Real People. Real Stories. Real Pest Control.

Pest control is more than a job – it’s a career full of variety, challenge, and purpose. But don’t just take our word for it. In this series, we hand the mic over to people working across the industry – from those just starting out to seasoned professionals who’ve built lifelong careers in pest management.

Each person has their own unique story: how they got started, what surprised them about the industry, what keeps them passionate, and the paths they’ve taken to progress. These aren’t scripted case studies – they’re honest insights into the day-to-day reality, career progression, and personal fulfilment that comes from being part of this vital and growing profession.

Whether you’re considering pest control as your next move, or you’re already in the industry and curious about where it could take you, this is the place to explore the possibilities.

👉 Scroll down and click into each story to watch the full video.

 

Hear from Real People in the Industry

Anna Mollins

After completing a degree—and despite some preconceived ideas about the industry—Anna found herself in pest control and never looked back. It’s a career that’s offered her variety and the chance to build a wide and diverse skillset, leading to her current role as a Business Development Manager.

Avril Turner

Avril went to an interview on a Thursday, attracted by the idea of a van and working on the road. By Monday, she was a pest controller. Today, she’s the Technical Manager for a leading chemical manufacturer and distributor.

Donna Alvey

After being made redundant from her previous role, Donna joined the NPTA and has worked her way up to become our Membership Coordinator. She also organises PestTech—the UK’s largest pest control event—which welcomes over 80 exhibitors and more than 1,300 attendees every November.

Elaine Bliss

After 20 years in a job she loved, Elaine made the move to pest control during the pandemic, attracted by its status as an essential service. Starting in sales and admin at PestFix, she has since progressed to become Technical Manager for a national online retailer.

Gary Nicholas

Gary’s journey into pest control started with washing vans for a local company to earn some pocket money. That casual start turned into a full-time job, and a lasting career. After a brief detour when his employer closed down, Gary soon found himself back in the industry where he belonged, continuing a path that began with a bucket and sponge.

Grahame Turner

Originally on the path to becoming a vet, Grahame took a turn when things didn’t go to plan. He enrolled in an Applied Zoology course, and it was there that he discovered entomology, the study of insects. That subject sparked a lifelong interest and opened the door to a fulfilling career in pest control and technical training.

Jasmine Emmerson

After completing her A-levels, Jasmine knew she wanted to pursue a career in business. She joined Fotolec as an order inputter, but what started as a straightforward admin role gradually introduced her to the world of pest control. That slow introduction soon snowballed into a genuine passion for the industry and its opportunities.

John & Paul – Founders of the NPTA

John came from a farming background, where his interest in pest control grew alongside a strong passion for doing a good job and helping others. Paul, also from a farming family, had an early interest in wildlife and was introduced to pest control from a young age. Over time, both recognised the need for a voice to support pest professionals, and together, they founded the NPTA, determined to leave a legacy for the industry they care deeply about.

John Raby

John found himself at a crossroads in August 2011, unsure of his next move. He sent his CV out widely, and one of those applications led to a half-day field trial in pest control. That one experience was all it took. John was hooked from day one, and it marked the beginning of a rewarding journey in the industry.

John Stewart

John started his career as a butcher, but everything changed the day a pest controller visited his shop. That encounter sparked a new direction—he began as a technician and never looked back. Today, John is the UK Training Manager at Pelsis, helping shape the next generation of pest professionals.

Helen Hall

Helen began her career as a biologist with Forward Environmental Services and has now been in the industry for over 25 years. She’s held a variety of roles and is currently the Sales and Commercial Manager at Rentokil Initial Supplies.

Kevin Lawrenson

Kevin was working as a Food and Beverage Manager in a London hotel when he found himself regularly dealing with the pest technician on-site. One day, he jokingly told the sales rep, “I should work for you”—and a week later, he did. That moment was the start of a new career path in pest control.

Maxine Kean

Maxine made the leap from an admin role in a nursing home to the pest control industry, joining the NPTA as part of the admin team. She’s since progressed and now leads the training administration function, supporting the delivery of training to members across the country.

Owen Hayes Martyn

Owen had never heard of pest control as a career until someone suggested he give it a try. It sounded different—so he did. Now, Owen is starting his journey in the industry and already building a strong foundation for the future.

Paula Kearns

Paula applied for a job as a typist at Rentokil in 1989, not knowing it would lead to a lifelong career. Over time, he transitioned into the manufacturing side of the business and is now a Sales Support Manager, still thriving in the industry decades later.