Pest Controllers and Fumigators
(NOC 7444)
in All Trades and TransportationPest 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 Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$20.19
Median$25.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$48,990
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
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.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$52,088 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
N/ANorth Shore
N/ACape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services
What is the age of Employment?
25-34
35-44
45-54
55-64
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
N/ACollege Diploma
N/ALess than high school
N/ATrade Certification
N/ABachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.