West Virginia Category 6 - Aquatic Pest Control Recertification Bundle
This course bundle is geared toward the Aquatic Pest Control Commercial Applicator. The course bundle contains 20 credits of education that have been approved for category 06 by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.
BUNDLE CONTENTS:
- Aquatic Pest Management – 4 credits
- Aquatic Weed Control – 2 credits
- Controlling Aquatic Pests – 6 credits
- Microbial Pest Management – 4 credits
- Management of Beavers – 2 credits
- Environmental Fate and Transport of Pesticides – 2 credits
Aquatic Pest Management
Course Description
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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Explain the laws and regulations surrounding aquatic pesticide use.
- Identify aquatic pests and the best methods for management.
- Calculate the appropriate amount and rate for aquatic pesticide use.
Aquatic Weed Control
Course Description
Managing aquatic weeds revolves around proper plant identification. Proper control relies on proper identification. This course teaches the basics of aquatic weed identification and the different approaches to aquatic plant management.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Gain an understanding of the issues involved in controlling aquatic weeds.
- Tailor a management strategy that addresses the unique identification and control approaches to aquatic plant life.
Controlling Aquatic Pests
Course Description
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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Explain the laws and regulations surrounding aquatic pesticide use.
- Calculate area, rate, and amount of pesticides for aquatic use.
- Discuss the risks involved with pesticide use and methods for both reducing risk and managing any exposures that should occur.
Microbial Pest Management
Course Description
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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Identify the common pests of cooling towers, air washers, evaporative condensers, paper mills, sewer treatment, and the like.
- Outline the facets of an integrated pest management approach to microbial pest management.
- Discuss the intricacies of biocide selection, application, and safety.
Management of Beavers
Course Description
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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Adhere to state laws for trapping in and out of season.
- Construct effective, safe, and legal trap sets for beaver control.
- Distinguish between the beneficial elements of beaver construction and when they need to be controlled.
Environmental Fate and Transport of Pesticides
Course Description
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.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Describe the elements of the environment that can play a role in chemical processing such as soil composition and moisture
- Describe the role of microbes and the factors that change populations
- Identify the factors that affect pesticide drift
- Explain the ways that pesticides can be decomposed
- Identify the connections between pesticide properties and potential for groundwater contamination
- Explain application techniques that can minimize impacts