An exterminator is a professional who assesses the scope of a pest problem, devises a strategy, and eradicates the pests. Exterminators can work independently or as part of a pest control company that provides a variety of inspection and extermination services to its customers. Exterminators’ salaries vary depending on where they work, and the job can be dangerous and physically demanding because they work with harsh chemicals and must be able to work in crawl spaces and confined spaces.
Exterminators are typically college graduates. They may gain their knowledge on the job or through pest control training programs that culminate in a certification exam. Exterminators must complete government training programs and demonstrate proficiency with pesticides on an examination in some countries, ensuring that they know how to apply chemicals safely.
When an exterminator responds to a pest complaint, he or she meets with the customers to discuss the problem and conducts a thorough inspection. Inspections of areas where pests have been seen, as well as probing crawl spaces, walls, and other areas where pests are commonly found, are all part of the examination. The exterminator may also walk around looking for pests from outside the house, such as a rotting tree stump that attracts termites or uncontrolled garbage that attracts rats. Many exterminators keep a checklist of things to look for in order to conduct a thorough inspection of any structure, from a single-family home to a multi-story office building.
After determining which pests are present, the exterminator can discuss elimination options with the property owner. Topical pest control agents, trapping, or tenting an entire structure for a thorough gassing to remove pests are examples of these methods. The extent of the extermination campaign is determined the type of pests present, the amount of damage they have caused, and the extent to which they have spread throughout the structure and surrounding area. After the plan has been approved, the exterminator can schedule an appointment to remove the pests.
Many exterminators provide their clients with pest management and prevention advice. The exterminator will make recommendations to prevent recurrence, such as clearing brush and shrubs around a home, recaulking seams, and replacing pest-damaged timbers, especially after an extermination.
Exterminators may also conduct property inspections in addition to exterminations. Many people looking at real estate ask for a pest inspection to confirm the property’s condition. In this case, the terminator will look for signs of pests and may recommend various measures to deal with existing pests or prevent future infestations.