Description

Pest control officers investigate the presence of pests that are hazardous to public health or cause nuisance, lay traps to capture pests and treat areas of infestation.

Main Tasks

  • Receives reports from public, property owners and authorities regarding the presence of pests and infestations;
  • Visits sites to investigate the presence of rodents, infestations and other pests that may be hazardous to public health;
  • Lays traps to capture pests, and fumigates and disinfects areas to remove infestations;
  • Advises property owners on courses of action to prevent the return of pests;
  • Liaises with environmental health officers, housing officers and other relevant authorities where measures on a large scale are required to remove pests;
  • Returns to sites to examine contents of traps laid and the continued presence of reported pests;
  • Treats wood for effects of termites, woodworm and other infestations of timber.

Qualifications

There are no formal academic entry qualifications, though some employers may expect entrants to possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is provided on-the-job, supplemented by specialist courses covering different aspects of pest control.

UK Prospects

8500 Workforce Size
8.55% Predicted growth 2026 - 2035

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