pest control jobs featured in stars and stripes magazine's SPRING 2025 transition guide
FROM NAVY TO BUSINESS OWNERSHIP: WHY PEST CONTROL IS A STRONG CAREER PATH FOR SERVICE MEMBERS
Leaving the military can feel overwhelming, but it opens the door to new opportunities. For many service members, the challenge isn't just finding a job - it's finding a career that offers stability, purpose and growth. Tyler Terronez, a Navy veteran and owner at Mission Pest Solutions, shared his journey from the cockpit to company ownership and why he believes pest control is a great fit for transitioning service members.
Q. What led you to pest control after your military service?
A. I grew up in a military family and always knew I would serve. After high school, I attended the Naval Academy and became a Navy Pilot at Naval Air Station Jacksonville. I still fly with the U.S. Navy Reserves today. When it was time to leave the military, I considered becoming an airline pilot like many of my friends, but I wanted something different. A friend and I explored business ownership, and after researching several industries, pest control stood out for many reasons.
It’s a stable, growing field with a proven business model. We launched Mission Pest Solutions in May 2022, and in nearly three years, we’ve grown to a team of five technicians. We’re small and local, but we’re building something meaningful.
Q: How did you get started in pest control?
A: My business partner and I connected over our kids and a shared love of golf. When we researched business opportunities, pest control checked all the boxes. The industry was incredibly supportive, especially towards veterans. We reached out to business owners locally and nationwide, and they offered guidance and advice, hearing over and over, “This industry is amazing.” The barrier to entry was low—I just needed my certification, which required working under a certified technician. There is a ton of support available to those getting started.
Q: What makes pest control a good career path for service members transitioning to civilian careers?
A: Service members have a built-in advantage in this industry. Pest control requires structure, attention to detail, and following procedures—things we're trained to do in the military. Everything runs on checklists to ensure safety, efficiency and accountability. These habits come naturally to us.
Military service also builds strong leadership and teamwork skills, both of which are critical in pest control. Whether you’re a technician or business owner, you represent a company, just like we represented our units and country. The job also offers a balance of independence and accountability. You’re often working solo, solving problems with customers, but still part of a team with a shared mission.
Q: What are the benefits, opportunities, and growth like in pest control?
A: Pest control is a stable career. It’s an essential service, which means it’s always in demand. Most companies offer competitive pay, benefits, and perks like a take-home vehicle. It’s also flexible. You manage your own day and can take on extra work to increase your earnings. Hard work is rewarded, and there’s plenty of room for growth as you gain experience.
Q: Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known when transitioning out of the military?
A: I wish I had known more about the resources available for transitioning service members. My advice is to take time to research your options. There’s so much information out there—ask questions, network, and take advantage of programs like SkillBridge. Consider an internship in a field like pest control.
For me, starting a business has been incredibly rewarding. It’s been a joy working alongside my partner and small team, sharing a common goal and providing quality service. The transition wasn’t easy, but building something from the ground up has made it all worth it. If you’re looking for a career that offers stability, independence, support and a strong sense of purpose, pest control is a career worth considering.
