"I never expected to be in pest control, but I also never thought I would own my own business. Every day is a little different. One morning, I might spray a home to keep bugs out; the next, I could be helping a business protect its property from rodents. Beyond treating pests, my goal is to give people peace of mind knowing their home or workplace is safe and pest-free. It feels good knowing that by using pesticides, setting traps, or doing preventative care to stop infestations before they start, I’m making life easier and more comfortable for their friends, families, and customers.

But in this job, I've also had to learn how to run a business. Billing, payroll, scheduling, equipment, and advertising are just some of the things I've learned along the way. Some of it I like more than others, but I know that the more I learn and the better I am at it, the more I can grow my business, and the more successful I can become."

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Job Description

SOC Code: 37-2021

Pest Control Workers apply or release chemical solutions or toxic gases and set traps to kill or remove pests and vermin that infest buildings and surrounding areas.*

*Source: This information is based on O*NET™ data. O*NET is a trademark registered to the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration.

Top Job Skills:

• Customer service
• Treatment planning
• Build customer relationships
• Maintain equipment
• Scheduling appointments

General Work Activities 

• Interacting With Others
  • Recommend products or services to customers
  • Notify others of emergencies, problems, or hazards
  • Supervise maintenance workers
• Information Input
  • Inspect buildings or grounds to determine condition
  • Estimate maintenance service requirements or costs
  • Evaluate reports or designs to determine work needs
• Work Output
  • Document work hours or activities
  • Block physical access to restricted areas
  • Treat greenery or surfaces with protective substances
  • Clean facilities or sites
  • Drive trucks or other vehicles to or at work sites
  • Treat facilities to eliminate pests

Source: SC Works Online Services (SCWOS)

*All data is factual, but names, Images, and quotations have been adapted to protect the Identity of employees and businesses.

Job Statistics

 

 

 

Examples of Workforce Areas with Job Openings

• Upstate
• Waccamaw
• Trident
• Pee Dee
• Midlands
• Lowcountry

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area.

Examples of Employers with Job Openings

• Orkin, LLC
• Rollins, Inc.
• HomeTeam Pest Defense
• Arrow Exterminators, Inc.
• Massey Services, Inc.
• Rentokil Initial plc

Source: SC Works Online Services. Ask an SC Works representative for more information about postings in your area

Related Occupations

• Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
• Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse
• Agricultural Inspectors
• Agricultural Technicians
• Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation

NOTE: All data based on state averages. Information may vary depending on region, experience, and specific employment situation. Last Updated: 2025

Learn More with SCWOS

SC Works Online Services (SCWOS) is the state’s largest job database and provides all of South Carolina's job postings from all major sites, including Monster and Career Builder, in one resource. SCWOS has thousands of positions listed by employers all over the state. To access SCWOS, visit jobs.scworks.org.

Find in-depth breakdowns of occupational statistics such as necessary job certifications, job skills and abilities, current job openings, overview of general work activities, and more by visiting O*NET.org.