Life and Earnings as a Pest Exterminator: Jan's Tale
by Frank Donovitz
Professional Exterminator: "Spending entire days in search, eliminating pests, and aiding in public health and comfort for others." - Exterminator work: "Spending entire days eliminating pests for the benefit of others"
Your read: ~2 mins
Personal: Jan Kortenbusch, a licensed vermin buster, aged 25
Income: €4,500 gross / €3,320 net monthly
Ever fancied visiting the wild side, helping folks while racking up a nice income? Meet Jan Kortenbusch, a 25-year-old certified vermin buster with a knack for delivering the goods.
From Farmer to Field Officer
Holding a certificate in agricultural services, Jan spent about two years in this line of work before realizing a change was in order. His uncle, a pest controller for a Dutch company, painted an appealing picture. "You're on the hunt all day, and you help people," he'd say, which left the family puzzled. But Jan, ever the risk-taker, thought, "Why not give it a shot?"
A six-week retraining course saw him become a certified pest controller, also known as a "chamber hunter" in layman's terms. With his skills, he joined a North Rhine-Westphalia active company. Today, he co-owns the Olfen branch in Münsterland, with a team of 16 employees and a service area stretching from Koblenz in the south to Bremen in the north, and even westward into Holland. Little did he expect this turn of events!
A Booming Business and a Versatile Role
We eradicate critters, deterring pigeons, monitoring for pests, and preventing infestations, always using cutting-edge scientific methods and equipment. Far from eliciting complaints, our customers express gratitude, especially when freed from pesky rats, mice, and bedbugs. Our work is fulfilling, involving lots of travel and new experiences with customers. We bring peace of mind and trust back into households and workplaces.
Jan works 40 hours weekly, and despite occasional extra hours, he's satisfied with his income. His agrarian roots allow him to operate the family farm as a sideline, saving €500 each month for future retirement. Nevertheless, he's aware he enjoys a unique edge–no rent expenses and additional farm income.
Fuel prices can pinch, as Jan covers 70,000 km annually. Yet customers depend on us, and time is of the essence.
Career Outlook
Dealing with Germany's uninvited guests offers exciting career possibilities:
- Pest Control Technician: Become an executive exterminator, clearing homes and businesses of unwanted invaders.
- Pest Control Manager: Oversee teams, plan integrated pest control strategies, and ensure compliance with safety norms.
- Business Development: Help shape the future of pest control by developing innovative solutions and services to meet evolving customer needs.
- Consulting: Draw on your expertise to advise businesses and households, fostering a pest-free lifestyle.
- Specialized Services: Focus on niche areas within pest control, such as invasive species management or eco-friendly solutions.
Education and Training
Although no formal degree is required, a background in related fields like biology or environmental science can provide an edge. Certifications, such as those offered by the German Pest Control Association (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Schädlingsbekämpfung), can enhance job prospects. Ongoing training from pest control companies can pave the way for career growth.
Industry Outlook
The pest control industry continues to grow, bolstered by increased demand for professional services in urban areas and agriculture. This growth sets the stage for a thriving career landscape for pest controllers in Germany.
Delving into the realm of pest control, Jan Kortenbusch, a licensed pest controller, found a unique blend of community service and finance. His venture as a 'chamber hunter' stemmed from a vocational training course, eventually leading him to co-own a pest control company with a wide service area.
His story demonstrates the multi-faceted nature of this career, offering diverse roles such as business development, consulting, and specializing in niche areas within pest control. Just like Jan, anyone interested in this field can pursue vocational training to kickstart a promising career in pest control, finance, and even business management.