Work Environment
This occupation is typically found in the following Career Sector(s):
Videos on the Web
- Pest Controller- from: Youtube Search
- Pest Control Officer- from: icould [UK] Video
Most commonly reported Work Activities
- Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
Working Life
Pest controllers use traps and chemicals to control pests, such as rodents and insects, that are a risk to public health. Some operators also deal with nuisance pests, like pigeons and starlings, which can cause damage to buildings and spread disease. The role includes exterminating pests and stopping them getting into property.
Pest controllers visit properties to examine the type and extent of the problem. They make a visual inspection, looking for evidence such as droppings, chewed timber, holes, nests and smear marks left by rats and mice. In some cases, controllers use traps, or more usually a special bait.
Identification of insects, such as wasps, ants, fleas, cockroaches and bed bugs, can involve estimating numbers from those visible and other traces. When insects are found in stored products, controllers may take away samples of the infested goods for analysis.
Pest controllers use a variety of pesticides, such as wheat-based rodenticides, insecticides, and toxic gases to get rid of a number of different types of pests. It is vital that materials are used safely without risk to people, non-target animals (such as domestic pets) and the environment.
Travel throughout the local area is normally required.
Most commonly reported Work Tasks
- Record work activities performed.
- Inspect premises to identify infestation source and extent of damage to property, wall, or roof porosity and access to infested locations.
- Recommend treatment and prevention methods for pest problems to clients.
- Spray or dust chemical solutions, powders, or gases into rooms, onto clothing, furnishings, or wood, or over marshlands, ditches, or catch basins.
- Clean work site after completion of job.
- Drive truck equipped with power spraying equipment.
- Measure area dimensions requiring treatment, calculate fumigant requirements, and estimate cost for service.
- Study preliminary reports or diagrams of infested area and determine treatment type required to eliminate and prevent recurrence of infestation.
- Direct, or assist other workers in, treatment or extermination processes to eliminate or control rodents, insects, or weeds.
- Post warning signs and lock building doors to secure area to be fumigated.
Further Information
- Pest Control Technician- from: N.C.S. [UK]
Qualities - Pest Controller
This work might suit you if you enjoy practical tasks and are not squeamish. As a pest controller, you need to be able to follow strict guidelines on health and safety. An interest in science is useful.
Good hand skills are needed for setting up and operating equipment. You should also be able to measure and calculate quantities of materials. It is important that you can keep accurate records of all the premises you visit. Therefore reasonable numeric and literacy skills are required.
You should be able to work well with colleagues and communicate with customers. You should also be able to work on your own, using your initiative and making decisions as appropriate.
You must be fit and active. Some work involves heavy lifting, bending and reaching into awkward places. Inspection work requires good powers of observation and close attention to detail.
This type of work may be unsuitable if you have certain allergies, due to contact with chemicals. Although protective clothing, such as overalls, gloves and masks, is normally provided.
Interests - Pest Controller
This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Administrative
Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.
They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.
Entry / Progression - Pest Controller
Entry is usually directly into employment. Training is usually on-the-job carried out by experienced staff. Key skill certs will include: SafePass/ CleanPass, Hazchem, Manual Handling, Pesticide spray, and a drivers licence B or C class.
Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research.
Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.
Example search terms include: business admin, customer service, animal care, management.
Search for FET Courses
PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.
Example search terms include: animal care, business admin, sales, marketing, health and safety.
Search for PLC Courses
Apprenticeships:
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.
Examples: Sales, Applied Horticulture Apprenticeships.
Search for Apprenticeships
Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate)
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.
Example search terms include: business, health and safety.
Search for CAO Courses
Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).
Example search terms include: sales, business, accounts, management, financial advice.
Search for Postgraduate Courses
Professional Development
Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.
The Irish Pest Control Association (IPCA) alongside the HSA Health & Safety Authority holds relevant courses and supports the regulation of the occupational sector.
Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.
Pay & Salary - Pest Controller
Salary Range (thousands per year)* €26k - €45k
Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.
Data Source(s):
Indeed/ Glassdoor / Payscale/ Morgan McKinley/ Excel
Last Updated: March, 2024
Labour Market Updates - Pest Controller
Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Veterinary nurses; Pest control officers; Animal care services occupations n.e.c.
This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).
Numbers employed in this occupation are too small to allow for any analysis. Employment permits issued in 2022 related to work riders in the equestrian sector.
