Pest Control Advisor

Working Schedule

• Pest Control Advisors work full-time, sometimes in offices, other times outdoors doing fieldwork. Frequent travel may be needed, causing them to be away from home some nights, weekends, or holidays. During fieldwork, they can be exposed to inclement weather, as well as chemical and pest hazards. 

Typical Duties

• Conduct site visits to farms; scout (i.e., assess) fields for pest infestations
• Identify pests and inform farm owners or other clients of findings
• Look for conditions that could attract pests (such as leaf clutter, garbage, lighting, overgrown shrubs, dense vegetation, or moisture issues); suggest ways to eliminate or reduce these conditions 
• Offer ideas for preventing pest access to certain areas via fencing, nets, row covers, etc.
• Collaborate with agronomists and farmers to strategize pest control measures
• Design integrated pest management plans that combine cultural, biological, mechanical, and chemical strategies 
• Recommend appropriate chemical treatments or alternatives such as organic and sustainable pest control methods (including the introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs or spiders)
• Monitor the efficacy and environmental impact of treatments
• Work with pesticide manufacturers or suppliers to understand the properties and applications of products

Additional Responsibilities

• Prepare budgets for pest control measures
• Conduct training seminars for farmers about emerging threats and prevention
• Stay up-to-date on regulatory guidelines and ensure compliance
• Participate in professional organization activities and contribute to the advancement of the field
• Supervise or mentor assistants and scouts
• Assist with ordering inventory
• May help with chemical and nutrient application

Soft Skills

• Analytical 
• Attention to detail
• Communication skills
• Curiosity
• Environmental consciousness
• Independent 
• Interpersonal skills
• Investigative
• Objectivity 
• Organizational skills
• Patience
• Physical fitness
• Resourcefulness
• Safety oriented
• Sound judgment and decision-making

Technical Skills

• Ability to recognize poisonous plants 
• Experience using Agvance Agrian or related recommendation software
• Familiarity with pesticide application techniques
• Geographic Information Systems for tracking pest outbreaks
• Integrated pest management principles 
• Knowledge of numerous pest types, their biologies, and behaviors 
• Knowledge of safety regulations and guidelines
• Organic and sustainable pest control methods
• PCA (Pest Control Advisor) license (in some states)
• QAL (Qualified Applicator) license (in some states)
• Understanding of crop cycles and farming practices

• Agricultural companies
• Agricultural consultancy firms
• Crop protection companies
• Farms and ranches
• Government agricultural departments
• Museums and zoos
• Research facilities
• Vineyards

Pests pose a hazard to the crops and botanical plants we rely on for food and medicines. Thus our lives and health are linked to the actions of certain insects, mites, nematodes, mollusks, birds, and rodents. Indeed, pests pose a danger to ecosystems in general, as well as lawns, physical structures, and stored foods. They’re also prone to spreading diseases or even causing allergic reactions or venomous bites. 

That’s why we rely so heavily on the diligence of Pest Control Advisors to mitigate the harmful effects of pest populations! PCAs play a pivotal role in ensuring our food sources are secure from the ravages of pests, but they also realize that many organisms are beneficial in some settings. For instance, caterpillars might be pests in a garden but they’re an essential food source for many birds.  

Emerging technologies like drones and GIS software aid PCAs in monitoring larger areas more efficiently. Additionally, there's a growing emphasis on organic and sustainable pest control methods, aligning with the broader trend of eco-conscious farming. 

Another trend is the ongoing development of more sustainable pest management strategies, such as using pheromones or living biological control agents (without those creatures turning into pests themselves). In some cases, genetically modified insects are introduced into an area to mate with wild insects and spread mutated genes, with the goal of reducing pest population sizes. 

Pest Control Advisors most likely enjoyed being outside when they were younger, perhaps gardening or simply observing nature. They are curious-minded but equally analytical persons who may have liked reading or watching informative videos about earth sciences, wildlife, and insects.