Common Pests of Residential, Industrial & Institutional Structures | Arizona Approval #24017

Instructor: Sarah Racine

This course, which is approved by the Arizona Department of Agriculture Pest Management Division, describes interior and exterior pests found in institutional, industrial, residential, and buildings. It also describes best practices for managing these pests.

Many vertebrates and invertebrates in Arizona are considered pests when found in or around structures. Examples of common pests include insects, rats, weeds, fungi, mice, bats, and some birds.

Some pests can infest stored food or other items. Others spread diseases that cause serious human illness. Interior pests can also damage structural wood, furnishings, or fabrics. To ensure safety, pest managers must control pests that can damage property, affect someone's quality of life, or infect or injure people.

After completing this course, pest managers in Arizona will be able to:

  • Identify and manage common parasitic, biting, and stinging pests
  • Identify common vertebrate and invertebrate pests and outline the best management strategy
  • Identify and manage common fabric pests
  • Identify common stored-food pests and how to avoid them
  • Describe wood-destroying pest damage and explain the importance of treating wood prior to use