What Is Pest Control Trade?
The pest control trade is a hands-on career focused on identifying, preventing, managing, and eliminating unwanted insects, rodents, and other pests that can affect homes, businesses, and other properties.
Pest control professionals inspect properties to identify signs of pest activity, determine how pests are entering or surviving in an area, and select appropriate control methods. Their work can involve treatments, traps, exclusion techniques, sanitation recommendations, monitoring, and preventive measures.
Modern pest management is more than simply spraying chemicals. Professionals use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles to identify the source of a pest problem and use the most appropriate combination of prevention, monitoring, and control methods.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% employment growth for pest control workers from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 13,400 openings per year on average. (bls.gov)
Pest Control Applicator/Operator:
Commercial pest control licensing requires certification through the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF).
Basic Requirements:
Be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma/GED.
Pass the Core Commercial Applicator exam and specific category exams (e.g., Structural Pest).
Provide proof of financial responsibility (liability insurance or bond).
Register the business entity with the state.
Why Learn Pest Control Technology with MR.6T?
Practical Knowledge
Learn concepts that connect to real-world.
Easy-to-Understand
Complex trade topics are presented in a clear and approachable way.
One Learning Hub
Explore Technologies alongside five other essential skilled trades on MR.6T.
What Does Pest Control Include?
How Can Pest Control Training Help Me?
Pest control training can give you the knowledge and practical foundation needed to begin working toward a professional career in pest management.
- Learn pest identification
- Develop inspection skills
- Understand Integrated Pest Management
- Prepare for licensing and certification
- Build a professional career
Important: Pest control can involve pesticides, traps, chemicals, allergens, insects, rodents, and other hazards. Proper training, personal protective equipment, label compliance, safe application practices, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations are essential. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates pesticides at the federal level, while individual states generally manage pesticide applicator certification and licensing requirements. (epa.gov)
Insect Pest Management
Learn how to identify and manage common insect pests such as ants, cockroaches, termites, bed bugs, wasps, mosquitoes, and other unwanted insects.
Rodent Management
Learn how to identify signs of rodents, locate potential entry points, use appropriate control methods, and recommend exclusion and prevention strategies.
Inspection & Prevention
Inspect properties for signs of pest activity and conditions that may attract pests. Learn how sanitation, sealing entry points, moisture management, monitoring, and other preventive measures can reduce pest problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to what people ask us most.
Q: Do I need a college degree to become a pest control technician?
No. A four-year college degree is generally not required. The BLS lists a high school diploma or equivalent as the typical entry-level education, and pest control workers commonly receive on-the-job training. (bls.gov)
Q: Is pest control a good career?
Pest control can be a good fit for people who enjoy hands-on work, inspections, problem-solving, customer service, and working in different locations. BLS projects 5% employment growth from 2025 to 2035, with approximately 13,400 openings annually. (bls.gov)
Q: Do pest control workers need a license?
In many cases, yes — especially when applying pesticides commercially. Requirements vary significantly between states and may include training, examinations, experience, certification, or licensing. The EPA provides information about pesticide applicator certification and directs applicants to their state or territorial regulatory agency. (epa.gov)
Q: Can I start my own pest control business?
Yes. Experienced professionals may eventually operate their own pest management company. However, pesticide applicator licensing, business registration, insurance, permits, and other requirements can apply depending on the state and services offered.
Pest Control Schools & Training Programs
Mr. 6T note:Unlike some trades, pest control is often entered through employer training and state-approved certification rather than a traditional two- or four-year college program.