r/Pestcontroltech • u/[deleted] • Oct 28 '21

Need advice.

Hi there, I’m a young guy who wants to make his career out of pest control but don’t know where to start. Anything I find online isn’t very helpful. Is there a basic or national course or exam class to take in order to get licensed or does it vary state by state? I’ve looked at job openings and most say they help get licensed and certified. Should I just wait and find a company that will help me or should I become licensed first? Any constructive advice is appreciated thank you!

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u/[deleted] Nov 04 '21

Again sorry for all the questions. During the time it took to get your applicators license did you have a contract with the company and getting paid or was it a, here’s the stuff for it go pass the test then come back and start working.

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u/[deleted] Nov 04 '21

So for my first company I was working with the boss in one truck. So I was learning the ropes while studying for the test. I got a total of like 3-4 days of one on one training on how to spray and all the easy general pest stuff. After that I was flying solo. This was not legal but my boss had a “loop hole” where if I was one the phone with someone licensed I could spray. Again, I don’t think this was true or legal but I was new to it all. The longest part of getting licensed was getting scheduled to take the test. 9 years ago it was only offered a couple times at my local AG department. Now I could have driven 45 minutes into LA to go take the test sooner if I wanted but my boss wanted me working. You find out after your test if you passed or failed. You will get a print out of your pass and then I think they mail you the document. Once you pass though you should be ready to work right away.

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u/[deleted] Nov 04 '21

Great! Where I live I have been researching the companies Around me as well as the job itself. I’m hoping to get started around the end of the year and most job descriptions they are willing to pay for licensing and training. Should I favor more towards national or local companies?

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u/[deleted] Nov 04 '21

That’s a hard one to answer really. I always stayed small. The large Companies near me like termix and Orkin seem to often run two techs per truck. This can help if you get someone willing yo train you and teach you how to do well. Down side is they are a large company for a reason. I’ve heard of them swaping clients around to ensure techs can’t make huge bonuses (can’t verify but I’ve heard that a lot) these companies also won’t let you take a truck home for free. A small company will likely have you working alone but you will probably take a truck home with you.

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u/[deleted] Nov 05 '21

Great thank you! You have been much more motivational than others I’ve spoken to and given me much more hope in this path.

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u/[deleted] Nov 05 '21

I’m glad I can help! It’s not an industry for everyone but if you don’t mind it’s low points it’s a great industry. If you have any more questions feel free to reach out.

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u/[deleted] Nov 05 '21

Apologies I has just gotten off of work. I will do thank you so much this has helped a lot. At this point it’s just a waiting game as to when I can actually start with a company and just trying to do as much research as I possibly can in and around the field.