A Female in Pest Control

March 2026 Edition

by: Lynn WHite

I started my pest control career nearly 20 years ago—in April 2006—when Curt Lilleodden (yes, our Iowa Regional Manager) took a chance on hiring a woman into a field where women made up only about 0.5–1.5% of technicians at the time. Even today, the number is still relatively low, though growing (often cited around 6–9% depending on region). And if I’m remembering correctly, I may have been the only person who applied—so that didn’t hurt my odds.

I wasn’t hired for “typical” pest control work, either. The role was focused on egg-laying chicken barns (open pit, not daily clean-out) and processing facilities. If you’ve never been in one, it’s not an environment most people—especially women—are expected to feel comfortable in. After my interview, Curt told me, “If you can walk through a chicken barn without hesitation, you can have the job.” (Between the flies and the odor, that’s a real test.)

I spent the next 13 years working primarily in chicken barns—8 locations and 110 barns—alongside residential and small commercial accounts. It was a small company without formal training, so I learned in real time: Google, books, and plenty of phone calls to other technicians.

I’d worked in male-dominated environments before pest control, which helped me navigate some uncomfortable situations early on. The biggest challenge, though, was customer perception. Many customers didn’t believe a woman could be a dedicated pest control technician and were uncomfortable even speaking with me at first. Over time, they learned I had a real passion for the work. I grew my territory, earned multiple quarterly sales awards, and in 2013 I accepted the role of Southern Regional Manager—managing all of Iowa, southern Minnesota, and northern Missouri—while still maintaining some residential and commercial accounts.

Fast forward to 2021: I interviewed with Curt again—this time for a position with FSS, Inc. It’s been eye-opening to work across two decades and watch social expectations change. What used to be a skeptical first meeting with a “grumbly farmer” about rats has increasingly turned into smiles and handshakes. I’ve read more and more about women breaking barriers in this traditionally male-dominated industry—and it rings true. Women bring strong customer service, empathy, and communication skills, and we’re expanding well beyond administrative roles into technician work, technology, entomology, leadership, and ownership.

I’ve had many women tell me, “I don’t know how you do that job.” I always reply: Because I know how to kill everything that scares me.

If you have a female friend, family member, or significant other who might enjoy a hands-on, meaningful, in-demand career, I’d encourage you to talk to them about pest management. There are also great communities supporting women in our industry, including:

• Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM)
• Women in Pest Management (Facebook)
• Women in Pest Control (WIPC)
• Hometeam Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI)
• Women in Pest Control Conference Group
• Plus blogs and podcasts dedicated to women in pest control