With faster-than-average growth and a limited supply of workers, job prospects should be favorable, especially in warmer climates.

Employment change. Employment of pest control workers is expected to grow 15 percent between 2006 and 2016, which is faster than the average for all occupations. One factor limiting job growth, however, is the lack of sufficient numbers of workers willing to go into this field. Demand for pest control workers is projected to increase for a number of reasons. Growth in the population will generate new residential and commercial buildings that will require inspections by pest control workers. Also, more people are expected to use pest control services as environmental and health concerns, greater numbers of dual-income households, and improvements in the standard of living convince more people to hire professionals rather than attempt pest control work themselves. In addition, tougher regulations limiting pesticide use will demand more complex integrated pest management strategies.

Concerns about the effects of pesticide use in schools have increasingly prompted more school districts to investigate alternative means of pest control, such as integrated pest management. Furthermore, use of some newer materials for insulation around foundations has made many homes more susceptible to pest infestation. Finally, continuing population shifts to the more pest-prone Sunbelt States should increase the number of households in need of pest control.

Job prospects. Job prospects should be favorable for qualified applicants because of relatively fast job growth and because the nature of pest control work is not appealing to many people. In addition to job openings arising from employment growth, opportunities will result from the need to replace workers who leave the occupation.

Pest control workers held about 70,000 jobs in 2006; about 85 percent of workers were employed in the services to buildings and dwellings industry, which includes pest control firms. About 9 percent of workers were self employed. Jobs are concentrated in States with warmer climates and larger cities, due to the greater number of pests in these areas that thrive year round.

Private employment agencies and State employment services offices have information about available job opportunities for pest control workers.

For information about the training and certification required in your State, contact your local office of the U.S. Department of Agriculture or your State's Environmental Protection (or Conservation) Agency.

For more information about pest control careers and training, contact:

• National Pest Management Association, Suite 301, 9300 Lee Hgwy., Fairfax, VA 22031. Internet: http://www.npmapestworld.org/PTPP/