Verminators (Discovery Channel)

VERMINATORS follows the pest control technicians of Isotech, a Los Angeles-based company committed to doing whatever it takes to win the "battle" against roaches, rats, and other types of vermin. Under the leadership of company owner Mike Masterson, the technicians intrepidly examine every crack and crevice in order to locate the source of an infestation. Once they find it, they use strategy -- as well as poisons, traps, and even hand-to-hand combat -- to eliminate the creepy critters.

This reality docuseries offers some informative explanations about the various causes of bug and rodent infestations and shows technicians hard at work eliminating these pests. But the real drama comes from the show's vivid images: thousands of roaches crawling around apartments, hundreds of rats scampering around after the sun goes down, etc. And then there's the footage of technicians picking up cockroaches with their bare hands, beating rats to death with large sticks, and carrying large jaw traps (which hold dead rodents by their necks).

While these images may be disturbing or even frightening to some viewers, the technicians point out that their actions are necessary to protect both people and animals from very serious health problems. Still, sensitive kids and squeamish viewers of any age might not find Verminators particularly enjoyable. And those who are passionate about animal rights may not react positively to what they see, either. But for those who can stomach it, the show offers a chance to see what goes into succeeding at a job that most people would never dream of doing. It might even make us all a little more grateful to them for doing it.