A mosquito exterminator uses a number of different chemicals and strategies to rid homes, businesses, and farmlands of mosquito infestations. He or she often carefully examines sites, seeking out and destroying breeding grounds when possible, and attempts to make areas less attractive to mosquitoes. An exterminator may also provide educational resources to homeowners and farmers on how to effectively prevent future invasions.
Mosquitoes are normally considered little more than an annoyance, though large infestations of certain types of mosquitoes can be devastating to human and animal populations. Many mosquito species carry dangerous diseases and are capable of transmitting them across large populations of people in a relatively short time span. In addition, farm animals that are exposed to mosquito attacks often become malnourished and diseased, which can cause incredible discomfort for the animals and economical woes for farmers. Effective mosquito control, therefore, requires the skills of an expert mosquito exterminator who understands both the hazards presented by mosquitoes and the best means of controlling their numbers.
A mosquito exterminator might conduct Internet and field research to learn what kind of mosquitoes inhabit a given area, then investigate the most appropriate techniques for eliminating them. An exterminator can use legal pesticides or other chemicals to deter mosquitoes from nesting near a home, business, or farm. He or she often seeks out breeding grounds to remove millions of larva before they mature. Other techniques a mosquito exterminator might use include eliminating pools standing water and nearby marshlands, which are popular haunts for large numbers of mosquitoes.
Many exterminators talk to customers about reducing the likelihood of mosquitoes returning to their properties. Experts may suggest commercial pest control products or explain how avoiding buildups of trash, sewage, and standing water can keep their land mosquito-free. In addition to employing home solutions, many individuals schedule regular extermination services to ensure that they remain protected.
To become a mosquito exterminator, an individual must usually obtain a high school diploma and receive formal apprenticeship training, which involves both hands-on practice and classroom studies. The length of an apprenticeship can vary based on employer requirements and the skills of the new worker. Most states and countries require new mosquito exterminators and other pest control workers to pass licensing and certification exams, which test their knowledge of different fumigation techniques, health and safety, and local environmental laws. Many countries require exterminators who have been in practice for several years to attend refresher classes to keep them up-to-date on laws and acceptable procedures.