Maryland Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education Courses

2 credits: 3C
Annual bluegrass has historically been an important weed of many, if not most, commodity and specialty crops. The extensive reliance upon herbicides as the primary means of control has led to an almost overwhelming presence of herbicide resistance. This course will discuss the currently reported cases of annual bluegrass resistance to various herbicides and how to develop an effective herbicide program.
 

2 credits: 7A
Unlike most pesticides, antimicrobial pesticides can be found in a wide variety of places and are readily available to the public. Antimicrobial pesticides also have unique label requirements. This course will discuss antimicrobial pesticides, their properties, potential risks, and hazards of use.

2 credits: Core, Private
When pesticide applications become necessary for good turf management, it's important to understand how the application equipment works and how to properly calibrate the equipment. This course will provide turf managers with an understanding of the most common types of equipment used for pesticide applications on turf and how to properly calibrate the equipment.
 

5 credits: 5
Aquatic ecosystems are extremely complex and fragile. This course covers the many aspects necessary for managing aquatic pests, from site evaluation and pest identification to pesticide application and treatment evaluation. Risk communication strategies are included, along with a variety of control methods in addition to aquatic pesticides.
 

4 credits: 5
Managing aquatic weeds revolves around proper plant identification. Tailoring management strategies to address specific aquatic plant life is only possible through accurate identification. This course teaches the basics of aquatic weed identification and the different approaches to aquatic plant management.

4 credits: Private, 1A
This course covers the importance of honey bees, details honey bee decline statistics, and outlines the strategies that can be implemented to coordinate the efforts of farmers, beekeepers, and applicators to find a balance between managing pests and protecting pollinators.

2 credits: 7C
The site of a bat hanging around a structure can be unnerving to most clients. Finding one inside a home is even more unsettling and can send the homeowner into a panic. This course will talk about the identification of bat issues, fundamentals of bat control, and a few health issues that can be quite costly for wildlife control operators and clients.

2 credits: 7A, 8
Bed bugs are a common and difficult household pest that can be linked to a number of health effects such as psychological issues, cutaneous reactions, allergic reactions, anemia, and potential disease transmission. This course outlines various management methods for bed bug control and treatment as well as common symptoms and signs of health effects caused by the presence of bed bugs.

4 credits: 7A
Structural applicators know that managing a bed bug infestation is difficult on many levels. This course looks at the history of bed bugs, current integrated pest management approaches to preventing and managing an infestation, and several of the chemical options available when your non-chemical controls and methods have failed.

2 credits: Core, 3C
Proper application of pesticides and fertilizers on turfgrass is only possible with accurately calibrated equipment. These lessons discuss the calibration of three types of application equipment: handheld or back-pack pump-up sprayers, large acreage sprayers, and fertilizer or “dry-granular” spreaders as well as several different calibration techniques.

6 credits: 3A, 7C
Pest management of ornamental plants involves multiple steps from growing a healthy plant that is more resistant to pest damage to correctly identifying the problem when present. This course will cover the most common pests of ornamental plants.

6 credits: 7A, 7B, 7D
This online video course teaches Maryland pest managers how to control interior and exterior pests that can infect people and damage property.

2 credits: 3C
Managing weeds in a turf stand can be a tricky proposition. Often times the client fails to recognize that the presence of weeds in a turf stand is the result of poor turf, not the cause. This course will provide applicators with a working knowledge of weed biology, weed identification, and how herbicides work.

2 credits: 7C
Unwanted birds can pose a problem for applicators and their clients. Some people love to feed the birds and spend hours watching birds. Once birds have become established in an area they can be difficult to control or deter. Though this course will focus on the control and management of unprotected birds, some of the techniques covered will help with the management of protected birds when a permit is issued.

7 credits: 5
This course discusses managing pests in aquatic environments. It contains extensive plant identification, discussing common weed types and species. Other pests, such as insects or birds, are also covered. In addition, this course explains a variety of control methods, outlining how to use pesticides safely and the necessary first aid for any exposure. Finally, calibration of equipment is explained and example scenarios are explored.

2 credits: 3C
Turf responds best to consistent cultural practices including mowing, irrigating, and fertilizing. But as turf managers know, there is a right way and a wrong way to do these. This course covers the dos and don'ts of good cultural practices that will result in a healthy vigorous turf that will be enjoyed for years.

6 credits: 3B
This course teaches the basics of pest and disease management in enclosed spaces where exposure is increased, and the different tools and techniques needed to successfully control the environment.

2 credits: Core
Pesticides are a key factor in pest management but it is important to understand what happens to those pesticides after the application. This course will review some key characteristics of environmental factors that can affect how pesticides move and degrade in the environment.

2 credits: 7C
This topic, while not often talked about, is something that everyone in wildlife control has to deal with. It is one of those unmentionables, but we need to talk about it in detail because it’s something you’re going to need to encounter if you’re going to be a full-fledged wildlife control operator. This course will cover methods for euthanizing animals, ways to dispose of the deceased animal, and pitfalls to avoid to maintain public relations and appearance.

2 credits: Core
Pesticides are regulated to utilize their benefits while protecting public health and welfare and preventing harm to the environment. This course addresses the federal pesticide laws that control the labeling, sale and distribution, storage, transportation, use, and disposal in the best public interest.

8 credits: 1A, 10, Core, Private
Pesticides protect plants and animals from insects, weeds, and diseases; improve the efficiency of food, feed, and fiber productions; and provide for greater crop yields. This course outlines various invasive pests of field crops and how an applicator can effectively treat pest invasions while protecting themselves and the environment from the adverse effects of pesticides.

4 credits: 7D, 7E
This course focuses on the use of fumigants to effectively control burrowing animals. Students will learn about different fumigation devices and products, and how best to comply with label restrictions to protect both non-targets and applicators from harm.

8 credits: 1A, 10, Core, Private
Pesticides protect plants and animals from insects, nematodes, weeds, and diseases; improve the efficiency of food productions, and provide for greater crop yields. This course outlines various invasive pests of fruit crops and how an applicator can effectively treat pest infestations while protecting themselves and maintaining productive fruit crop yields intended for human consumption.

2 credits: 1A, 3A, 7E
There are many regulations and requirements for the use fumigation products. One of the biggest requirements is preparing a fumigation management plan (FMP). This course will help you navigate the requirements of a fumigation product label, SDS sheet, and Applicator’s Manual, and will also walk you through a step-by-step demonstration of how to fill out an FMP for the control of burrowing rodents.

2 credits: Core
This course provides a basic understanding of how fungicides work, and the basics of collecting plant material samples for testing pathogens. Fungal spores, germination, plant appearance, infections, fungicide mechanism, collection techniques, and collection dos and don'ts are all discussed.

6 credits: 7A, 7D
As certified or licensed professionals we have legal responsibilities that we must fulfill in every job that we do. Not only do have to control pests, but we also have to do the paperwork and legwork that documents our applications. This course reviews the basics of general structural pest management.

2 credits: 3A, 3C
The lawn and landscape are essential elements in any residential situation. When not installed or managed properly the investment of time and money can be perceived as a waste as the lawn and landscape do not fulfill their purpose. This course will focus on the essentials of designing a landscape that is aesthetically pleasing and makes weed control easier as well as key factors for installing and establishing a functional home lawn.

4 credits: 7C
If you do not diagnose the problem correctly you will spend a lot of time treating something that is not there. Identify correctly and gather evidence and determine the extent of potential problems. This course will cover the basics of what to look for while inspecting a structure that has potentially been invaded by wildlife.

6 credits: 3B
Pesticides protect plants in your interior landscape from insects and diseases; maintain the aesthetic appeal of indoor plants, and provide a good image for your clients’ establishments. This course outlines various invasive pests and diseases of interior plants and how an applicator can effectively treat pest infestations while protecting themselves and maintaining the aesthetic appeal of their clients’ businesses.

4 credits: 8
To effectively manage a mosquito population as part of an integrated pest management plan applicators must be familiar with mosquito physiology, the lifecycle of the mosquito, and various collection and surveillance methods for both adult mosquitoes and larvae. This course will talk about surveillance methods, mosquito anatomy, and touch on the diseases that are most commonly vectored by mosquitoes in the United States.

2 credits: 3A
IPM of ornamental plants involves multiple steps; producing a healthy plant, correctly identifying the problem, recognizing that there will always be some pests and damage, and only using pesticides as a last resort. This course teaches the basics of pest and disease management for ornamental plants, and the different tools and techniques needed to successfully provide your clients with a healthy and attractive landscape.
Certified Crop Advisors: 1 credit IPM

2 credits: 7B
Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the United States. But there are several common-sense IPM practices that can be implemented to make a structure less inviting to termites from the start. This course will provide a review of IPM principles, termite biology, and several IPM practices to make any structure less attractive to termites.

2 credits: 3C
As a turf manager, you'll need to be more than someone who just applies pesticides. Good turf management requires the use of all the tools in the toolbox. This course will touch on the best practice cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls for turf management.

2 credits: 3A, 3B, 3C, Core
This Effective Pesticide Applications in Landscape and Turf Settings course illustrates benefits and considerations for developing an integrated pest management (IPM) program in Maryland. Course topics include a variety of pest-management methods, such as sanitation, augmentation, pesticide use, and mechanical and cultural control.

2 credits: 5
Beavers are protected and beneficial to the ecosystem and habitats of other animals. Managing them requires careful consideration and knowledge of state laws and permits. This course will cover common behaviors and habitat construction. It will also cover many non-lethal methods of control and requirements and ways to effectively trap beavers.

2 credits: 1A, 3A
Columbian ground squirrels are similar to Richardson’s ground squirrels, but they are much more difficult to control. This course will teach you the difference between both ground squirrel species, help you identify their behaviors and habitats, and show you the best time to control them. This course will also discuss the many control methods of Columbian ground squirrels and requirements of each.

2 credits: 3A, 3C
The site of a fresh mound of soil in an otherwise manicured lawn or alfalfa field can be enough to send a landowner into a tizzy. Pocket gophers can be devastating to both lawns and agricultural fields if they are not properly controlled. The damage caused by pocket gophers can sometimes be confused with either moles or ground squirrels. This course will cover the basics of pocket gopher management including biology, damage, trapping, and toxicant use.

2 credits: 7A, 7C
Because the management of raccoons is a detailed process, this topic is split into two courses: basic (part A) and advanced (part B). This basic course provides an overview of raccoon biology, damage, and control measures that can be taken. Additionally, this course will cover safety protocol and legal requirements of wildlife control.

2 credits: 7A, 7C
Because the management of raccoons is a detailed process, this topic is split into two courses: basic (part A) and advanced (part B). This advanced course provides an overview of baiting principles and the different types of traps recommended for raccoons. This course will also touch on diseases carried by raccoons and how to humanely dispatch trapped raccoons.

2 credits: 7C
Richardson’s ground squirrels are similar to Columbian ground squirrels, but they are much easier to control. This course will teach you the difference between both ground squirrel species, help you identify their behaviors and habitats, and show you the best time to control them. This course will also discuss the many control methods of Richardson’s ground squirrels and requirements of each.

2 credits: 3A, 7A, 7D
This course will cover five different species of tree squirrel so you can identify the differences between each species in terms of their behaviors and abilities, habitats, and damage. This course will also discuss the many control techniques to use and requirements of each.

2 credits: 1A, 3A, 6, Private
Woodchucks are also known as whistle pigs or groundhogs. Woodchucks are basically the building contractors for many animals in the wildlife kingdom because of the holes they dig. This course will discuss the control and management of woodchucks.

2 credits: 7A, 7B
There are many species of woodpeckers and they are all protected, so managing them requires careful and diligent observation. This course will cover differences between species and common behaviors. It will also cover many non-lethal methods of control and legal requirements for lethal control.

8 credits: 3A
This course teaches the basics of disease management for landscape plantings, cost-minimizing strategies, and tools and techniques needed to successfully control disease in the highly competitive world of landscaping.

2 credits: 7D
One of the challenges with house mice is that clients don’t take house mice seriously. It’s amazing how people will move heaven and earth when rats are around, but when it comes to mice they will simply say “oh, it’s just a mouse!” This course will help educate applicators on the risks of allowing house mice to remain in a structure.

4 credits: 5, 10
Managing microbial pests in water systems is essential for human health and the wider environment. This course will cover pest identification and methods of control. It will also discuss common application methods and ways to protect yourself from hazards when using biocides.

2 credits: 3A, 3C
Moles can be the bane of a well-kept lawn. But is it really a mole? Moles, voles, shrews, and pocket gopher damage can look the same to the untrained eye. This course covers the physiological differences between moles and other look-alike vertebrate pests, trapping techniques, and toxicant options.

6 credits: 8
Correct identification of each mosquito species is an important step to managing the mosquito population in your area. Each species of mosquito has its own preferred habitat and breeding environment. This course covers the preferred habitat, breeding ground, and physiological differences between five major species of mosquitoes found throughout the United States.

4 credits: 8
Mosquito management is a daunting task for many applicators. When mosquito management is done incorrectly or isn't done at all, mosquitoes can make public spaces unusable. This course will discuss common methods of mosquito controls, everything from physical controls to pesticides, to record-keeping, all as part of a solid integrated pest management approach to mosquito control.

2 credits: 7B
This course is a brief overview of basic identification of insects that are common to our environment including native and non-native wood boring insects. The course outlines the distinguishing physical, behavioral characteristics, and management strategies for common insects and invasive woodborers.

6 credits: 3A
This course is for agricultural pesticide applicators who want to become certified as commercial or public applicators of restricted-use pesticides for the control of natural areas. It outlines various invasive weeds in natural areas and how an applicator should go about treating natural areas with respect to wildlife and the environment.

2 credits: Core, 3A
When pesticide applications become necessary for good ornamental plant management it's important to understand how application equipment works and how to properly calibrate the equipment. This course will discuss the most common types of equipment used for pesticide applications on ornamental plants, the way to calculate the volume of solution needed, and how to properly calculate the flow rate of the equipment.

2 credits: Core
Wearing PPE can reduce exposure (dermal, inhalation, ocular, or oral) and thereby lower the chances of pesticide injury, illness, or poisoning. It is important that all pesticide applicators and handlers understand the protections and limitations of PPE.

4 credits: Private, 1A
This course discusses pest identification and management strategies for corn, soybean, and grain sorghum. Each species is identified according to various stages of maturity, the signs and symptoms exhibited, and the type of biological, cultural, or chemical control recommended for each.

2 credits: Private, 1A
This course discusses proper insect identification for rice, cotton, and peanuts. Each pest and pathogen are identified according to various stages of maturity, the signs and symptoms exhibited, and the type of biological, cultural, or chemical control recommended for each.

2 credits: Core
A pest is an undesirable organism that injures humans, desirable plants and animals, manufactured products, or natural substances. This course will discuss the importance of pest identification in pest control, describe how pest population levels trigger control procedures, and give several reasons why pesticide applications may fail.

2 credits: Core
Pesticides may be applied as sprays, dusts, granules, gases (vapors), fogs, baits, rubs, or dips and require the correct equipment for the pesticide as well as the job size and type. In addition, you must properly select, operate, calibrate, and maintain your equipment.

2 credits: Core
Maryland pest managers can protect people and the environment from pesticide hazards through legal, safe pesticide use. This course starts with elements of safe pesticide handling and application, including chemical selection and pesticide alternatives. It continues with planning tools like advance warning and acceptable signage.

2 credits: Core
Pesticides are formulated to make them safer or easier to use. There are many formulations available for various pest control sites and situations and it is important that applicators choose the best one for the job.

2 credits: Core
Pesticides are designed to be toxic so they can control pests (e.g., plants, insects, rodents, fungi, and bacteria) while not harming non-target organisms and anyone else exposed to the product. Pesticide users need to be concerned with the hazards associated with exposure to the chemical and not just the toxicity of the pesticide.

2 credits: Core
The pesticide label is the main method of communication between a pesticide manufacturer and pesticide users. By law, pesticide users are required to comply with all instructions and use directions found on the pesticide product label.

2 credits: Core
Pesticide labels and safety data sheets (SDS) appear to contain much of the same information. While the label is the law, an SDS is not considered the law. As an applicator, it is important to understand the difference between a pesticide label and a safety data sheet and know what information can be found in each document. This course will review the various parts of pesticide labels and safety data sheets to identify the similarities and differences.

2 credits: Core
Applicators and the public share concerns about how pesticides may harm the environment. Initially, hazards to humans were the primary reason the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to classify a pesticide as a restricted-use product.

2 credits: Core
Before beginning a pesticide application, you should know how to select the right pesticide for the job, review the label, test for pesticide compatibility before mixing, select personal protective equipment, transfer pesticides safely, and clean up after an application.

2 credits: Private, 1A
This course provides an outline of the primary concerns of the bee-keeping industry including colony collapse disorder (CCD), factors affecting honey bee decline, invasive insects, fungal disease, best practices for pollinator stewardship, and minimizing pesticide risks for pollinators.

6 credits: 8
Public health pests affect humans through discomfort and disease and can be found in homes and other buildings and structures. This course will outline control techniques and requirements for the most common public health pests which includes mosquitoes, flies, fleas, lice, bed bugs, cockroaches, wasps, ticks, mites, spiders, and rodents.

4 credits: Core
Labels are increasing in complexity and depth of information. It is never suggested that anyone try to memorize a pesticide label. By reviewing parts of a label and recognizing label language and use, we hope that you feel more comfortable with the information on pesticide labels and feel confident in understanding the information present.

2 credits: Core, Private
When the pesticide label requires a respirator it’s important to know how to use a respirator safely. This course outlines the types of respirators available, proper fit, and inspection/maintenance requirements.

2 credits: Core
Maryland pest managers will learn how to manage the toxicity dangers of pesticides in this course. Covered material includes pesticide classifications and designations, dangers and toxicity of pesticides, and minimizing exposure to people and non-target organisms.

8 credits: 6
This course will help applicators understand the five main groups of pests, identifying those pests, and help applicators decide on management strategies. It will also cover the main causes of plant disease, plant life cycles, and the developmental stages through which plants progress.

6 credits: 6
Pest management in right-of-way situations can be a challenge. The economic thresholds are different in right-of-way situations compared to either a landscape setting or an agricultural setting. This course provides an overview of pests common to rights-of-way, management solutions, a look at the equipment commonly used to treat rights-of-way, and a review of calibration steps for that equipment.

8 credits: 6
This course will review the methods and techniques to manage vegetation on right-of-ways and non-cropland industrial sites safely without damage to non-target species, sites, objects, or the environment.

4 credits: 7C, 7D
An animal with a backbone or spinal column is called a vertebrate. A few vertebrates, such as rats and mice, are common pests in urban and industrial areas. Others are not pests in their normal habitats but may occasionally become pests when they conflict with humans. This course looks at basic management of common vertebrate pests. Be sure to understand all the regulations that apply in your geographic area before attempting to control vertebrate pests.

2 credits: 4
In the last ten years, there has been a resurgence of treated seed use, largely due to the advent of improved chemical performance. We as agricultural producers are obviously concerned about the more modern applications of these processes. This course outlines the benefits and risks associated with treated seed products.

2 credits: 3A, 5, 7A, 8, 10
Mosquito control programs manage the population of mosquitoes to reduce their damage to human health. Mosquito control is a vital public-health practice as mosquitoes are the number one vector of disease globally, spreading many diseases. Mosquitoes can cause significant pain, irritation, and infection from their bites, which are a considerable nuisance. This course outlines mosquito control’s components, methods, benefits, and complexities.

2 credit: 7C
This course will discuss the lifecycle and biology of skunks, habitat modification to discourage skunks from taking up residence, trapping tips and techniques, the basics of rodenticide use, and the basics of euthanizing if allowable by law. It is important to be familiar with state and local laws regarding skunk management.

6 credits: 7A, 7B
Having a clear understanding of the hierarchy of insect classification is important. It helps us better understand the background of our pest decide the best course of action in controlling the pest. This course will cover some of the structure infesting pests commonly encountered by structural pesticide applicators and technicians.

6 credits: 7A
As a pest control technician, it’s important to be familiar with the pests in the region as well as where they reproduce. In some cases, it is difficult to determine if the designated living space is inside or outside. This course covers the identification and management of pests that generally live outside but will invade a structure if the conditions are favorable.

2 credits: 5
One of the main factors in swimming pool maintenance is water chemistry. A few different facets need to be maintained. These include the organic content in the water, the pH of the water, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. This course covers the basics of swimming pool pest management.

2 credit: 7B
Inspecting and treating termites can be a difficult process. Being familiar with common types of construction is extremely helpful. This course is a tour of the Mississippi State University Extension termite training facility. The facility consists of 12 different stations, each representing an area of a building or home where termites could enter the structure.

2 credits: Core
This course discusses safety and security issues that may arise when pesticides are moved or stored, under what conditions uncertified people can make applications of restricted use products, and how to communicate these issues with customers.

2 credits: 3C, 7C
There are a variety of diseases, disorders, insects, and vertebrate pests that can cause problems in turfgrass. This course will give applicators and turf managers an overview of these common pests and strategies for their management.

6 credits: 3C
This course teaches the basics of pest and disease management for various turfgrasses, the multiple steps involved, and the different tools and techniques to successfully control the environment.

2 credits: 7D
Rodenticides are becoming a widely discussed and concerning topic in the pest control field. There is a growing public concern at the risk of secondary and non-target poisonings when rodenticides are used. As a pest control operator is it your responsibility to understand how rodenticides work and how to read their labels. This course discusses the common types of rodenticides, their appropriate application, the risks involved with the use of each type of rodenticide, and takes a look at specific label language.

6 credits: 1A, 10, Core, Private
Pesticides protect plants and animals from insects, nematodes, weeds, and diseases; improve the efficiency of food production; and provide for greater crop yields. This course outlines various invasive pests of vegetable crops and how an applicator can effectively treat pest infestations while protecting themselves and maintaining productive vegetable crop yields intended for human consumption.

8 credits: 7C
This course focuses on the fundamentals of wildlife damage inspection including identification based on habitat, routes of entry, scat, and tracks. It will help you understand the unique biological and legal risks that are involved with the inspection process in Maryland as well as the proper equipment and PPE that should be used.

2 credits: 3A, 3C
Voles are known by a variety of names, meadow mice or field mice for example. Voles are rodents, meaning they like to chew on things, but they rarely enter structures and are primarily a pest in landscape settings. But they are often confused with mice by many homeowners. This course will cover the basics of vole identification, biology, and damage as well as several control methods including trapping and rodenticide use.

7 credits: 11A
Wood is the most renewable resource, and the extraction and processing of wood products take far less energy, carbon, and water than other raw materials. To use wood as a structural material for various demands, such as utility poles, fence posts, marine pilings, lumber, timbers, and plywood, the wood must be properly treated with chemicals to protect the wood from pests.

8 credits: 7B
Termites are just one of the many wood-destroying pests found throughout the United States. Carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and wood-damaging fungi can also cause severe structural damage if not properly managed. This course will cover the primary wood-destroying pests found through the country, the recommended treatments for each of those pests, and the primary sources of excess structural moisture.

2 credits: 8
This course covers a range of mosquito-borne diseases with an emphasis on the Zika virus. Zika's extent, side effects, testing, and diagnostics are detailed along with protection and reduction techniques of mosquitoes to minimize the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases.