What Different Jobs are Available in Pest Management?

Some jobs in pest management require workers to visit homes and businesses in order to make inspections and spray for insects. Other people might travel within a given territory to sell pest control services to commercial enterprises. There are also jobs located in offices that deal with marketing, purchasing, and human resources.

When an insect problem is noticed, one of the first things that might happen is a visit from an inspector. This person usually looks at the structure to see what insects it is infested with and the extent of the damage. That way, he can recommend a pest management program for the building owner. Once the building has been sprayed, he may make a return visit to see that the treatment plan was effective.

One of the more common jobs in this industry is an exterminator position. This individual is typically dispatched to a location where termites, ants, roaches or other insects are known to be a problem. He is responsible for spraying chemicals to rid the structure of these pests. This often involves getting into tight places, perhaps even the crawl space of a home.

Some people are employed in pest management sales. These individuals often call on businesses in order to sell pest control services to them. They usually try to get business owners to sign a contract agreeing to let an exterminator spray their premises on a regular basis, typically monthly. This is often done as a preventative measure and is popular with hotels, restaurants, and apartment complexes.

Pest management jobs also exist in an office environment. A customer service representative may answer the phone, schedule service appointments, and resolve customer complaints. This individual may also be in charge of accounts receivable and setting up payment agreements for clients who are having a difficult time paying for services.

Other office jobs might deal with marketing, human resources, or purchasing. A marketing manager could be responsible for advertising the company's services and offering special incentive packages. The purchasing agent might be in charge of ordering pesticides and safety equipment. A human resources manager typically handles employee benefits and work scheduling issues.

The amount of education needed for a job in pest management varies by location and position. Those who work in the field visiting private homes may need to have a criminal background check before being allowed to do so. Some areas also require pest control services or the exterminators who work for them to have an exterminator's license.