.
• Place and set traps to capture and remove animals like skunks or raccoons.
• Install animal control barriers like needle strips, netting, and other devices to keep animals off property.
• Clean out areas that harbour pests using rakes, shovels, brooms, or mops.
• Advise clients on how to prevent pest infestation.

Sample job titles

• animal control trapper
• exterminator
• fumigator
• nuisance control trapper
• pest control service representative
• pest controller
• pest exterminator

Skills

• You should be in good physical condition to be able to inspect sites that often require kneeling, bending, and crawling in tight spaces. You should be comfortable working with a variety of chemicals and wearing protective gear like respirators, gloves, and goggles. Customer service skills can also be an asset.

Job requirements

• High school is usually required.
• Courses in pest control or extermination or several months of on-the-job training are usually required.
• Provincial pesticide applicator licence is required in Nova Scotia.

Other considerations

• Movement to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

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Contacts

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