Indiana Category 7b - Termite Control Bundle
This course bundle is designed for the Indiana Commercial Termite Control Applicator. The course bundle contains 15 continuing certification hours (CCHs) of training approved by the Indiana Office of the State Chemist. Please click on course details for a list of specific courses.
BUNDLE CONTENTS:
- Wood-Destroying Pest Management – 6 CCHs
- IPM for Termite Prevention – 1 CCH
- Termite Inspection and Treatment – 1 CCH
- Pesticide Formulations – 1 CCH
- Review of Pesticide Use Hazards – 1 CCH
- Pesticide Labeling – 1 CCH
- Pest Management – 1 CCH
- Reading the Pesticide Label: Beyond the Basics – 2 CCHs
- Personal Protective Equipment and Emergency Response – 1 CCH
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
IPM for Termite Prevention
Course Description
Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the United States. They are responsible for more than 2 million dollars in damage each year. In many states, building codes require the use of liquid termiticide when constructing new structures. 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 solid IPM practices to make any structure less attractive to termites.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Explain the principles of Integrated Pest Management and how they apply to termite prevention.
- Describe the life cycle of a termite and be familiar with termite behavior.
- Recommend several IPM practices that can reduce the risk of a structure being invaded by termites.
Termite Inspection and Treatment
Course Description
Inspecting and treating for 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
Pesticide Formulations
Course Description
A pesticide formulation is a combination of active and inert ingredients that form an end-use pesticide product. 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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Explain why pesticides are formulated for end use.
- List the factors to consider when choosing a formulation for a specific site or situation.
- Discuss the properties of common formulations.
Review of Pesticide Use Hazards
Course Description
This one-credit course, approved by the Indiana Office of the State Chemist, contains important training for the understanding and use of toxic pesticides. Safeguard wildlife, including pets and humans, while protecting plants, soil and water in the environment.
Pest managers must be aware of the potential damage to the environment when applying pesticides. Dangerous outcomes range from human exposure to phytotoxicity in plants. Surface and groundwater contamination, negative effects on non-target organisms and other unintended consequences may result from pesticide use.
Learn more about pesticide classification and designations based on targeted pests, the categories of pesticide toxicity and various toxicity factors. This course is designed to help you prevent hazardous pesticide exposure at all levels.
After completing this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the characteristics of various pesticide formulations.
- State appropriate measures to take in case of pesticide accidents.
- Explain pesticide toxicity and the different hazards of human pesticide exposure.
- Recognize strategies to minimize excessive pesticide exposure risk to pets, plants and the environment.
Pesticide Labeling
Course Description
The pesticide label is the main method of communication between a pesticide manufacturer and pesticide users. The information printed on and attached to the pesticide container is the label. By law, pesticide users are required to comply with all instructions and use directions found on the pesticide product label. Labeling includes the label itself plus all other
information about the product referenced on the label and given when you buy the product. Pesticide labeling includes instructions on how to use the product safely and correctly.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Interpret the meaning of label signal words, symbols, and their relative hazard levels.
- Accurately identify the common, chemical, and brand or trade name of a pesticide.
- Describe how to interpret other documents and online resources referenced on the label.
Pest Management
Course Description
Civilization has been combating insects and other pests throughout history. A pest is an undesirable organism that injures
humans, desirable plants and animals, manufactured products, or natural substances. Many insects, pathogens (disease-causing organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi), plants (known as weeds), mollusks (slugs and snails), fish, birds, and a variety of mammals (from mice to deer) compete for our crops and livestock. As the battle between humans
and pests continues over time, so will innovative methods of control.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Discuss the importance of pest identification in pest control.
- Describe how pest population levels trigger control procedures.
- Give several reasons why pesticide applications may fail.
Reading the Pesticide Label: Beyond the Basics
Course Description
This training will cover many sections of a pesticide label and safety data sheets. 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 the present. Many examples of labels are used in this training that cover a variety of types of pesticides and also represent a variety of sites. It’s essential that we look at REAL label language and not simply make generic statements to evaluate.
There is no endorsement for any company or product by representation of information in this training. All material presented is for educational purposes only and is not intended to purposefully include or exclude any company, tradename, product, use, proprietary, or any other information. Whenever you have questions about interpretations of label language, we encourage you to contact your local extension, land-grant university, department of agriculture, product dealer, or the manufacturer for more information.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Discuss different types of pesticide registrations.
- Identify where to find specific information on the pesticide label.
- Identify pests and site usage according to the label, and recognize information on safety data sheets.
Personal Protective Equipment and Emergency Response
Course Description
PPE comprises the clothing and devices you wear to protect your body from contact with pesticides. 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. Proper PPE selection, use, and care are essential.
Although pesticide accidents and emergencies are rare, they do occur. Pesticides spilled on the ground or burning in a fire can contaminate water, soil, and air; damage plants; injure livestock, wildlife, or pets; and endanger the health of the applicator and emergency responders. Pesticide spills and fires may lead to financial loss due to cleanup, liability claims, and fines assessed by government agencies. Do all that you can to prevent accidents, but be prepared in case of an emergency.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Identify where on the label to find the minimum clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) required to handle a given pesticide product.
- State the criteria to properly select skin, eye, and respiratory protection required by the pesticide label based upon your expected use and exposure.
- Discuss how pesticide releases from spills and fires can endanger humans and the environment.
- Explain how to execute an emergency response plan.