High School

The minimum requirement for pest control occupations is a high school diploma. A college degree is not required, although nearly half of all pest controllers have attended college or earned a degree. High school classes such as vo-tech, earth science, math, 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.

Certification or Licensing

Under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, all pesticide products are classified by the degree of hazard they pose to people and the environment. Therefore, pest control workers must be licensed in all states. Most states require the applicant to pass a written examination after completing an at-home study or training classes.

Other Requirements

Pest control workers generally need a valid driver's license and safe driving record in order to make service calls and may need to pass a criminal background check.

Pest control technicians should be able to use good judgment and follow oral and written instructions well because any mistakes they make applying or handling chemicals could result in serious injury or even death for either themselves or their clients. Pest control workers should be friendly because they often represent the company and greet the customer as well as have access to the client's home.

Pest control workers should be in good general health and able to lift fairly heavy objects as well as comfortable working well alone. Manual dexterity and mechanical ability are also important for pest control workers.