High School
The minimum requirement for pest control occupations is a high school diploma. A college degree is not required, although a significant number of pest control workers attended college or earned a degree. High school classes such as vo-tech, earth science, math, computer science, writing, and chemistry would be beneficial to this profession.
Postsecondary Training
Most pest controllers begin as technicians, when they typically receive formal classroom and on-the-job training to learn pesticide safety and use. Many also train in one or more of several pest control categories, such as nuisance pest control, wood preservation and treatment, rodent control, termite control, fumigation, and ornamental and turf control.
Other Education or Training
Pest control workers can continue to update their skills by participating in continuing education classes, webinars, and other learning opportunities that are provided by the National Pest Management Association. Examples of its course offerings include Ants and Their Management; Back to the Basics: Controlling Cockroach Infestations; Bed Bug Basics; and Biting Flies and Their Management. Women in Pest Control offers educational sessions at its annual conference.
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