Dan_Mercian 27 Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 How would someone go about becoming a pest controller? I know theres quite a few guys on here that do it, But ive never seen one advertised in the job centre or anywhere like that. Do you have to have qualifications in Hygiene and the likes? Or do you just set up, sign write a van and get to work? Im curious thats all Quote Link to post
HUnter_zero 58 Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 How would someone go about becoming a pest controller? The short answer is to get a job in one of the bigger pest control companies such as Rentokil, Ecolab, Mitie, Cannon. No previous qualifications or experience is needed, however competition for jobs is massive these days, so it's an employers market. John Quote Link to post
halamrose 24 Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 some jobs here: http://www.bpca.org.uk/home.html Quote Link to post
DogMagic 461 Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 There are a lot of qualifications for pest control. The big one that an employer will be looking for is the rsph. There is a pest control supplier called killgerm chemicals which is who i use for everything. They can advise you best, probably best to start off with their day long foundation courses in rodent biology/control, insect biology/control, safe use of pesticides then try and get some experience. You havent a hope in hell of passing the rsph without some experience. Then of course theres the insurance, cost of materiels, traps, poisons, starage and transportation of chemicals, keeping up to date with health and safety legislation etc etc. Quote Link to post
Deker 3,478 Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 There are a lot of qualifications for pest control. The big one that an employer will be looking for is the rsph. There is a pest control supplier called killgerm chemicals which is who i use for everything. They can advise you best, probably best to start off with their day long foundation courses in rodent biology/control, insect biology/control, safe use of pesticides then try and get some experience. You havent a hope in hell of passing the rsph without some experience. Then of course theres the insurance, cost of materiels, traps, poisons, starage and transportation of chemicals, keeping up to date with health and safety legislation etc etc. I think the BPCA may have other ideas, especially as the BPCA now incorporates the RSPH in their qualification. Quote Link to post
Dan_Mercian 27 Posted March 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 Cheers for the link Halamrose! The ideal candidate will possess: • Excellent communication skills. • Full driving license. • BPCA/RSPH Level 2 as a minimum. • The ability to work on your own in an efficient manner. • The ability to work as part of a team, providing advice and support to both customers and colleagues. • Experience of dealing safely and successfully with a range of pests, using a variety of pesticides and techniques. • Hard working and determined work ethos. • Flexible attitude to work and a willingness to travel. • Sales skills will be an advantage Ill look into that BPCA course and see what its about Quote Link to post
Dan_Mercian 27 Posted March 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 Modules • Principles of Pest Control • Birds • Insects • Mammals • Rodents Non-Member price: £500.00 + V.A.T. Members price: £300.00 + V.A.T. Individual Modules: £100.00 + V.A.T. The BPCA / RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management exam can be arranged once the user has completed the online modules and feels ready. Quote Link to post
Dan_Mercian 27 Posted March 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 Totally understand what your saying, I was just wondering the route into it and its looking like a bit of a poor choice to make Quote Link to post
matt_hooks 188 Posted March 26, 2011 Report Share Posted March 26, 2011 Dan, it seems great to start off, but then you think what the job will mostly entail. Mostly you will be going round the dirtiest, smelliest, nastiest type of dwelling, stepping around s##t spreading poison to deal with the rats and mice that are attracted to that sort of place. Then you'll be spending a load of your time dealing with wasp infestations, getting stung from time to time. A glamorous job it ain't. And with competition the way it is it's not easy to make a living out of it. It sounds ideal, potter around in your van, chuck some poison about and maybe get some shooting permissions, but I bet very few pest controllers get to do any actual shooting as part of their job! I'm not saying it's all bad, but have no illusions, it's hard, often dirty work. You're dealing with deadly poisons on a daily basis, and by definition you end up in some pretty dirty, nasty places. Quote Link to post
Hmr Hunter 2 Posted March 27, 2011 Report Share Posted March 27, 2011 RSPH is essential but even more essential is experience of the Job, man many varieties of pests and many many different situations, I would suggest anyone would need at least a minimum of 6 months hands on training as there's so many situations you will find yourself in. I was with a great guy for a few months but once I launched out on my own I found myself in situations which I didn't have a clue what to do LOL. One thing being qualified, it's another being Really qualified LOL Quote Link to post
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