How to become a pest controller or fumigator
Official title: Pest controllers and fumigators
Also called: Fumigator, Pest fumigator, Pest controller, Pest exterminator, Pest control trapper, Pest control operator, Pest control technician, Pest control representative, Pest extermination representative, Pest control service representative, Exterminator, Animal control trapper
Pest controllers and fumigators inspect buildings and outside areas for pest infestation and spray chemical treatments to kill noxious and destructive insects, rodents and other pests or set cage traps to capture and remove animals. They are employed by pest control companies, or they may be self-employed.
Main tasks
- Inspect buildings and outside areas at regular intervals or at specific request of property owner to detect signs of infestation
- Determine type of treatment required and provide estimate of costs to clients
- Prepare and spray chemical mixture on infested areas using mechanical or electric sprayer to kill insects, rodents and other pests
- Fumigate households
- Place and set traps to capture and remove animals, such as skunks or raccoons
- Install animal control barriers such as needle strips, netting and other devices to keep animals off property
- Clean out areas that harbour pests using rakes, shovels, brooms or mops
- Advise clients on how to prevent pest infestation
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of courses in pest control or extermination or several months of on-the-job training are usually required. Provincial pesticide applicator licence is required in all provinces.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 25% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Plant sciences; Culinary arts and related services; Business/commerce, general.
- Licence or registration: Provincial pesticide applicator licence is required in all provinces.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $50,622 a year The middle half earn $42,413 to $58,130.
- About 3,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 4,300 are projected by 2033. (+22.9%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
Related jobs
- Residential and commercial installers and servicers
- General building maintenance workers and building superintendents
- Other repairers and servicers
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Questions people ask
How do I become a pest controller or fumigator?
Completion of secondary school is usually required. Completion of courses in pest control or extermination or several months of on-the-job training are usually required. Provincial pesticide applicator licence is required in all provinces.
How much does a pest controller or fumigator earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $50,622 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $42,413 to $58,130.
Is a pest controller or fumigator a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 23% by 2033, from about 3,500 to about 4,300 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a pest controller or fumigator?
Usually not. Only 16% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03