Hiring in the pest control industry feels like a daunting feat. Most of the time, the owner of a small business hires new employees. This takes time away from sales and marketing.
Large pest control companies deal with challenges, too. If you don’t have enough workers during the busy season, your competitors can take customers that would have been yours.
You can streamline your recruiting and hiring with the right pest control technician interview questions. Knowing what to ask allows you to assess a candidate’s:
These 20 sample interview questions and answers give you a place to start. Change them to fit your interview process to get the best pest control techs in your area.
Getting a job as a pest control technician at Terminix can be highly competitive With its strong brand reputation and comprehensive benefits, it’s no wonder so many applicants vie for open positions As with any coveted job, you need to enter the interview prepared to stand out.
In this article, we’ll provide tips on how to ace the Terminix pest control technician interview. We’ve compiled some of the most commonly asked interview questions, along with sample responses. Read on to get insights into the Terminix hiring process and equip yourself to land the job.
Understanding the Role
Before diving into the interview it’s important to understand exactly what the pest control technician role entails at Terminix. Technicians are the frontline staff responsible for inspecting properties determining infestation levels, and implementing treatment plans for pest elimination.
Key responsibilities include:
- Inspecting residential and commercial properties for signs of pests
- Identifying pest species and gauging severity of infestations
- Developing customized treatment plans utilizing techniques like pesticide application, trapping, exclusion etc.
- Educating clients on prevention methods and addressing concerns
- Maintaining detailed service records and adhering to regulations
- Continuously upgrading skills by attending training programs
It’s a role that combines technical expertise, customer service skills, communication abilities, and physical stamina. Candidates need to demonstrate these well-rounded capabilities in the interview.
Preparing for the Interview
Thorough preparation is the key to interview success. Here are some tips on how to get ready:
Research the company – Study Terminix’s website, vision, services, and workplace culture. This shows your interest in the company.
Review the job description – Note down the key technical and soft skills needed. Assess your abilities against these.
Brush up on pest control knowledge – Revise your knowledge of common pests, inspection methods, treatment techniques, safety protocols etc.
Polish your resume – Ensure your resume is updated with your skills, certifications, and achievements relevant to the role.
Practice responding to questions – Rehearse answering sample questions similar to those asked in Terminix interviews.
Prepare questions to ask – Having insightful questions for the interviewer demonstrates your engagement.
Ensure relevant licenses/certificates are up-to-date – This validates your technical competence.
Pick suitable interview attire – Go for professional, tidy clothing and neat grooming.
Advance preparation will enable you to be less nervous and perform at your best during the real interview.
Common Interview Questions and Answers
Here are some sample questions frequently asked in Terminix pest control technician interviews, along with tips on how to structure your responses:
1. Why do you want this job?
This question checks your motivation level. The interviewer wants to know what makes you a good fit for the company and role.
Tips for answering:
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Demonstrate passion for the pest control field and interest in Terminix specifically.
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Highlight how your skills and experience align with the role requirements.
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Convey your enthusiasm to utilize your capabilities for Terminix’s success.
Sample response:
“I’m deeply interested in the field of pest control and have long admired Terminix as an industry leader. Eliminating pest issues for customers aligns with my high standards for service quality. I’m impressed by Terminix’s safety-focused and customer-centric approach. With over 5 years of experience as a pest control technician, I’ve honed my inspection, treatment, and client education skills. I’m excited by the chance to utilize my well-rounded expertise to deliver exceptional service that upholds Terminix’s reputation.”
2. What do you know about Terminix?
This questions tests your research on the company. The interviewer wants to see if you took time to learn about Terminix.
*Tips for answering: *
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Demonstrate your understanding of Terminix’s history, leadership, services, values, and achievements.
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Share an example of why Terminix stands out compared to competitors.
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Convey enthusiasm about the company by highlighting something that impresses you about their operations.
Sample response:
“Terminix has been an industry-leading pest control provider for over 90 years. It’s impressive how the company has grown from humble beginnings to operating in 47 states. I respect your commitment to comprehensive training and safety. In fact, Terminix was the first company accredited by the National Pest Management Association. Your broad range of pest elimination services, from termite treatments to mosquito control, enables customized solutions. Overall, Terminix’s excellence in service quality, safety standards, and ethical conduct make it a top choice for pest control.”
3. How do you stay up-to-date on the latest developments in pest control?
Here the interviewer wants to check your commitment to continuous learning. In pest control, methods and best practices constantly evolve so technicians must actively upgrade their knowledge.
Tips for answering:
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Provide specific examples of resources or activities you use to update your skills.
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Highlight the importance of continuous development for effectiveness and safety.
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Link your passion for learning to the benefit of customers and the company.
Sample response:
“Continuous learning is very important to me in pest control, as technology and products rapidly change. I regularly read industry journals like Pest Control Technology to stay updated on new methods and research. I also complete self-study courses on platforms like Univar to upgrade my knowledge. Attending annual state pest control association conferences allows me to hear from experts on the latest best practices. I’m passionate about continually enhancing my expertise so I can utilize the most effective and safe techniques to service Terminix’s customers.”
4. How do you handle difficult clients?
The question evaluates your customer service skills. Pest control technicians frequently encounter client dissatisfaction, confusion, or confrontational attitudes. Interviewers want to know you can still deliver excellent service.
Tips for answering:
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Provide a real example of a difficult client situation and how you successfully resolved it.
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Emphasize listening skills, empathy, patience, clear communication and maintaining composure.
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Reassure resolving the pest issue, not winning an argument, is the priority.
Sample response:
“When faced with a difficult client, I make sure to listen carefully to understand their frustration. I empathize and apologize for any inconvenience while reassuring them of my commitment to resolve the issue. If they are upset about treatment methods, I patiently educate them on the safest approach that will effectively eliminate their pest problem. My priority is solving the issue, not winning an argument. I find that remaining calm and professional, regardless of their attitude, is key to turning the situation around to achieve a satisfactory outcome for the client.”
5. How do you identify different types of pest infestations?
This question tests your technical knowledge. Accurately diagnosing infestations is core to a pest control role. The interviewer will want to know details about your inspection process.
Tips for answering:
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Demonstrate your expertise by describing unique signs, behaviors or evidence for specific pests like termites, bed bugs, cockroaches etc.
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Explain tools and methods to determine the extent of an infestation.
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Emphasize the importance of a thorough inspection prior to treatment.
Sample response:
“Identifying pest infestations begins with conducting a meticulous inspection of the property. I check for visible signs like droppings, cast skins, rub marks or damage. I also utilize monitoring tools like pheromone traps to detect population levels. For termites, I look for mud tunnels or wood that sounds hollow when tapped. For bed bugs, telltale signs are blood stains on bedding. I examine the pattern and concentration of signs to gauge infestation severity. My goal is to obtain accurate identification and thorough understanding of the extent of invasion before creating a customized treatment plan.”
6. How do you prioritize tasks when managing a high workload?
This evaluates your organizational skills in a fast-paced job. Technicians must juggle multiple service appointments and urgent issues simultaneously.
Tips for answering:
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Provide specific examples of techniques you use for prioritization such as urgency levels, time estimates, and scheduling tools.
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Demonstrate you understand the importance of flexibility and adapting to changing priorities.
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Describe how you stay organized when handling competing tasks.
Sample response:
“In pest control, it’s common to manage a high workload with competing priorities. I utilize an organized system to stay on top of my tasks. I maintain a schedule outlining all appointments and target service times. I classify appointments based on urgency – emergencies like swarming bees get top priority. When an urgent issue arises, I quickly re-evaluate and adjust my schedule and routing to accommodate it. I also give time estimates for each task to optimize efficiency. Staying flexible while methodically organizing and tracking tasks enables me to maximize productivity and minimize delays.”
7. How do you build trust with customers?
Here the interviewer evaluates your client relationship abilities. Trust is crucial, as technicians must enter private properties and implement solutions
How do you select and apply appropriate pesticides while ensuring the safety of occupants and the environment?
Why you should ask this question: Customers have good reasons to be wary of pesticides. The National Library of Medicine notes insecticides are broadly considered the most toxic class of pesticides, especially to children. Herbicides aren’t considered much safer.
But customers also understand pests carry risks, too. Cockroaches carry at least 30 types of bacteria. Whoever you hire must be comfortable navigating this tension by showing good judgment about when and how to use chemical pesticides.
Example of a good answer: “I’d want to understand not just the customer’s goals but their whole environment. It’s just regular upkeep, but they have kids, a dog, or a cat, so I’d pick a pyrethrin-based spray to keep everyone safe. If they need something stronger, I’d suggest setting up bait stations and blocking off entry points to see if that works before adding more or changing the spray. ”.
The candidate’s answer shows that they can come up with a way to treat a problem that makes a pesticide work better while also putting the customer at the least amount of risk. It also shows they have a backup plan should the problem require a more robust solution.
What types of pests have you most commonly dealt with?
Why you should ask this question: This one is straightforward. It helps you assess how much direct experience a candidate has with the pests your company deals with.
Likewise, it shows if they have relevant experience that could carry over. Most importantly, it reveals how much past experience an applicant actually has versus what their resume says.
“I grew up on a farm in Georgia, so we had everything from fire ants to wild hogs,” is a good answer. We had to get rid of the pests right away; it was usually just my dad and me. It was a threat to our way of life. That taught me how to deal with things that hurt and poke, the things that most people don’t want to touch. ”.
The interviewee names the main types of pests they’ve dealt with, and then offers the context behind them. This shows that they act quickly and shows you how they handle problems when they’re under a lot of stress.
Pest Control Technician Interview Questions
FAQ
How much does a Terminix pest control technician make?
Why do you want to work for a pest control company?
Can you have a beard working at Terminix?
Does Terminix® offer pest control services?
For expert pest control services for your home, turn to Terminix®. No matter the type of pest or time of year, our technicians are trained to identify the right treatment to eliminate your pest problem and keep it from coming back. Guaranteed. 1 Save $50 on pest control! Use code SAVE50 at checkout to save on pest control. 3
What pests are covered by a Terminix pest control plan?
When you purchase a Terminix Pest Control Plan, not only are you purchasing a service for your specific pest problem, but you’re purchasing coverage for these common pests: cockroaches, ants, spiders, rats, mice, paper wasps, centipedes, millipedes, clothes moths, house crickets, silverfish, scorpions and earwigs.
How long did it take to get an interview at Terminix?
The process took 2 weeks. I interviewed at Terminix (Richmond, VA) in Oct 2022 They are very polite and responsive. They are also understanding when it comes to the phone interview as far as scheduling or rescheduling. I have not received a job offer yet but I would love to dive deeper into this job field.
How often should I get a Terminix pest control treatment?
The one-time treatment is especially recommended by Terminix for sellers preparing their homes to go on the market. Quarterly Pest Control: Terminix’s ongoing treatment plan includes quarterly treatments (every 3 months) for the pests that Terminix can exterminate.
