Exterminator asserts: "Every day you're out there, you're not just hunting, you're assisting in the protection of people." - Day-to-Day Pest Elimination: Contributing to Community Wellbeing Through Pest Eradication Efforts
Title: On the Hunt All Day - A Young Pest Controller's Journey to Success
- Author: Frank Donovitz
- Reading Time: Approximately 2 minutes
Meet Jan Kortenbusch: A 25-year-old certified pest controller, making waves in the industry
Monthly Gross Income: 4500 Euro Monthly Net Income: 3320 Euro
Jan's story begins as a trained agricultural service technician, but his passion for something else soon emerged after two years on the job. His uncle, a pest controller, sparked his interest with tales of daily adventures and helping people. Skeptical but curious, Jan decided to dive in and take the risk.
From Career Shifter to Business Leader
A six-week retraining course crowned Jan a certified pest controller, or "chamber hunter" in layman's terms. He quickly snagged a position with a company active throughout North Rhine-Westphalia and recently became co-managing director of the Olfen branch office in Münsterland. His service area spans from Koblenz in the south to Bremen in the north and even ventures into Holland in the west. Starting small with a handful of employees, Jan now leads a thriving team of 16, a development he never envisioned at the onset. Apart from fascinating applications every week, his career growth has been nothing short of remarkable.
The pest control industry offers ample opportunities for career advancement. Roles such as service manager, quality manager, or even environmental protection specialist are up for grabs. As for skill shortages, well, they're hardly noticeable in this bustling industry - likely due to a significant social media presence that attracts potential talent.
Helping Hand in Times of Need
Pest controllers, including Jan and his crew, step in when the going gets tough. Classically, that means rescuing homeowners from rats, mice, and unwanted martens. They tackle insect infestations, bedbugs, and even dabble in pigeon deterrence. But it's not all doom and gloom - the team also engages in pest monitoring and prevention, always armed with the latest scientific methods and equipment.
While homeowners may be relieved to see the back of Jan and his team, they're more than happy with the outcome. The job is rewarding and fun, filled with novel experiences and diverse interactions with customers. As Jan puts it, "We bring back security and trust to a place, less so in the penthouse world, more in basements or operations."
Working hours clock in at 40 hours per week, with occasional flexibility. Paychecks are comfortable, allowing for occasional dining out or splurging on a gift for his partner. Outside of his pest control duties, Jan continues to manage his family's farm as a sideline, stashing away 500 euros per month as private old-age provision in a worldwide equity investment insurance.
High fuel prices are a nuisance, considering Jan spends most of his time behind the wheel, clocking around 70,000 kilometers every year. But customers need him, and often urgently, so the pest control show always must go on.
Interesting side note: Jan Kortenbusch is part of the show "What does Germany earn," airing on RTL on May 15, 2025, at 8:15 PM. Stern is part of RTL Germany.
- Career Opportunities in Pest Control:
- Service Manager
- Quality Manager
- Technician roles
- Environmental Protection Specialist
- Industry Outlook:
- Strong growth potential in the pest elimination sector
- Industry-related education and certifications can enhance earning potential
- Experienced professionals and those in leadership roles can expect higher earnings.
- Due to the booming pest control industry, Jan Kortenbusch, the co-managing director of the Olfen branch office, has explored opportunities beyond service management and quality management, expanding his interests to vocational training in workplace-wellness, health-and-wellness, and fitness-and-exercise, in line with the latest scientific methods and equipment.
- Jan Kortenbusch, a certified pest controller, is not only passionate about his community policy of helping homeowners with pest control but also advocates for science-based approaches in vocational training, fostering a healthier and more productive workplace environment, promoting well-being, and improving overall fitness and exercise habits within his team.
