INTERVIEW

Ace Your Pest Control Technician Interview

Master the questions, showcase your expertise, and get hired faster

8 Questions
45 min Prep Time
5 Categories
STAR Method
What You'll Learn
To equip aspiring and current pest control technicians with targeted interview questions, model answers, and actionable tips that align with industry expectations and help them succeed in job interviews.
  • Real‑world behavioral and technical questions
  • STAR‑formatted model answers
  • Competency‑based evaluation criteria
  • Ready‑to‑use practice pack
Difficulty Mix
Easy: 40%
Medium: 35%
Hard: 25%
Prep Overview
Estimated Prep Time: 45 minutes
Formats: behavioral, scenario‑based, technical
Competency Map
Pest Identification: 20%
Chemical Safety: 20%
Customer Communication: 20%
Regulatory Compliance: 20%
Problem Solving: 20%

Technical Knowledge

Explain the process you follow to identify the type of pest infestation in a residential property.
Situation

A homeowner called reporting small insects in the kitchen.

Task

Determine the species and extent of the infestation to recommend treatment.

Action

Conducted a visual inspection, collected specimens, used a magnifying lens, and consulted the EPA pest guide to confirm they were German cockroaches.

Result

Identified a moderate German cockroach infestation and presented an integrated pest management plan, which the homeowner approved.

Follow‑up Questions
  • How do you handle an unknown pest?
  • What tools do you rely on for identification?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Clarity of inspection steps
  • Use of reliable resources
  • Accuracy in species identification
  • Professional communication
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Vague description of process
  • No mention of safety precautions
Answer Outline
  • Inspect affected areas thoroughly
  • Collect and examine specimens
  • Reference reputable identification guides
  • Document findings
Tip
Mention both visual cues and any sampling methods you use.
What are the key safety precautions when applying a pyrethroid pesticide indoors?
Situation

Needed to treat a multi‑unit apartment for ants using a pyrethroid spray.

Task

Apply the pesticide safely while protecting residents and yourself.

Action

Wore a NIOSH‑approved respirator, gloves, and goggles; sealed off the treatment area, used low‑pressure spray, and ensured proper ventilation before re‑entry.

Result

Completed the treatment without any exposure incidents and received positive feedback from property management.

Follow‑up Questions
  • How do you verify that ventilation is sufficient?
  • What steps do you take if a resident reports irritation?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Correct PPE selection
  • Adherence to label instructions
  • Risk mitigation steps
  • Post‑application monitoring
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Omitting PPE or ventilation details
Answer Outline
  • Wear appropriate PPE
  • Ventilate the area
  • Follow label dilution rates
  • Avoid drift and over‑application
Tip
Reference the specific pesticide label and local regulations.

Customer Service

Describe a time when a customer was upset about a recurring pest problem. How did you handle it?
Situation

A long‑term client called frustrated after seeing rodents again despite previous treatments.

Task

Reassure the client, diagnose the cause of recurrence, and restore confidence.

Action

Visited the site, performed a thorough inspection, discovered a hidden entry point behind a utility closet, explained the findings calmly, and scheduled an immediate follow‑up treatment with a rodent‑proofing plan.

Result

The client felt heard, the entry point was sealed, and no further rodent activity was reported for six months.

Follow‑up Questions
  • What documentation do you provide after such an incident?
  • How do you prevent future recurrences?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Empathy and listening
  • Analytical approach to root cause
  • Clear communication
  • Actionable solution
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Blaming the client
  • Skipping re‑inspection
Answer Outline
  • Listen actively and empathize
  • Conduct a detailed re‑inspection
  • Identify root cause
  • Communicate solution clearly
  • Implement corrective action
Tip
Highlight the importance of follow‑up and preventive measures.
How do you explain integrated pest management (IPM) to a non‑technical homeowner?
Situation

First home visit for a family concerned about chemical use.

Task

Educate them on IPM while addressing safety concerns.

Action

Used simple analogies, described monitoring, physical barriers, and targeted low‑toxicity treatments, and provided a written IPM plan with timelines.

Result

Homeowner approved the IPM approach, felt confident about safety, and signed the service agreement.

Follow‑up Questions
  • Can you give an example of a physical barrier?
  • How do you measure the effectiveness of IPM?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Clarity of explanation
  • Ability to simplify technical terms
  • Addressing safety concerns
  • Providing actionable steps
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Using jargon without explanation
Answer Outline
  • Define IPM in plain language
  • Explain monitoring and thresholds
  • Describe non‑chemical tactics
  • Outline targeted chemical use only when needed
Tip
Use everyday examples like sealing cracks or using traps.

Safety & Compliance

What steps do you take to ensure compliance with state pesticide regulations during a service call?
Situation

Scheduled a commercial treatment in a state with strict pesticide licensing requirements.

Task

Maintain full regulatory compliance throughout the job.

Action

Verified my license was current, reviewed the state’s label requirements, completed the required pre‑application notification, documented the product batch number, and completed the post‑application report within the mandated timeframe.

Result

The service was completed without any compliance issues, and the client received a copy of the compliance documentation for their records.

Follow‑up Questions
  • How do you stay updated on changing regulations?
  • What records do you retain and for how long?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Awareness of licensing
  • Adherence to notification procedures
  • Accurate record‑keeping
  • Timeliness of reporting
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Missing documentation
  • Unaware of state‑specific rules
Answer Outline
  • Check license validity
  • Review state‑specific label instructions
  • Complete pre‑application notifications
  • Record batch numbers and application details
  • Submit post‑application reports
Tip
Keep a compliance checklist on your vehicle for quick reference.
A client reports a chemical spill inside a home. What is your immediate response?
Situation

During a spray, a nozzle malfunction caused a small amount of pesticide to spill on a kitchen floor.

Task

Contain the spill, protect occupants, and remediate safely.

Action

Evacuated the area, donned PPE, used absorbent pads to contain the spill, applied the appropriate neutralizing agent per the product label, ventilated the room, and documented the incident.

Result

The spill was fully contained with no exposure, the client was reassured, and the incident report was filed according to company policy.

Follow‑up Questions
  • What information do you include in the incident report?
  • How do you communicate the spill to the client?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Speed of response
  • Correct PPE usage
  • Adherence to spill protocol
  • Clear documentation
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Delaying evacuation
  • Improper disposal
Answer Outline
  • Evacuate and secure area
  • Use PPE
  • Contain and absorb spill
  • Apply label‑approved neutralizer
  • Ventilate and verify clearance
  • Document incident
Tip
Always have a spill kit readily accessible in your service vehicle.

Problem Solving

A client’s attic has a severe wasp infestation that is inaccessible from the ground. How would you approach treatment?
Situation

Customer called about aggressive wasps nesting deep in an attic with no ladder access.

Task

Develop a safe, effective treatment plan despite limited access.

Action

Recommended installing a temporary attic access platform, used a low‑pressure dust applicator to apply a residual insecticide into the nest, placed bait traps at entry points, and scheduled a follow‑up inspection.

Result

The wasp colony was eliminated without any injuries, and the client praised the thorough approach.

Follow‑up Questions
  • What alternative methods exist if the client refuses attic access?
  • How do you ensure minimal disturbance to occupants?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Safety planning
  • Appropriate treatment selection
  • Effectiveness of execution
  • Client communication
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Suggesting high‑toxicity spray without access
Answer Outline
  • Assess access constraints
  • Create safe entry method
  • Select appropriate low‑risk treatment
  • Apply residual product directly to nest
  • Set monitoring traps
  • Plan follow‑up
Tip
Always prioritize low‑pressure or dust formulations for confined spaces.
During a routine inspection you discover a new invasive species not listed on the client’s service agreement. What do you do?
Situation

Found an Asian longhorned beetle in a warehouse, which is not covered under the existing contract.

Task

Address the infestation while respecting contract terms and legal obligations.

Action

Informed the client immediately, documented the finding with photos, consulted state invasive species guidelines, provided a separate quote for specialized treatment, and recommended notifying the local agricultural extension office.

Result

Client approved the additional service, the beetle was eradicated, and the proper authorities were notified, ensuring compliance.

Follow‑up Questions
  • How do you handle payment for out‑of‑scope work?
  • What records are required for invasive species reporting?
Evaluation Criteria
  • Prompt communication
  • Regulatory awareness
  • Professional handling of scope creep
  • Accurate documentation
Red Flags to Avoid
  • Ignoring the finding
  • Failing to report invasive species
Answer Outline
  • Document and photograph finding
  • Notify client promptly
  • Reference regulatory guidelines
  • Provide separate service proposal
  • Recommend official reporting
Tip
Maintain a list of common invasive pests and reporting procedures for quick reference.
ATS Tips
  • pest identification
  • integrated pest management
  • chemical safety
  • regulatory compliance
  • customer service
  • problem solving
Download a Pest Control Technician resume template
Practice Pack
Timed Rounds: 30 minutes
Mix: technical, behavioral, scenario

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