Career profile Β· live from the Careermash careers engine
Research / problem-solving

Pest Controller

A pest controller deals with infestations of rats, insects and other pests in homes and businesses, removing them safely and preventing their return. It suits practical, unsqueamish people who like problem-solving and don't mind getting into awkward, dirty places.
No degree needed for many routesApprenticeship route
Apprenticeship route
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AI impact
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Robin Β· your guide
Curious about being a pest controller? Here's the honest picture - what you'd really do, what you'd earn, and every way in. No need to decide anything yet.

What you'd actually do

The work is inspecting properties, identifying pests, treating infestations with traps, baits or chemicals, and advising customers on prevention. Problem-solving, care with chemicals and a calm, reassuring manner matter, since customers are often stressed, and you must handle treatments safely and legally to protect people, pets and wildlife.

You will travel between jobs, sometimes work in lofts, drains or cramped spaces, and may be on call for urgent problems, with pay that rises with skill and the type of work. The job can be unpleasant and physical, but it is steady and always in demand.

Most people train on the job or through a pest control course or apprenticeship, learning the law around chemicals and safe treatment. Certificates for using certain pesticides are legally required, and a driving licence is usually essential.

1Inspect properties for pests
2Identify the type and scale of infestation
3Set traps, baits and treatments safely
4Use pesticides legally and carefully
5Advise customers on prevention
6Keep records of treatments used
7Travel between jobs and respond to callouts

Degrees that lead here via Cleaning & Facilities

Degree options are mapped from subjects - explore the buckets to find related courses.

Apprenticeships that lead here

How to get in - your routes

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Career data: role, pay and progression profiles built for Careermash's careers engine; AI-impact estimates from Anthropic's observed AI-usage telemetry and OpenAI's AI Jobs Transition Framework. Course data: HESA / Discover Uni, including Graduate Outcomes, LEO and the National Student Survey. Apprenticeships: IfATE-published standards, approved only.

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