Idaho Professional Applicator 16 Credit Bundle - Wood Destroying and Forest Pest Management
This course bundle is designed for professional applicators and contains 16 credits of continuing education focused on wood destroying and Forest pest management. All courses are approved by the Idaho Department of Agriculture. Please click on course details for a list of specific courses.
BUNDLE CONTENTS
- Wood Destroying Pest Management – 6 credits
- Forest Pest Management – 4 credits
- Common Pests of Residential, Industrial & Institutional Structures – 3 credit
- Review of Forest Pest Management – 2 credits
- Termite Inspection and Treatment – 1 credit
Wood-Destroying Pest Management
Course Description
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. Often times the initial cause of any pest problem is the presence of excess moisture in the structural wood. The source of the excess moisture must be addressed for a permanent solution to the pest problem to be effective. 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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Explain the different laws that govern pesticide applications
- Describe termite biology, caste system, and physical characteristics
- Identify other wood-destroying insects such as carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and carpenter bees
- Explain the different types of termite treatments
- Describe the different types of wood-damaging fungi and outline standard treatment procedures
- Identify common sources of excess moisture within a structure
Forest Pest Management
Course Description
The course then reviews ways to manage pests and tree diseases within forest environments. Explore how to use natural, chemical, and applied insect management techniques. Weed control is also described in conjunction with pest control herbicides.
The last part of the course discusses vertebrate pests, their associated problems, and damage control methods. The final lesson explains regulations and laws related to forest pest management.
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- State the types of equipment necessary for pesticide application and various application methods.
- Explain what integrated pest management is and various management strategies.
- Describe the importance of keeping pesticides out of water sources and methods to minimize the impacts of pesticide use.
- Identify types of forest vertebrate populations and problems and how to choose the best control method.
- Relate types of forests and specific pest threats.
- Describe key features of forest disease management and characteristics of common tree diseases.
- Identify key variables in properly calibrating pesticide application equipment.
- Explain types of calibration methods and techniques.
- Discuss types of management methods and controls for insects within different tree environments.
- Relate control methods for weed control, including pesticides and herbicides.
Common Pests of Residential, Industrial & Institutional Structures
Course Description
Idaho pest managers must know how to control interior and exterior pests if they want to protect wood foundations, prevent infection, or keep stored food safe.
This course explains how to identify and manage many common pests found in industrial, institutional, and residential buildings. The types of pests this course covers include rats, bats, mice, insects, fungi, weeds, and certain birds.
Students who complete this course, which is approved by the Idaho Department of Agriculture, will be able to:
- Identify common vertebrate and invertebrate pests
- Describe wood-destroying pest damage and explain the importance of treating wood prior to use
- Properly and safely manage interior and exterior pests
- Identify common parasitic, biting, and stinging pests and know how to manage them
- Identify and manage common fabric pests Identify common stored-food pests and know how to avoid them
Review of Forest Pest Management
Course Description
Environmental and personal protection are important parts of pest control in a forest environment. This two-credit course is approved by the Idaho Department of Agriculture and teaches techniques that will assist you in navigating the unique challenges of forest pest management.
Forest pest management safety begins with careful preparation. Pest managers and their employers must abide by Worker Protection Standards (WPS). Learn your responsibilities and the responsibilities of your supervisors, including the personal protective equipment your employers must provide. Train in the use of common PPE to protect yourself from chemical hazards. This course includes the pesticide disclosures required by law and where you can find them at your worksite.
Working outside exposes you to the dangers of the elements, including excessive heat. Recognize and avoid the dangers of heat stress and other heat-related illnesses.
Care for your tools to improve results and maximize safety. Nozzles and sprayers are crucial to your work. This course teaches you how to calibrate new and existing components for the best effect. Lesson material also covers banding calibration and broadcast sprayers. Minimize chemical exposure and pesticide drift by following application method best practices. Mastering application techniques also helps you achieve a more uniform application for better forest pest management results.
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Discuss Worker Protection Standards, including the responsibilities of employers and employees who routinely work with pesticides.
- Identify the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and effectively manage the dangers of heat stress.
- State the equipment and methods for forest pesticide application.
- Explain calibration methods and techniques.
- Describe methods for pesticide drift prevention.
- Identify key variables in the calibration of pesticide application equipment.
Termite Inspection and Treatment
Course Description
Inspecting and treating termites can be a difficult process. Being familiar with common types of construction is extremely helpful. The following 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. The regulations referenced by the presenters are Mississippi regulations for termite treatments. It is the responsibility of the applicator to be familiar with the rules and regulations regarding termite treatment and all pesticide applications for their state.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Identify key areas to inspect for termite damage or entry
- Identify common treatment failure points at each station
- Discuss treatment strategies for each station