An exterminator is a person that specializes in the elimination of pests from homes and businesses. They use various methods to control pests, including chemical treatments and traps.
Pests can cause major damage to homes, and they also pose serious health hazards for humans and pets. For example, mosquitoes can spread dangerous diseases like encephalitis, and fleas can spread typhus and tick-borne diseases. Contact Bakersfield Pest Control now!
An exterminator works to eliminate pests from homes and businesses. This can include removing rodents and insects, which often require using traps or baits. They also use chemicals to kill or repel these pests. The work can also involve identifying the problem, developing treatment plans, and making recommendations to prevent future infestations.
Identifying a pest is the first step in the process of controlling it. Proper identification will help an exterminator find the best management techniques and avoid harming beneficial organisms. In addition, accurate pest identification can save time and money by avoiding unnecessary treatments.
Pests may differ in appearance depending on the season, stage of life cycle, or environment. For example, a weed seedling may look different than its mature form. Insects can also change appearance as they go through different stages, such as immature or adult. This makes it difficult to identify an insect by eye alone. Therefore, it’s important to have tools such as a field guide or an online pest identification service.
In residential settings, an exterminator may need to enter crawl spaces and other tight spots to access areas where pests are hiding or nesting. They must be able to navigate these spaces safely and without damaging the structure. In commercial settings, an exterminator may need to work with managers or employees of a business to develop a pest control plan that fits the needs of the facility.
While a high school diploma is typically required for an exterminator, many receive on-the-job training from their employers. They also complete extensive courses on the specific pests they will be managing. These programs can cover topics such as a pest’s behavior, habits, food preferences, and threats. Additionally, a pest control worker can complete a three-month general training on general pesticide safety and handling procedures.
Some states also have licensing requirements for pest control workers. This process involves passing an exam and meeting other state requirements. This is usually a good idea, as pesticides can be very dangerous and are not to be taken lightly. Additionally, many states have regulations regarding how pesticides are disposed of.
Developing a Treatment Plan
After identifying pests and their sources, an exterminator will craft a treatment plan that is tailored to the property and specific pest infestation. The treatment plan will include information like the methods they intend to use and the products they’ll employ. It’s important to note that a pest control treatment plan can only be effective if it is implemented in the right way. This is why it’s crucial that homeowners prepare their home for the treatment. This preparation can help improve the effectiveness of the treatment and make it safer for family members and pets.
Preparation for an exterminator’s visit can be as simple as cleaning the kitchen and clearing clutter from countertops and other surfaces. By eliminating obstacles like dusty corners and stacks of laundry, it is easier for an exterminator to find and treat problematic areas of a house. It also helps to remove food items from cabinets and fridges before an inspection and treatment so that these items are not contaminated during a pest control treatment.
It’s also important for homeowners to clear out pet areas so that they don’t interfere with pest treatments. This could mean putting away pet toys, feeding bowls, or bedding, or arranging for someone to take care of pets while the property is being treated. For pets that live outside or in aquariums and terrariums, it’s important to ensure these are covered so that they are not exposed to any chemicals used during the pest removal process.
Another thing to keep in mind is that a pest control treatment can be a bit disruptive and messy, especially when it involves baits or traps. It’s important that children and pets be safely away from the area to prevent injuries or accidents while an exterminator is performing treatments. If pets and children must be present, they should be safely locked away or kept in a separate room to prevent them from interfering with the process.
Performing Treatments
An exterminator’s job is to use a variety of techniques, including the application of chemicals and barriers to prevent pests from entering an area. Some of these chemicals are harsh, so an exterminator must have a high level of skill to use them correctly and safely. An exterminator may also be required to complete government-approved pesticide training programs before being allowed to use certain chemicals.
When applying chemicals, an exterminator must make sure that they are not inhaled or ingested by pets or children. Having strong bookkeeping skills is also beneficial for this career, as an exterminator must keep track of the number of hours they work, pests eliminated and financial transactions made.
After completing the pest control process, an exterminator must provide their customer with recommendations that will help them avoid future infestations. For example, if a customer has a problem with cockroaches, the exterminator may recommend that they fix water leaks in their house as roaches are attracted to moisture. This will not only eliminate the cockroaches but prevent them from returning in the future.
If a client has a problem with wildlife, such as raccoons and skunks, an exterminator may offer animal removal services. These professionals use humane trapping methods to capture and relocate the animals. Another option is to implement deterrents, such as noise machines or physical barriers, to keep the wildlife away from a home or business.
Some exterminators work independently while others are employed by a pest control company. Those who are self-employed typically have a lot of flexibility in their schedules, but they must still be prepared to work evenings and weekends. In addition, they must be able to work in a variety of environments, including inside homes, businesses and industrial buildings.
Being an exterminator is not for everyone. This is a physically demanding career that requires a high level of stamina and a willingness to use harsh chemicals. It is also important to have good interpersonal skills as you will be working directly with customers. For this reason, if you are not comfortable talking to people, then an exterminator might not be the right career choice for you.
Providing Recommendations
One of the most important things an exterminator can do is provide recommendations based on their findings. For example, if they notice signs of termites, they may recommend a series of preventive treatments. They can also help homeowners find ways to make their homes less welcoming to pests. This might include moving furniture or placing items away from the walls, for instance. Additionally, they might suggest sealing cracks or crevices to make the home more difficult for pests to access.
The type of pest infestation is another factor that influences an exterminator’s recommendations. For instance, a brown recluse spider infestation can be dangerous and require professional help. These spiders can bite and inflict serious injury. They are often found in dark, secluded areas and can be hard to reach using conventional treatments. A specialized exterminator might be required to use products like dust or powder to treat such an infestation.
Another thing that an exterminator considers when making recommendations is whether the client can comply with their recommendation. For example, if they notice signs that rodents are entering the home through unreachable places, they might recommend relocating food and water sources to less attractive locations. This can reduce the number of rodents that enter the home and limit the amount of damage they cause.
When choosing an exterminator, it’s important to read third-party reviews. This can give you a better idea of what to expect from the company, including how well it treats its customers and how thorough its treatment plans are. It’s also a good idea to ask for an estimate before hiring anyone. This will allow you to compare prices and choose the best pro for your needs.
If you’re looking for a dependable pest control service, consider using Thumbtack. You can browse profiles, photos, and cost estimates for local pros. Then, when you’re ready to hire, you can book a pro with just a few clicks.
You can also get in touch with an exterminator through their websites or social media pages. Many companies offer online quotes and inspections, making it easy to see what the process will entail before you make your decision. Several companies, such as Arrow Exterminators, also have customer satisfaction guarantees, which can be a big selling point for some homeowners.
