Everything You Need To Know About Pest Control Training And CEU Courses
by Hazel Lee
Pest control is a career path that works well for anyone who likes a challenge and variety in their day-to-day work life. When you arrive for a day on the job in pest control, you never know what will happen.
What is a pest control technician?
A pest control technician's job is to remove any pests from residential, commercial, or industrial settings. This includes pest infestations by either insects or rodents. Removal can be done manually or through the use of pesticides. Pest control technicians also provide ongoing pesticide applications and other measures to prevent the return of unwanted pests.
Do you need qualifications to become a pest control technician?
Many pest control companies offer on-the-job training as well as send their staff to training centers for certifications. While there is no uniform state or federal mandate for certification, most companies prefer pest control technicians that are certified.
The Environmental Protection Agency does, however, require training and certification for pest control technicians who apply pesticides. Furthermore, the minimum age for pest control technicians is typically 18 years of age or more.
How do you become a certified pest control technician?
Most states have an EPA-approved training class that can be scheduled through your employer. Larger, national pest control companies have corporate training facilities, and there are even a few colleges and technical training schools that offer pest control training, classes, and testing.
Classes include information on how to identify pests, how to handle pesticides, how to care for the environment, and worker safety.
How long is pest control training?
Pest control training can last for a few days up to three months, depending on the state you live in and the company you are working for.
What is a CEU?
A CEU, or continuing education unit, is a way to keep adults updated on the newest techniques in their industry. Everyone from nurses and teachers to real estate agents and pest control technicians is required by the state to take CEU courses. Typically, one CEU credit equals ten hours of instruction, although that may vary per industry.
How do you earn pest control CEUs?
You can earn pest control CEU credits by taking courses, attending lectures, or investing in additional training on a yearly basis. Courses could be in anything from advanced pest identification to pesticide accident protocol.
Are there online options for pest control CEU courses?
Luckily, in this day and age, you do not need to attend pest control CEU courses in person. There are plenty of opportunities to take online pesticide CEU courses through various organizations. Classes may be synchronous, meaning you have to attend at a specific time online, or they may be asynchronous, meaning you can log on at your convenience and watch pre-recorded lectures. Choose which option works best for your schedule. Your company's safety supervisor or even your human resource department will be able to provide you with a list of resources.
Pest control technician training protects you, the client, and the environment. Both the initial training as well as the necessary online pest control CEU courses will help make everyone safer.
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In order to excel in a certain subject, you often need to study it seriously for a time. This can be tough in the modern age of distraction; it's far too easy to start scrolling through your phone when you should be learning or reading. If you find yourself struggling to focus and learn, it might be a good idea to enroll in an adult education class related to the subject you're interested in. This formal learning environment often helps participants focus and do their best. We invite you to read more about adult and continuing education, and its merits, on this website.