Views From A Pest Controller: Pest control is more than simply dealing with pests
Beth Pemberton-Hill Celebrates National Recognition as Best Young Pest Controller
A passion for learning and a commitment to developing within the pest control industry have earned Beth Pemberton-Hill of Cleankill Pest Control, part of the Pest Control Partnership Group, national recognition, after she was named Best Young Pest Controller at the National Pest Awards 2026.
The prestigious award celebrates the contribution of the next generation of pest professionals, recognising individuals who are making an impact within the industry while demonstrating a genuine commitment to building their skills, knowledge and experience.
For some people, discovering a career in pest control happens by chance. For others, the foundations are there long before they ever step into a pest control van.
For Beth, the journey began at university, where a passion for insects developed through an unexpected combination of criminology, forensic studies and entomology.
After graduating from Portsmouth University with a first-class BSc (Hons) degree in Criminology and Forensic Studies, Beth completed a dissertation exploring how citizen science could enhance the general public’s understanding of entomology.
As part of the practical element, she designed an experiment that encouraged members of the public to collect and identify insects from different locations using sticky trap dishes. With information sheets and identification keys, participants could identify the insects they had found while learning more about their classification.
It was through this project that a genuine passion for insects began to develop.
Outside of work, Beth has another passion that takes her well beyond the office – running. Having already completed two marathons and an ultra-marathon, she has plans to take on two more marathons next year.
Finding a Career in Pest Control
After university, Beth spent some time working in a café while considering which career path to pursue. It was then that she discovered the Rentokil graduate scheme.
Initially, there was some apprehension about working with rodents, but that quickly changed as her experience grew.
Learning how to treat insects such as cockroaches and beetles sparked a real interest, while dealing with rodent infestations across supermarkets, commercial premises and residential properties helped build her confidence and broaden her practical experience.
A move to Cleankill followed after conversations with colleagues who had previously made the same transition. In October 2023, Beth joined Cleankill, working across Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and the South Coast as part of the Pest Control Partnership.
The advice that has stayed with Beth throughout her career is simple:
“Always challenge yourself to learn something new.”
It is advice that seems particularly appropriate for an industry that continues to evolve.
An Industry That Never Stands Still
Pest control is changing rapidly. Technology, climate patterns, environmental considerations and changes to authorised products are all influencing the way pest professionals work.
For Beth, that constant change is one of the things that makes the industry so interesting.
There have already been several career highlights, including tackling a significant rat infestation at a supermarket and dealing with a heavy bed bug infestation at a block of flats.
No Two Days Are the Same
One of the biggest attractions of pest control is the variety.
A typical day can start as early as 7am, often at a chicken farm or unmanned site, before moving on to residential appointments from around 9am onwards.
The day is carefully planned around geographical location and scheduled visits, with multiple customers sometimes booked within the same area. But flexibility is just as important as organisation.
That combination of organisation, communication and adaptability is something that Beth uses every day.
“Organisation is vital in pest control because you have to plan your day, but if an urgent call comes in you need to adapt and change your day around to try and get to the customer in need.”
The role also provides an opportunity to experience places that most people would never see as part of their working day.
From manor houses and breweries to churches and rural properties, the job offers an ever-changing backdrop. Even the journeys between appointments can provide memorable moments, including spotting red kites flying overhead.
For someone who enjoys being outdoors, it is a very different working environment to sitting behind a desk.
The Customer Is Part of the Solution
One of the biggest misconceptions about pest control, according to Beth, is that once a pest professional arrives, the customer has nothing else to do.
In reality, successful pest management relies heavily on working together. Bed bug treatments are a good example. Customers may need to prepare their homes in advance by stripping beds, emptying wardrobes and drawers and providing access to wall and floor junctions.
It is a reminder that pest control is not simply about applying a treatment. It is about understanding the environment, identifying the cause, communicating clearly with the customer and putting preventative measures in place.
Looking Ahead
The industry also faces challenges, from encouraging more women to consider careers in pest control to increasing restrictions around certain products, including dusts and gels. There is also an increasing amount of documentation and site-specific preparation required before work can even begin.
At the same time, technology continues to create new opportunities. As new devices and technologies are introduced, pest professionals will need to be willing to learn, adapt and understand how these tools can improve the way they work.
For Beth, that ability to keep learning is exactly what makes the industry so exciting.
And perhaps that brings the journey full circle, from a university project identifying insects with members of the public to a career spent identifying, treating and understanding pests in environments across the South Coast.
Quick Fire
Favourite pests to identify: Cockroaches and beetles
Best piece of kit in the van: The diary and camera!
Three words to describe pest control: Essential, preventative and growing
Favourite thing about working at PCP: The investment in people and technology
Biggest pest-control pet peeve: Arriving at a site that hasn’t been properly prepared or travelling a long distance only to find the site is closed or there is no issue to deal with.
For Beth, pest control is more than simply dealing with pests. It is a career built around continuous learning, problem-solving, communication and being prepared for whatever the next call brings. If you’d like to explore opportunities at PCP please contact jack.nesteruk@pestcp.com
