How Women Are Redefining the Pest Control Industry

Editor’s note: It’s been four years since PCT’s last cover story on women in pest management (see “Taking Charge,” March 2022, PCT). In that issue, PCT Senior Editor Jacqueline Mitchell noted how the careers, leadership roles and perspectives were continuing to evolve for women in pest control. Mitchell wrote: “It’s important to remember that the conversation about women in the workplace doesn’t stop at the end of this month; it must be an ongoing discussion if we want the momentum to continue.”

In the following years, that momentum definitely has continued. Women are advancing within their companies and taking on greater leadership roles within state and national pest control associations.

Against this backdrop, and in recognition of Women’s History Month in March, the PCT staff thought the timing was right to revisit the topic of women in pest management in a series of articles. In “Breaking Barriers” (page 20), Jullee Johnson, corporate training and compliance specialist at Terminix Service, Columbia, S.C., recalls her eight-year journey from an administrative role to a leadership position in corporate training and compliance, showing how curiosity, hard work and continuous learning reshaped her career in pest control. Through Johnson’s story, she encourages other women to speak up, build relationships and recognize that they truly belong in the field.

Despite progress, challenges remain. In “Uniformly Overlooked” (page 26), PCT Assistant Editor McKenna Christy examines how industry leaders are actively seeking feedback from female technicians and moving away from one-size-fits-all, unisex uniforms. By testing women- specific cuts, offering multiple fit options and partnering with more nimble suppliers, employers are prioritizing comfort, safety and professionalism.

A number of women operators are challenging industry norms by showing that compassion and professionalism are not only compatible, but also essential to delivering truly effective service. In “Pest Control Through a Trauma-Informed Lens” (page 32), Canadian pest control owner Suzy Rayner encourages other professionals to understand trauma, fear and shame as drivers of customer behavior, offering a practical way to reduce conflict, build trust and improve treatment outcomes.

Together, these stories underscore how far the industry has come and how much opportunity still lies ahead. As women continue to lead, innovate and reshape pest management from the field to the boardroom, their voices are helping build a more inclusive, effective and forward-looking profession. — Brad Harbison

First Person: Breaking Barriers

My journey as a woman in the pest control industry.

By Jullee Johnson

Eight years ago, I joined Terminix Service as an administrative professional. At the time, I thought I was simply supporting the people who did “the real work.” But my role became a gateway to understanding the industry and it changed my career.

I worked hard, got licensed and earned industry recognition, including the Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) Professional Empowerment Grant and the National Pest Management Association Impact Award. Today, as a corporate training and compliance specialist, I help shape how our teams are trained, how we stay compliant and how we build a culture of safety and excellence. While I still learn something new every single day, my commitment to encouraging more women to enter pest control remains constant.

WHAT IT TAKES. It’s no secret pest control has been a male-dominated field. Walk into any industry event, and the gender gap is obvious. But that’s changing, and I’m proud to be part of that change. Women bring valuable strengths, including:

• Attention to detail that’s critical for inspections and compliance
• Communication skills that strengthen customer trust
• A collaborative mindset that builds stronger teams

Pest control isn’t just about crawling under houses or climbing ladders. It’s about problem-solving, protecting public health and making a real impact on people’s daily lives. That’s work anyone — men or women — can take pride in.

LESSONS FROM MY JOURNEY. When I moved from office work to corporate training and compliance, I had doubts. I didn’t know the technical side of pest control and wasn’t sure I could “speak the language.” But every training session, regulation learned and conversation with field personnel built my knowledge and confidence. I am still a work in progress! Here’s what I tell other women entering the field:

• Say yes to learning opportunities, even if you’re nervous.
• Build relationships across departments. Your network is your best resource. I often say, “I don’t work in one department; I work for Terminix Service. How can I help?”
• Speak up. Your ideas might be exactly what the industry needs.

WHY WE BELONG IN PEST CONTROL. To women considering this career, or already in it but unsure of their next step, my message is simple: You belong here. Your communication skills, attention to detail, empathy and fresh perspective are not just valuable — they’re essential.

Pest control needs more women in every role, from technicians and inspectors to managers, trainers and executives. The work we do protects health, property and the environment. It’s technical, hands-on and makes a difference. I started in administration and now have a voice in shaping company policies, training programs and compliance standards. If I can grow in this industry, so can you.

LOOKING AHEAD. Pest control is evolving. New technology (e.g., artificial intelligence), changing regulations and a greater emphasis on customer education are creating room for innovation at every level. I believe women will be a driving force in shaping that future.

The door to pest control is wide open. Step through it.

The author is corporate training & compliance specialist at Terminix Service, Columbia, S.C.