Training & Education
A high school diploma or GED and a valid driver’s license are required. Employees also must get licensed or certified in the company' state/province within 90 days of starting work.
This is a highly regulated industry that requires continuous training and licensing. One of the greatest benefits of entering the pest control industry is receiving extensive on-the-job and classroom training. Most pest control companies train new hires to ensure they are prepared for everything they could come across in the field.
Requirements
Requirements of the job include:
- Clear communication skills
- Desire to learn
- Problem solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Conflict resolution
Self-starters are wanted.
While performing the duties of this job, there are also certain physical requirements. A typical day as a technician will require reaching with hands and arms, climbing, kneeling, crouching, crawling, etc. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items up to 75 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.
Responsibilities
The responsibilities of WDO techs include:
- Speak with customers and genuinely listening to their concerns.
- Conduct extensive inspections.
- Problem solve WDO problems by professionally treating and/or repairing structural damage on a variety of commercial and residential structures.
- Maintain contact with homeowners, homebuyers, their agents, company inspectors and others regarding work to be accomplished.
- Complete minor home repairs, including insulation removal and installation.
- Ensure that jobs are done legally, professionally and within specifications.
WDO/Termite Technician Job Description
Termite control technicians are responsible controlling wood destroying organisms with manual solutions or EPA approved products. This job is especially crucial considering the extensive damage termites cause to homes and other structures. Proper termite control is essential in keeping homes and businesses protected from structural damage. Termite control technicians are on the front lines of finding and fixing these issues.
Termite pest control technicians might work to control the following wood destroying organisms:
- Subterranean termites
- Drywood termites
- Dampwood termites
- Formosan termites
- Conehead termites
Work environment
WDO pest control technicians work in many different environments. A typical day can take you to people’s homes, storage facilities, restaurants and everywhere in between.
During a normal workday, you may be required to:
- Set your own schedule to complete a route designated by your employer.
- Communicate effectively with customers about what their pest problem is and how you will solve it.
- Use your ‘detective’ skills to identify their problem and provide a solution.
- Use and maintain safety equipment including bump caps, gloves, goggles, respirators, eye washers, first aid kits and spill abatement equipment.
- Inspect, crawl and work in sub-areas, basements and attics of structures.
- Work appropriately with pest control products that have been approved for use by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
- Understand integrated pest management (IPM) and use the appropriate methods to treat infestations.
- Operate company vehicles, power sprayers, foggers, dusters, drills, vacuums and a variety of common hand and power tools and other equipment.
- Perform minor repairs on tools and related equipment as needed.
WDO/Termite Control technician salary averages
- The average annual wage for WDO/termite control technicians is $43,470*
- The average hourly wage for WDO/termite control technicians is $20.90*
Generally, a termite control technician’s salary ranges from $30,670 to $60,430 per year. Salary is determined by factors like cost of living as well as your education, certifications, skills, and experience. Companies may also offer their termite technicians bonuses or other yearly incentives as well.
*Disclaimer: Exact compensation and benefits packages are at the discretion of individual employers. Data is provided by the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Job Outlook
Invasive insect species are increasing, which is driving a higher demand for pest control services. The employment outlook for termite pest control technicians is expected to grow by 3 percent through 2032, according to the U.S. Dept. of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Each year, around 12,600 job openings are projected, largely due to workforce turnover from retirements or career changes. While some homeowners opt for DIY solutions, many continue to rely on professional pest control services to handle their pest issues.
