Week 1 ... Day 1 - Introduction & Overview

Social Need for Pest Control:

We live in a potentially hostile environment.  The present and future populations of the world could not be fed, clothed and protected from disease without a multitude of technologies including the use of pesticides. In countries with a high level of agricultural technology, the inhabitants spend much less of their income on food than those people living in underdeveloped countries. Here in Australia, freedom from insect borne diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever, typhus, bubonic plague and cholera, is taken for granted.  Many people are unaware that we enjoy this blessing partially because of the advanced state of pest control technology.

Benefits of being Pest Control:

Prevention of damage and monetary loss

Apart from agricultural pests, pests such as termites, borers, fabric pests, rodents and birds cause many millions of dollars worth of damage in Australia every year.

Prevention of disease potential

As previously noted, may diseases can be readily transmitted by pests.  Rodents, cockroaches, flies, fleas, mosquitoes, lice and birds are all capable of spreading disease in various ways.

Elimination of contamination & taint

As well as consuming and damaging foodstuffs and their containers, pests can also contaminate vast quantities of them by droppings, urine, hair and body fragments.  Characteristic odours are also readily imparted to certain products by the presence of pests such as mice, cockroaches and certain stored product pests.

Prevention of loss of goodwill

All manufacturers especially food manufacturers take great pains to prevent product contamination. Consumers today are very aware of their rights and are highly sensitive to such things as mice in meat pies.  Adverse publicity can result in loss of goodwill and a drop in profits

Conforming with Legislation

Legislation such as The Food Act dictates the standards which have to be observed in premises which prepare, store or sell foodstuffs.  It is a contravention of such regulations to allow the presence of certain pests eg. rodents, cockroaches and flies.

Better employer / employee relationships

Few people find it easy; to work in pest infested conditions. the presence of pests such as spiders, cockroaches, rodents, fleas and flies and the usual corresponding lack of hygiene do not make congenial working conditions.

Relief from fear

Some people display a morbid fear of certain animals.  Sometimes this fear arises out of an exaggerated belief as to the venomous qualities of pests such as spiders, bees and wasps.  Other people may demonstrate a baseless dread of rodents and cockroaches.  This type of phobia can only be alleviated by eradication of the offending animals.

The range of Pest Control Services:

There are several areas of pest control, they are all interesting and some technicians like to specialize in some areas where some will have a go at all areas, these areas are:

1. Bird Control
2. Termite Control
3. Commercial Pest Control
4. Fumigation
5. Domestic pest control
6. Pre-Purchase Home inspections
7. Pre-treatment

Why safety is so important:

Safety is a prime concern of all companies, and every reasonable effort will be made to continue to emphasise its importance.
We, as employees, must conduct our daily work functions in the safest possible manner to ensure and promote the type of working environment we expect and desire.
Injuries are not caused by "accidents". It is estimated that 90 percent of all injuries could have been avoided if good safety practices were followed.
No safety rule is a complete substitute for common sense, nor can safety rules be advised to cover every situation we experience on the job. For this reason, good judgment must be used in every work situation. We must never forget that safety is a primary responsibility of everyone.

Definitions and jargon:

Like all industries, the pest control industry has its own terminologies, and jargon that is specific only to the pest industry. The course will introduce you to this new world of jargon that best describes the insect world and the pest control industry.

Pesticide groups:

This course will cover the area of the various chemical groups, some very old, some newly developed, some naturally occurring but most are man made. E.G. Organochlorines, Organophosphates, Botanicals, Synthetic Pyrethroids, Fumigants, Carbamates, Inorganics, Insect Growth Regulators.

Overview of protective equipment:

You will learn the importance of PPE (personal Protective Equipment), which includes the fitting and wearing of Respirator, Overalls, impervious boots, elbow length gloves, washable hat and face shield.