International Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across the globe and highlight the importance of increasing gender equality and inclusion across society.
We do our best to celebrate all our staff every single day of the year and certainly don’t need an excuse to highlight the success our incredible women.
That said, the theme for International Women’s Day is Inspire Inclusion, and by shouting from the rooftops about the success and achievements of our incredible team, we hope to inspire more women to consider a career in the pest control industry.
At Pest Solutions, 50% of our workforce are women, however, as an industry women only account for 4.5% of the sector, indicating that there is still a huge amount of work to be done.
From the outset, our success has always been built on a simple recruitment policy of hiring the best person for the job, no matter their gender. It just happens that this approach has led to a far more diverse force of pest technicians than is seen in many pest control companies.
We have experienced tremendous growth as a company over the past few years, and the superb work done by our female team members has been integral to this success, so it is only right that we take the opportunity to champion them on this important day.
We asked some of the women working on the frontline some hard hitting questions (and a few less hard-hitting!) about what attracted them to a life as a pest controller, and some of the challenges they have faced in a role that has traditionally been dominated by men.
Gemma Sutherland BSc (hons) – Service Manager / Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“I studied BSc (hons) Zoology at University of Glasgow, graduating in 2019. I worked in customer service roles previously (Greggs, M&S, administration roles) which I feel set me up for a customer service focused role in pest management.”
Elizabeth Bayliss BSc (hons), MSc – Graduate Service Technician
“Growing up I always wanting to be a vet. As I got older, I realised that you don’t have to be a vet to work with animals and going on holiday to the beach I fell in love with marine animals. I went to university to study Marine Biology, I wanted to learn more about ecosystems to help towards a more sustainable and successful future.”
Abbie Kirkwood BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“I had seen the indeed advert. I had also seen an advert for Rentokil but the career path at Pest Solutions was so much more appealing to me and after looking into the company and seeing great reviews I knew it was the right one to choose.”
Rhae Lobban BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“As a nature conservationist I wasn’t sold on the idea of pest control until I’d spoken to Chris Cagienard and Iain Marks, who told me about the lengths that a good pest controller should be taking to minimise risks to non-target species such as native wildlife. Chris was very articulate, knowledgeable, and reassuring about the topic which sold me on the idea that I can be a nature conservationist and a pest controller. This coupled with hearing about the company ethos and work culture really piqued my interest.”
Chloe Smith BSc (hons), MSc – Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“Before entering the industry, I only had experience of men carrying out Pest control in some of the flats I’ve stayed in in Glasgow. I had the idea that it was just a case of killing rats and mice, but it’s so much more. Understanding the biology and behaviour of rodents is key to this job!”
Abbie Kirkwood BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“I thought you’d have to be mad to want to do it! I didn’t realise the training and knowledge that is behind it, from thinking outside the box to knowing behaviours and traits of each pest. Since joining the industry my perceptions have really changed and I look forward to making a career of it.”
Rhae Lobban BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“When I started, and friends or family would ask what I was doing I was a little embarrassed to say I’m a pest controller. As I learned and sat my level 2, I started to realise this job is truly special. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it requires skill, experience and a good dose of problem solving. I’ve learned so much in such a short space of time and have so much pride in what I do, now I wear my uniform like a badge of honour.”
Rebekah Simpson – Advanced Service Technician
“In all honesty I thought it was just about killing things. I now understand that it’s all about prevention, customer service, helping customers through what can be a very traumatic time, understanding rodent and insect behaviours and going through the least harmful methods possible first.”
Gemma Sutherland BSc (hons) – Service Manager / Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“Without a doubt the customer service. I love meeting different people in different situations and developing a trust and partnership with them (especially winning over the challenging customers). I get a lot of satisfaction from educating my customers on pest behaviour, and how they can manage their own behaviours and environment to reduce the risk of pest activity.”
Rhae Lobban BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“It would be so hard to pick 1 thing! So to name a few, the many wonderful places I get to see. The many wonderful people I meet and develop strong working partnerships with. I love getting new work for the company and getting 5-star reviews because I get back what I put in.”
Monika Loziene BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“It is so rewarding to help customers who are in distress to tackle pest issues, and to see the relief in their faces once the issue is resolved.”
Abbie Kirkwood BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“Since overall, the industry is mostly men, and older men at that, it can be difficult as a young female. Many people make passing comments about how young I am and the fact I’m a female. Some things like proofing work I think people assume a female can’t do a job as well as a male.”
Gemma Sutherland BSc (hons) – Service Manager / Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“When I first started in the industry, I found it strange that people would have such a bias towards someone for simply doing a job, but it became apparent very quickly that a lot of people do find it surprising that a woman would want to do pest control and are sometimes more surprised when we are good at it! I always felt I had to prove myself to customers to gain their trust, but this just made me work harder and push myself further to learn more so I could deliver a satisfactory outcome for my customers.”
Clara Guisan BSc (hons), MSc – Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“Sometimes you can feel people can look down on you because you are a woman doing this job. It can feel like they don’t trust that you are going to do a good job for them. It is a constant effort to prove ourselves, which is quite unfair and tiring.”
Gemma Sutherland BSc (hons) – Service Manager / Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“Absolutely! If you’re looking for an engaging career where you are continuously learning new things, pest control might be for you. I believe this is an exciting time to join the pest management sector, the industry is becoming increasingly more professional.”
Rhae Lobban BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“YES. I cannot but recommend this as a viable, fruitful career path for women. All you need is determination in this role, and a willingness to get a bit mucky some days. This will take you all the way. As with all things, if you are strategic and try hard, you’ll wield good results. If you, like me studied an environmental degree and cannot find a way into the sector, this is a fantastic career opportunity and I cannot stress this enough.”
Elizabeth Bayliss BSc (hons), MSc – Graduate Service Technician
“I would recommend this industry to anyone that loves problem solving. The easy, obvious option isn’t always the right option. This industry is so much more than killing pests. It’s about scientific investment, ecosystem management, animal behaviour, animal biology, and amazing customer service.”
Maisie Bullock BSc (hons), MSc – Net Zero and Sustainability Coordinator
“I think it’s an exciting time to be a woman in pest control. As diversity and inclusivity are movements that are increasingly being taken more seriously, women in the industry are beginning to be encouraged and supported to advance their careers, take on leadership roles and ultimately break barriers in a male dominated industry.
I would advise women to join pest control sector and be a part of the empowerment that inspires other women to pursue their passions in pest control, and ultimately challenge stereotypes.”
Rebekah Simpson – Advanced Service Technician
“Don’t be shy in trying out something new, you might find it’s a perfect fit for you. Don’t just read online, have a chat with someone in pest control to find out what really happens behind the scenes!”
Abbie Kirkwood BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“They thought I was nuts! Especially after going to university for 4 years to do a forensic science degree, they all asked why I chose to do this. After explaining it was a graduate role, and all the training and opportunities I had, they had totally different opinions on it since I was using my degree. My dad thinks it’s great and loves to ask me what I’ve done every week when I go up to visit.”
Gemma Sutherland BSc (hons) – Service Manager / Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“My family saw how excited and interested I was in the job and were just happy that I was happy. My friends (zoologists and animal lovers included) were also very supportive when they realised how invested I was pest control as a career, and how I spoke about the work we do with compassion and explained that we have a responsibility to be as humane as possible and environmentally conscious at all times.”
Rebekah Simpson – Advanced Service Technician
“They all thought I was a bit crazy (kinda true) especially because I would be phoning any of my family friends to come and remove a tiny spider from my room… now I’m the one who gets called!
Gemma Sutherland BSc (hons) Service Manager / Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“Winning Pest Controller of The Year and being promoted to Service Manager at Pest Solutions; I feel so proud to lead a team of diverse technicians with incredible attitudes & work ethic.”
Rhae Lobban BSc (hons) Graduate Service Technician
“Winning the Pest Solutions Rookie of the year award 2023”
Elizabeth Bayliss BSc (hons), MSc – Graduate Service Technician
“My biggest achievement so far is seeing how confident I have become. I believe in myself and the knowledge I have from passing my Level 2 to carry out a job most men would be scared to do.”
Clara Guisan BSc (hons), MSc – Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“I think every time a customer trusts you and follow your recommendations and everything works out, that’s always my biggest achievement.”
Monika Loziene BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“In terms of education or continuous professional development would be RSPH Level 2 Award in Pest Management. But my biggest achievement is the confidence that this job has gave me!”
Rebekah Simpson- Advanced Service Technician
“It has got to be gaining my Level 3 certified advanced technician qualification. I’ve never been book smart, I even surprised myself with this one, but it is amazing what you can achieve when you are heavily interested in what you are learning about.”
Siobhan Quinn – Account Manager
“Winning the Pest Solutions Ambassador Award 2023. I’m still over the moon about this!”
Chloe Smith BSc (hons), MSc – Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“I think a lot is still to be done with the stereotypical view of pest control being for men and it being an under skilled job. I think us women at Pest Solutions are already beginning to change people’s minds that anybody can be a Pest Control Technician.”
Abbie Kirkwood BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“I think the stereotype of a Pest control technician being a middle aged man needs to change. Anyone could be a Pest control technician if they had the enthusiasm and willingness to learn! I think more publicity about woman in Pest Control would be helpful.”
Elizabeth Bayliss BSc (hons), MSc – Graduate Service Technician
“Many things about this industry need to change. Starting with making sure that people know pest control is an actual scientific, animal loving job. Government and public perspectives need to change to make this job more inviting to women. All of these come down to education.”
Siobhan Quinn – Account Manager
“I personally think people have to move with the times – its 2024. All men and women should be able to work in any industry without feeling like they shouldn’t be there or don’t belong there (getting judged). Pest Solutions are already doing this – they are interviewing the best candidates for the role and then offering the job to the most suitable person (whatever their gender).”
Chloe Smith BSc (hons), MSc – Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“You’re too pretty to be doing pest control, you look like you’d be an air hostess!”
Abbie Kirkwood BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“Probably either “you’re too young and pretty to be catching rats” or “you could be a model, what are you doing a horrible job like this for.””
Gemma Sutherland BSc (hons) – Service Manager / Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“What’s a wee thing like you doing in a dirty job like this? Shouldn’t you be doing hair and beauty?”
Rhae Lobban BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“Did you grow up on a farm or something? I can’t see how a city girl could end up doing what you do. OR you’re too pretty to do this type of work.”
Elizabeth Bayliss BSc (hons), MSc – Graduate Service Technician
“A young beautiful woman like you shouldn’t be in a job like this.” Or “You sure you can handle that sweetie?”
Monika Loziene BSc (hons) – Graduate Service Technician
“You must really love attention to be doing this job”
Clara Guisan BSc (hons), MSc – Graduate Advanced Service Technician
“Many times, my colleagues and I hear the comments of “such a young and pretty lady doing a job like this?”. I was even told that I should be model and not a pest controller by a customer.”
Rebekah Simpson – Advanced Service Technician
“Why send a woman out to do a man’s job?”
The theme of this years International Women’s Day is inspire inclusion, and we hope that the stories told by our awesome women in this article will have changed a few perceptions and maybe even inspired you to think about a career in the industry.
There are so many different roles in pest control (its not all running around after rats!) from supporting the technicians out in the field as part of our office or accounts team, to installing bird netting and other deterrents on the rooftops of your local city.
Whatever your interests or talents may be, we would love to here from you, especially if you have a background in biology or animal behaviour. As you have just read, many of the most successful pest controllers in the UK studied these topics at university.
We are growing fast, and with offices opening up in new cities every single year, we are almost always hiring in one position or another. Check out our existing vacancies, or send your CV to chris@pestsolutions.co.uk
Could you be the next women to take the Pest Control industry by storm?
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We are open 24 hours 7 days a week to help with all pest related enquiries.
We are open 24 hours 7 days a week to help with all pest related enquiries.
We are open 24/hours 7 days a week to help with all pest related enqurirs.
