Texas Commercial 5 CEU Recertification Bundle - Vertebrate Pest Management
This course bundle is designed for the Texas Commercial or Non-Commercial Agricultural Applicator. The course bundle contains 5 CEUs of Texas Department of Agriculture approved training including 1 CEU of Law and Regulations, 1 CEU of IPM, and 3 CEUs of general training. The topics in this course bundle focus on vertebrate pest management. NOTE: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, commercial applicators are permitted to complete CEUs online in consecutive years for the foreseeable future.
BUNDLE CONTENTS:
- Management of Columbian Ground Squirrels – 1 general CEU
- Mole Management – 1 general CEU
- Pesticide Labels and Safety Data Sheets – 1 Laws & Regulations CEU
- Cultural Practices for Turf Management – 1 IPM CEU
- Voles: Biology, Damage, and Control – 1 general CEU
Management of Columbian Ground Squirrels
Course Description
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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Discuss the biology, lifecycle, and damage of Columbian ground squirrels.
- Judge which control option is best to use to in each situation in coordination with the lifecycle calendar.
- Evaluate the steps of each control method to develop a successful management plan.
Mole Management
Course Description
Moles can be the bane of a well-kept lawn. But is it really a mole? Mole, vole, shrew, 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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Correctly identify mole damage.
- Distinguish the differences between moles, voles, shrews, and pocket gophers.
- Describe the different traps and toxicants available and when best to use each one.
Pesticide Labels and Safety Data Sheets
Course Description
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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Identify the content and sections of a pesticide label
- Identify the content and sections of a safety data sheet (SDS)
- Outline the differences between information such as signal words and PPE on pesticide labels and safety data sheets
- Explain how to use pesticide labels and safety data sheets to prepare applications
Cultural Practices for Turf Management
Course Description
Turf responds best to consistent cultural practices – mowing, irrigating, and fertilizing. A consistent mowing height that is appropriate for the variety of turf, good irrigation, and proper fertilization will result in a healthy vigorous turf that will be enjoyed for years.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Discuss adverse turf conditions and how to correct them
- Recognize common turf problems and how to remedy them
- Tailor a management strategy that addresses the unique needs of turfgrass
Voles: Biology, Damage, and Control
Course Description
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. The damage caused by voles is to the grass and other plants in the landscape and garden and is most noticeable after the snow melts in northern climates. This course will cover the basics of vole identification, biology, and damage as well as several control methods including trapping and rodenticide use.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Correctly distinguish between a vole, a shrew, and a mouse.
- Identify vole damage in grass, garden, and landscape areas.
- Outline the different types of rodenticides labeled for controlling voles.
- Discuss the different types of traps and how to set them.