A combination of classroom and hands on learning is what distinguishes IPM House classes.
Three new courses will be offered over the next two months at IPM Experience House. Below are descriptions and links to register for these classroom/hands-on classes.
Rodent Academy
Rodent Academy will be offered March 6-8. A reprisal of a very successful class held last December, the Spring 2018 Texas Rodent Academy will feature guest trainer, Tim Madere with the City of New Orleans. With sponsorship from UNIVAR USA, Texas A&M AgriLife will be offering an intensive three-day, advanced rodent control training course. Tim is one of the leading rodentologists in the country today, and has a lot to offer.
The goal of the Texas Rodent Academy is to provide a highly focused and standardized approach to managing rodent populations through Integrated Pest Management (IPM). After completing this course, graduates will be able to manage rodent populations more effectively, because they will have a better understanding of the biology, behavior, and habitat of rodents, contributing factors to infestation, effective ways of evaluating site-specific responses and strategies, and effective communication strategies with the public to achieve lasting change and improvements.
Who Should Attend?
The course is intended for pest management professionals, municipalities, universities, public schools, and food safety personnel involved in the rodent control programs. Class size is limited, so register soon.
Speakers: Mr. Tim Madere, City of New Orleans Rodney Specialist, Dr. Mike Merchant, Emory Matts, Janet Hurley and other experts on rodenticides and rodent control. A topic we are still looking into is drones and inspections, so sign up early this class will fill up fast. Click here to learn more and for a link to registration. Cost of the three-day class is $300.
Introduction to Termite Control for New Technicians
Introduction to termite control for new technicians on March 15 is designed to orient new termite technicians to the art and science of termite control (an additional class will be offered on March 16 if there is demand). Termite control expert, Dr. Bob Davis, will be demonstrating practical field skills for setting up and executing a soil termiticide job. Kevin Keim, with Dow Agroscience, will provide an overview of termite baiting, including practical aspects of bait placement and installation. They are joined by Dr. Mike Merchant in the classroom to provide some of the basic biology of termites you need to know if you are to be on the top of your game.
Owners, this is a great opportunity to get new or old employees ready for termite season. Half of the class will be classroom, and half will be in the field (at IPM House) demonstrating skills for performing a termite treatment. One termite CEU will be offered for those who complete the class. $55 Early registration. Click here to learn more and for a link to registration.
Trainers: Dr. Bob Davis, BASF; Mr. Kevin Keim, Dow AgroSciences; Dr. Mike Merchant, Texas A&M AgriLIfe Extension. Class size is limited to 21, so register early.
ACE Prep Class
Coming to north Texas by popular demand, we are offering a souped-up, two-day version of the ACE Prep Class on April 12-13. This class is designed to help candidates prepare for the ACE exam. It provides a concise, well-rounded overview of the science of entomology and of the major pests that a PMP must know for the exam. The class provides 10+ hours of intensive classroom and lab training in pest control topics for any interested technician. You do not have to be pre-approved as an ACE candidate to take the Prep Class; however, it does serve as an excellent review and confidence booster for candidates who have been preparing for the exam. The exam will be offered at the end of the class to anyone who has applied for certification and paid the examination fee. Students wanting to sit for the exam are responsible for making arrangements with ESA prior to the class. Early registration cost of the two-day course is $100.
Achieving the title of “Associate Certified Entomologist” (ACE) is one of the top professional achievements for a pest management professional. The ACE certification program is overseen by the Entomological Society of America (ESA) and is available to anyone with five years of experience in the pest control industry. The successful applicant must also be willing to subscribe to the ACE Code of Ethics, and able to pass the certification exam.
Click here to learn more and for a link to registration. Class size is limited to 30, so register early. Principal trainer: Dr. Mike Merchant.
We hope to see many of you this Spring.