Top 7 Mistakes New Pest Control Techs Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Starting out in pest control can be exciting—but like any skilled trade, it comes with a learning curve. Over the years training hundreds of new techs, we’ve seen a few common mistakes that show up again and again. The good news? With a little awareness and the right guidance, they’re all avoidable.
Here are the top 5 mistakes new pest control technicians make—and how to sidestep them from day one.
1. 🚫 Skipping the Product Label
The Mistake: Relying on memory or guesswork instead of reading the label. Even if you think you know the product like the back of your hand, memory isn’t always accurate. Referring to the label before every use can avoid costly mistakes.
The Fix: Always read the label—every time. It tells you where, when, and how a product can be used, and what PPE is required. The label isn’t just a guideline—it’s the law.
2. 🎯 Treating Without Inspecting
The Mistake: Applying products without understanding the source of the issue.
The Fix: A proper inspection is the foundation of good pest control. Slow down, observe, and identify the pest and its entry points before making any treatment decisions.
3. 🧼 Neglecting Safety and Cleanliness
The Mistake: Skipping PPE, not securing chemicals properly, being careless with application, or leaving behind messes can put everyone at risk.
The Fix: Always wear the correct gear according to the label, handle chemicals responsibly, and clean up after yourself. It protects you and the client—and reflects well on your company. Not to mention, again, it’s the law!
4. 🗣️ Not Communicating With the Customer
The Mistake: Rushing through service without explaining what you’re doing or why.
The Fix: Take a few extra minutes to check in with your customer, walk through the treatment, answer questions, and give prevention tips. It builds trust and helps prevent callbacks.
5. 📋 Poor Documentation
The Mistake: Incomplete or sloppy service records.
The Fix: Accurate notes help your team understand what was done, what was found, and what the follow-up plan is. It’s essential for compliance and long-term success to document everything you do.
6. 🕵️ Misidentifying Pests
The Mistake: Incorrect ID = wrong treatment. New techs may struggle to tell similar species apart which can lead to ineffective or unnecessary applications.
The Fix: Study often, familiarize yourself with pests in your area, take pictures and don’t be afraid to ask your team.
7. ⚖️ Not Following Local Laws and Regulations
The Mistake: New techs sometimes assume pest control is the same everywhere, but laws vary by state and even city.
The Fix: It’s essential that every technician knows what’s legal in their service area, including licensing, recordkeeping, and treatment restrictions. study local regulation and keep updated with any changes from your state’s regulatory agency. Again, don’t be afraid to ask questions.
Final Thought
Mistakes are part of learning—but the goal is to learn fast and avoid repeating them. That’s why ongoing training matters. At Pest Pro University, we’re here to help new techs build confidence and competence from day one.
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**Always follow local, state, and federal laws when applying pest control products. Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and strictly adhere to all product label instructions—the label is the law.