Pest Controller

So, you want to be a pest controller? Can you:

• Work in tight spots, you will need to get into roof spaces and under houses to do your job
• Read instructions carefully and work safely to those instructions
• Work on your own, pest controllers often work unsupervised

What do pest controllers do?

1. Pre-slab and perimeter chemical treatment of new building work for termite management.
2. Inspect or investigate a completed building, and give advice or a report, about the following— 
   (a) termite management systems for the building;
   (b) termite infestation in the building.
3. Certify whether the termite management system for new building work has been carried out in compliance with the Building Code of Australia

Pest control is essential in the construction industry because termite prevention is an extremely important process when building new or renovating. Termite control can be physical or chemical and depending on what qualifications you attain during your training, you can be qualified to install both or just one.

How do I become a pest controller?

Firstly, you will need to do some work experience so that you know what the job is about. If you think it’s for you, find an employer that is looking for a trainee pest controller. You will then become a trainee and will you will complete the necessary qualifications depending on the type of work you do at a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). You will work with a qualified person during this period and when you have completed your training, you will be eligible for a license under the pest control act 2001. You may want to also get your Building Services Authority (BSA) license and work for yourself.

What Next?

Once you are a tradie in the construction industry, you can continue working for small or large companies and move into leading hand, supervising or management positions. You might even want to start your own business and employ apprentices yourself. Some tradies even go on to further education to complete courses from Certificate IV to bachelor level. There are plenty of options for qualified pest controllers.