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Verminators

(Rated TV-PG, Reality TV, Starring Mike Masterson, Where to watch: Discovery Channel, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 9, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 11.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Pest-control reality docu isn't for the squeamish.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 11–13

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The exterminators offer a service that helps protect clients' physical and psychological well being -- albeit at the cost of animal and insect life. Includes information about the cause of infestations and the health risks they pose.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    Pest control is approached as a "war" that requires "tracking the enemy" and carefully planning "battles." Technicians (sometimes gleefully) state that their job is "to kill." Scenes show technicians killing rats with large sticks and crushing them behind doors. Some potentially disturbing images of dead rats hanging by their necks from jaw traps and piled up in large buckets.
  • Sex:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    The Isotech company is blatantly promoted by owner Mike Masterson. The company's logo and toll-free number are prominently visible on the company trucks in many scenes/shots.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Verminators

Parents need to know that this reality docuseries -- in which pest control technicians search for and eliminate bug and rodent infestations -- is iffy for kids who are afraid of bugs or other "icky" creatures. Lots of pesky critters are shown crawling around; technicians use poison and other methods to get rid of them. There's some potentially disturbing footage of rats being killed with sticks and rodents hanging from jaw traps. Although these scenes are offered in an educational context, they may upset younger and/or more sensitive viewers or anyone passionate about animal rights. The series prominently features the Isotech pest control company, its logos, and its phone numbers.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the series shows animals and insects being treated. Is it appropriate to show animals (no matter how pesky they are) being hurt or killed? Why or why not? Families can also discuss people who work in pest control or other fields that many folks wouldn't be comfortable with. How do people get started in these careers? Do you think shows like this one are intended to help viewers appreciate the work and risks that go into these jobs? Or are they more meant to entertain and/or be voyeuristic?

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Our Members Say

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

    Interesting show

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Oklahoma
    I rate this title on for age 17 and give it 5.0

    Educational and interesting, but also a bit creepy.

    I like watching this show. For one reason, I live in an apartment and I want to ensure I never have pests. Watching this show is educational and teaches you how to know if you have pests, and how to search for pests. It is also just plain interesting to watch. You see some of the worst infestations and what true professionals use to handle the situations. This one is not for the kids, or the weak at heart. Not only do you see a lot of creepy crawlies but you also see some dying animals. It doesn't bother me any but I could see how this could be disturbing for some.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 11 and give it 5.0

    amazing

    Very imformative show. Even the best of animal lovers refuse to live with rats, roaches, and other pest. Pest control companies a very underappreciated and not respected. Hopefully this show brings out a positive image of pest control technicians.

  4. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    Land Version of Jacque Custo

    I was very surprised at the professionalism of the exterminators and quality of the show. I have a new respect for exterminators. What impressed me was the knowledge that Mike had and the ability to find problems where most would have missed. I learned quit a bit about insects and rodents. There were definatly areas that were gross but I thought the show was well balanced. Unlike most reality shows these days I will watch again.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 5.0

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