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Fall 2023 IPM Seminar – Registration is open!

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This is your invitation to join us for our annual fall pest management training on November 15, 2023 at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, 17360 Coit Rd. Dallas, TX.  This will be a full day of pesticide applicator CEU’s from experts at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and our community.

As always, participants are eligible to receive CEU’s whether your license is from the Texas Department of Agriculture or the TDA’s Texas Structural Pest Control Service. This year we will offer 5 AG and 5 Structural. Additionally, we are offering a WDI CEU. You MUST enter your correct TDA License number at registration. Please enter your license number under the correct type of license (AG or Structural)  in order to receive the proper CEU credits. Be sure to include a good contact email address during registration. 

 

When you sign in at the event on Nov. 15th you will need to provide us with your actual license, we will be scanning licenses at the registration desk so prepare now!

 

Please use the link below to register online.

https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ento-ev-057

 

  • AG/Structural CEU Participant- Includes 5 CEU’s + WDI CEU – $100
  • On-Site/ Late Registrant- $125
  • Sponsor – Varies  Sponsorship includes a table and 2-minute speaking time at lunch
  • AgriLife Employee- FREE
  • TDA Employee- FREE

If you have issues navigating the site or questions about registering, please email agriliferegister@ag.tamu.edu

 

REMINDER: You MUST enter your correct TDA License number at registration. Please enter your license number under the correct type of license in order to receive the proper CEU credits. Again, please include a good contact email address during registration.  

 

For a full list of speakers and times you can check out the full agenda here  IPM Seminar Agenda_Fall 2023 IPM Seminar

 

AgriLife Extension 2022 Rodent Academy Dec. 13-15 in Dallas

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The 2022 Texas Rodent Academy, conducted by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, is scheduled Dec. 13-15 in Dallas.

The three-day course is designed for integrated pest management, IPM, professionals and those who handle pest management in their work for municipalities, universities, public schools and food-safety personnel.

The cost is $300, and the academy is limited to the first 50 participants to register at

https://tx.ag/2022RodentAcademy. Tuition covers course materials and meals.

On Dec. 13-14, the course will be from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. On Dec. 15, it will be from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Each day’s instruction will start at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center at 17360 Coit Road in the center’s Water and Land Resource Building.

“The goal of the Texas Rodent Academy is to provide a highly focused and standardized approach to managing rodent populations through integrated pest management,” said Janet Hurley, AgriLife Extension integrated pest management specialist, Dallas.

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, she said. They will also have a better understanding of the 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.

There will be a certificate of academy completion available for students who pass a final exam. Students will be expected to participate in class activities, hands-on exercises and classroom discussions. There are also three Texas Department of Agriculture structural pest control credits available.

Curriculum content

Participants will be broken into small groups each class day for learning exercises, which will have in-depth sessions on hands-on activities for all participants.

“I’m really looking forward to this year’s academy as we will have more hands-on demonstrations than in years past,” Hurley said. “Unique Pest Management out of Virginia will be joining us with their working dogs to demonstrate how you can use dogs to help with large rodent populations.”

Hurly said attendees will get to show off their exclusion skills during the afternoon sessions. 

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and dress for being outdoors.The hands-on, outdoor learning topics will include:

  • Site-specific inspections — what to look for.
  • Bait station, snap traps, exclusion.
  • Remote sensing, snap trap races, the exclusionfor small and large areas.
  • Using dogs for management and control.

The classroom learning topics will be:

  • Health significance of rodents.
  • Biology and behavior of rodents.
  • Overview of integrated pest management.
  • Exterior bait boxes – what, where and how?
  • Alternative tools and techniques for rat control.

Rodent Academy speakers

In addition to Hurley, event speakers include Claudia Riegel, Ph.D., director; and Tim Madere, rodent specialist, both with the City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, Rodent Control Board.

Other program contributors include Ed Dolshun, technical director, Catchmaster, Warwick, New York; Emory Matts, regional sales supervisor, Rentokil North America, Rowlett; Dave and Jim Schuelke, owners, Twin Home Experts, Van Nuys, California; Mark Vick, assistant director of programs, and canine JJ, Working Dogs for Conservation, Chesapeake, Virginia; and Scott and Angie Mullaney, director of animal services, Unique Pest Management, Richmond, Virginia.

“Two of our guest speakers, known as the Twin Home Experts on YouTube, will discuss how they went from plumbers to rat hunters,” Hurley said. “They will also share how you can up your social media profile so you can reach more customers on a variety of platforms.”

Hurley said Madere, Matts and Dolshun will do a roundtable discussion about the best ways to use snap traps for those sensitive accounts.

Contact Hurley for additional information or with questions at jahurley@ag.tamu.edu or 972-952-9213.

Open House November 4, 2022 to Welcome our new Entomologist

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Bryant McDowell ’19 and Janet Hurley

It is with much please to announce that we have hired a new entomologist for the Dallas Center.  Mr. Bryant McDowell graduated with his Master of Science in Entomology in 2019 from Texas A&M University.  His thesis: Population genetics and the colony breeding structure of the invasive tawny crazy ant, Nylanderia fulva, in Texas will allow him to help Texans with identifying ants.

McDowell’s role as the Extension Program Specialist for Urban IPM will be to support the IPM Experience House by providing training classes for pest management professionals.  In addition to the IPM House, Bryant will also be supporting Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s County Agents with insect identification, master volunteer training and supporting county programs.

McDowell will also support the school IPM program by helping with the educational events that are conducted with Dr. Don Renchie at the four regional events.

We hope you can join us for this event.

Join us on Friday, November 4th from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center Water and Land Resources Building for light refreshments and a chance to talk to the entomologist.  Tours of the IPM Experience House will also be available. Follow this link to register for the event.

There is no charge to attend; however, we are asking that everyone register so that we can have an accurate head count for the food and beverages.  Even this planner knows it’s a Friday afternoon during football season, so we do suggest wearing your favorite sports team gear as well.

To our past and present donors, our registration website has a place for you to sign up to donate to the IPM Experience House.  Bryant and I are hoping to use this event, our fall IPM seminar Nov. 15th and rodent academy to ‘pick’ your brains on what classes you would like to see us hold in 2023.

Announcing the 5th Annual Texas Rodent Academy

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Two-Day Training Course in Rodent Management for Pest Management Professionals

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service IPM Experience House is offering our three-day, intensive rat control training course for pest management professionals.

Purpose

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?

This course is intended for pest management professionals, universities, public schools, and others involved in the rodent control/management programs.

Curriculum Content (In classroom learning)

The topics will include:

  • Health significance of rodents
  • Rodents and allergens
  • Biology and behavior of rodents
  • Overview of Integrated Pest Management
  • Pesticide labels and federal regulations
  • Exterior bait boxes – what, where and how?
  • Alternative tools & techniques for rat control
  • Mouse Integrated pest management in apartment/private homes
  • Rodent control

Curriculum Content (hands-on outdoor learning) 2021rodentacademyagenda 

Participants will be broken into small groups for each class days hands-on learning exercise

  • Site specific inspections — what to look for
  • Bait station, snap traps, exclusion

Speakers:

Dr. Niamh Quinn, Human-Wildlife Interactions Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension, South Coast Research and Extension Center

Niamh Quinn is University of California Cooperative Extension Human-Wildlife Interactions Advisor, based at the South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine. Her focus is directed on the coordination of Cooperative Extension programming regarding human-wildlife conflicts, particularly within the residential and industrial areas within Southern California where significant human-wildlife conflicts are occurring. Her research and education focus on everything from mice to mountain lions, but she mostly focuses on rodents, their management, and the pathways and effects of rodenticides on non-target wildlife.

Dr. Claudia Riegel, Director, City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite & Rodent Control Board,

She earned an undergraduate degree at Purdue University, a Master’s at the University of Georgia and a Ph.D. from the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. As director, she provides technical support for the City of New Orleans and the pest control industry. She conducts independent research and collaborates with the pest control industry to enhance existing products and test of new products. She also collaborates with government organizations and universities on a variety of research projects involving rodents, mosquitoes, termites and a variety of other urban pests.

Mr. Tim Madere, Rodent Specialist, City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board,

Tim Madere is a Mosquito and Rodent control Specialist for the City of New Orleans Mosquito, Rodent, and Termite Control Board. Timmy has worked on research studies and urban pest issues concerning everything from termites and bedbugs to coyotes and raccoons; but his primary focus is on commensal rodents and urban rodent control. He also writes a column on urban rodent control for the National Wildlife Control Operators Associations’ quarterly newsletter. Timmy has a BA in History from the University of New Orleans and is considered one of the leading rodent control experts in the country.

Ed Dolshun, Technical Director, VP Business Development, APG (Catchmaster)

Dolshun works in product specification development and periodic review. New market development of a variety of products. Atlantic Paste & Glue is the worlds leading manufacturer of adhesives and related products for the Pest Control Industry. Ed’s specialty is developing protocols for rodent trapping.

Nina M Dacko, Vector Control Supervisor, Tarrant County Public Health

Collaborates with others at Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) department in making changes and/or major decisions in regard to the West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance program. Develops SOPs for WNV surveillance including trap setting, spray recommendations, mosquito identification and mosquito control. Trains others in mosquito identification, trap setting, scouting and mosquito control. Develops arboviral response plans. Identifies insects brought in by public. Reports data to TCPH and cooperating incorporated cities. Neutral party for hotel bed bug inspections. Bed bug consultant for public/others working in government. Educates public and others working in vector control in matters involving WNV/SLE Surveillance, mosquito biology and mosquito control. Enjoys public speaking/presenting. Developed arboviral response plan encompassing West Nile virus, St Louis Encephalitis, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika and how these responses would differ. Developed and maintains a morphological dichtomous key for mosquitoes found in Tarrant County, Texas. Was elected onto the board of the Texas Mosquito Control Association TMCA. Added surveillance for Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the light of the possibility of Zika, Chikungunya and Dengue viral introduction utilizing BG Sentinel traps. Built and sample mosquito resting boxes to survey Culex parity at local level. Developed educational material for mosquitoes and the diseases that they carry.

Janet Hurley, ACE, Senior Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Ms. Hurley has a Bachelor’s Degree in Community Health from Texas Woman’s University and Master’s in Public Affairs from the University of Texas at Dallas.  Ms. Hurley was hired by AgriLife Extension in 2001 to oversee the Texas School IPM program. Ms. Hurley coordinates school IPM coordinator training for public schools in TX and oversees the statewide effort to educate schools about their Integrated Pest Management programs.  Hurley is also known for her work on the National School IPM Workgroup, which helps coordinate efforts amongst states to offer quality training and education to those interested in IPM.  Hurley has also been a long-standing committee member of the International IPM Symposium and has been cochairman of the Awards Committee for the IPM Symposium. Primary focus for Extension is understanding the laws and rules that impact schools and pest control businesses. Secondary focus is on vertebrate pests (rodents, bats, wildlife) as well as most structural pests of concern.

Ms. Hurley’s background in public health and administration. Her position with AgriLife Extension has been assisting school districts with their IPM programs. Rodent management has been an ongoing focus for Hurley.

We will have a discussion around the rodent monitoring systems and how to use those and game cameras to enhance your program.

Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes appropriate for the field, you will be outside each day of the workshop.

Tuition: $200 is to cover the cost of materials and meals during the training

Class Size: To ensure quality and good instructor-to-student interaction, the Academy can only accommodate approximately 50 students this session.  It’s first come first serve so sign up early.

Location:  Class will begin each day at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center, 17360 Coit Rd, Dallas, TX 75252 Water & Land Resource Building

Course Pre-requisites: Academy students must have a basic understanding of rodent control principles (biology and behavior, rodenticides, traps, etc.). It is suggested supervisors, managers, and owners attend the Academy and teach their employees.

Student Involvement and Expectations: The Academy is not a ‘sit back and listen’ seminar. This is a working Academy, intended for pest, city and building professionals wanting to receive in-depth training in rodent Integrated Pest Management (IPM).

Academy Completion Certificate and CEU Credits

To Receive a Certificate of Academy Completion

  • Students will be expected to participate in class activities, hands on exercises, and classroom discussions.
  • All students must also pass a final exam.

Video or audio taping of any session of the Academy is prohibited, except with the express and prior permission of Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension

Continuing Education Credits

Structural Pest Control Credits will be given for those participants who request them.

Enrolling and Attending

If your company is interested in the Rodent Control Academy, complete and submit the online registration form.   https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/  keyword: rodent

 

IPM Experience House Announcing Structural Pest Control Training this Fall

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First up is the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Certification program which is part of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). It is the fastest growing certification program for pest management professionals nationwide, founded by Dr. Mike Merchant (retired) and Dr. Bob Davis to promote professionalism. This 3 ½ week course will provide a comprehensive review of fundamental entomology and basic knowledge requirements for the ACE exam. The training is intended as either a kickoff for the studying process, or as review and confidence building class (not a substitute for comprehensive studying). Coincidently, the class is also good for new technicians who would like a broad overview of the science of pest management.

Over the course of 7 zoom events Bob Davis, Robert Puckett, Sonja Swiger, Wizzie Brown, Molly Keck and Janet Hurley will cover content from the “IPM for the Urban Professional: A Study Guide for the Associate Certified Entomologist” in 2-hour slots each Thursday morning and Friday afternoons starting on October 22, 2021 and finishing on November 12, 2021. Zoom meetings will be held on Thursdays 8-10 am and Fridays 3-5 pm – Oct. 28-Nov. 12; you must be present during that time to view the content. Register here 

Second do you need your annual CEUs? Registration is now open for our 2021 Virtual Fall IPM Conference November 16, 2021: 8:15 am – 4 pm for pesticide applicator CEUs. If you need CEUs before your license expires, the Fall IPM Conference is a great place to get them. This is your invitation to join us for our annual fall pest management training – a full day of pesticide applicator CEU’s from experts at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and our community. This year we are adding termite to the end of the program per your request.

You will receive the latest updates on pesticide laws, pest biology and identification, and pest management strategies. As always, participants are eligible to receive CEU’s whether your license is from Texas Department of Agriculture or the TDA’s Texas Structural Pest Control Service. This year we will offer 5 Ag, 5 Structural, and 1 Termite CEU. You MUST enter your correct TDA License number at registration and MUST have an email address to receive instructions to access the virtual conference. To qualify for CEU’s, you must be present for the entirety of the virtual conference. The online platform will monitor your presence and CEUs will be awarded accordingly. Register here 

Next up is the fall course on Understanding Termites and Wood Destroying Insects, this will be an in-person class held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center on November 15, 2021, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Register here

technician digging termite trench in front of IPM House sign

IPM House Termite training, participate showing his skills.

This class is designed to orient new apprentices, technicians, and certified applicators to a better understanding of termite biology and control, as well as some of the most common wood destroying insects as well. As with all IPM Experience House classes, instruction is a combination of classroom and hands-on demonstrations. Dr. Robert Puckett, Assistant Professor and Urban Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension College Station will be joined by Mr. Ronnie Holder of BASF Corporation, Mrs. Nefertiti Darby, of Corteva Agriscience, Ms. Marty Keane, of Nisus Corp and Ms. Janet Hurley from AgriLife Extension.

Finally, plans are underway for the 5th annual rodent academy to be held in Dallas in person.  The dates have been blocked Dec. 14 & 15, 2021 and speakers are being contacted.  Confirmed speakers are Mr. Tim Madere and Dr. Claudia Riegel, City of New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board, along with Dr. Niamh Quinn, Ph.D. Human-Wildlife Interactions Advisor, from the University of California Cooperative Extension.  This two-day event will blend learning about the biology of rodents with hands on activities.  For those of you wondering on Dec. 16, 2021, that day will be reserved for registered sanitarians and code enforcement with a focus on rodents, cockroaches and other indicator pests that can be a sign of a rodent infestation. Once we have all the details, we will post to our conference services website as well. 

To register for ALL of our events visit our conference services website at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/ the ACE course and Fall IPM Seminar will be found under the Webinars Tab, the termite class will be posted under the Home page or you can search “IPM or Integrated Pest Management” to find all the courses we have available in person or via Zoom. 

Welcome to IPM Experience House

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I know it’s been a while since we have posted anything, but we have been busy.  Our Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center is about to have another building renovated, which meant moving.  That move allowed for an expansion of the IPM Experience House to add an apartment for additional training opportunities.

Be on the lookout for classes later this fall.  Our first public event is the Texas A&M AgriLife turfgrass field day set Oct. 6, this will have a ton of information for those of you who work in the lawn and landscape business as well as those in turfgrass management.

In the meantime, check out this slideshow on our preparations for an event for pest management professionals coming to learn about rodent sensing systems by Corteva.

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Announcing General Household Pest In-Depth Training at the IPM House

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people at spray box

Class participants will have a chance to try new application methods to help aid in learning new skills.

Did you know that over the past five years the pest control industry has seen 20% annual growth?

The $14 billion U.S. pest control industry needs well-trained, new technicians

Professional development and growth in competence are key factors to employee retention, according to PCT magazine.

The global pest control market size was valued at $20.6 billion in 2019 and is projected to reach $30.0 billion by 2027 growing at a CAGR of 5.2% in the forecast period, according to market research.

IPM Experience House Course invites you to attend this one day general household pest training.

 

When: Tuesday, June 29, 2021, From  8:30AM to 4:30 PM

Where: Texas A&M AgriLife  Research & Extension Service, Water/Land Resource Building

Indian meal moth trap

Stored Product pests are hard to spot this is one way to monitor for them.

A great introduction to entomology, integrated pest management and pesticides, this class is ideally suited for relatively new employees, IPM coordinators, registered sanitarians, and code enforcement officers who need to better understand modern pest control. The class will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Center on Tuesday, June 29th.

This one-day course will be an introduction to entomology, integrated pest management and pesticides, this class is ideally suited for apprentices, technicians, certified applicators, registered sanitarians. This course will cover an in-depth look at some of the more common insects that are found in kitchens, pantries, and homes. Hands-on activities include use of various sprayers and dusters, bait applications and situational problem solving. In addition, we will use microscopes to look at different life stages and species of stored product pests, flies, cockroaches, bed bugs and more. There will be special combined session on insecticide classes – the session will part lecture and part hands on understanding on how to read a label and SDS documents to know what type of product you are using.

Instructors: Dr. Santos Portugal, Travis Gates, Dr. Christopher Bibbs, Janet Hurley

Classes at IPM House are a combination of hands-on demonstrations and classroom instruction. (CEUs: 6 hours verified training in Pest Category and 4 CEUs for Certified Applicators {2 Pest, 1 L&R, 1 IPM).

Registered Sanitarians and Code Enforcement will receive 6 hours of classroom training.

Early registration (up to June 18) is $75. Late registration is $90. No refunds after the June 28 final registration deadline.

Lunch and snacks will be provided, plus educational materials.

To register, and for more information, go to https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/3418

To see what will be covered open this PDF file 2021GHP Agenda

New in-person IPM Experience House Class: Understanding Termites and Wood Destroying Insects

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termite mud tubes

Now is the time to train new staff on how to manage situations like this.

May 25, 2021 at Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Dallas, TX

This class is designed to orient new apprentices, technicians, and certified applicators to a better understanding of termite biology and control, as well as some of the most common wood destroying insects as well. As with all IPM Experience House classes, instruction is a combination of classroom and hands-on demonstrations. Dr. Robert Puckett, Assistant Professor and Urban Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension College Station will be joined by Dr. Janis Reed, BCE, Technical Services Manager with Control Solutions, Inc. (CSI), Mr. Ronnie Holder of BASF Corporation, Mr. Kevin Keim, of Corteva Agriscience, along with Dr. Brittny Jones and Ms. Janet Hurley from AgriLife Extension.

It is expected that course participants have read the Control of Termites and Other Wood Pests study manual and have a basic knowledge of this topic. This course will cover a more in depth look at this species as structural pests and educate the participant about how to better identify, diagnose, and recommend practical and economical treatments. Participants will also learn about how to complete a WDI report, types of treatments available and when/where to use, plus time looking at these structural pests under a microscope.

This is a great opportunity to train new or old employees in the field of wood destroying insect control. Half of this class will be held in the classroom, and half will be in the field, conducting WDI inspection, reviewing types of treatment methods, and microscope work. Students must wear long pants and closed toe shoes to participate in all the exercises.

Cost for the course is $75, includes lunch, snacks, and water. Registration must be completed online at https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/3388

Questions about the class or about registration can be directed to Mary Mays (972-952-9258) or email (mary.mays-delamater@ag.tamu.edu).

Don’t delay! Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions we are having to limit this class to the first 10 people to sign up. However, don’t fret too much if we have adequate demand, we will compile a waiting list to make sure if someone drops out another person can fill their place.

Here is the tentative Agenda (we are working out the hands-on sections) but this should give you an idea of how the day will go.

8:30 – 9:30 Review of termites

Biology of termites as social insects; most common termites in TX

Speaker: Robert Puckett

 Water Education Bldg.
9:45 – 10:45 Review of wood destroying insects

Biology of Beetles, Borers, Carpenter ants and bees

Speaker: Janis Reed

 Water Education Bldg.
11: 00 – noon Lab exercise: Identifying termites and beetles to family

Using microscopes each class participant will view a variety of WDI pests at various stages in life cycle

Speakers: Puckett, Reed, Hurley, Jones

 Water Education Bldg.
12:45 – 1:45 Control Options for termites and WDI pests

Types of treatments and products used – soil applied, repellent vs. non-repellent products, baiting options

Speakers: Ronnie Holder and Kevin Keim

 Water Education Bldg.
2:00 – 2:30 WDI Inspections

What to look for, what to report and how to report

Speakers: Reed and Puckett

 IPM House
3:00 – 4:15 Hands on Demonstrations

Making a diagram of the structure [Reed, Hurley]

Calculating termiticide/bait station requirements [Keim, Jones]

Application of soil- and void-applied termiticides [Holder, Puckett]

 IPM House

IPM House announces an 8-week ACE virtual prep course

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Start 2021 with an educational learning experience that will not only aid in being a better pest management professional, but also help you become ACE.

The Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) Certification program is part of the Entomological Society of America (ESA). With over 1,000 ACEs nationwide, the Certification program of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) is the fastest growing certification program for PMPs. Founded by Dr. Mike Merchant (retired Texas A&M AgriLife Extension) and Dr. Bob Davis, BASF to promote professionalism this course will follow their outlines.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension IPM Experience House is pleased to announce an 8-week ACE Online Prep Course starting on February 26, 2021 and running through April 16, 2021 for the low price of $40.  To register for this course, visit our Conference Services website search “virtual ACE” or go the webinars tab and go to the “V” section.

One of the best ways to prepare for the ACE exam is to learn from others on what to study and review insect orders you may not be familiar with. Over the course of 8 weeks Dr. Bob Davis, Wizzie Brown, Molly Keck and Janet Hurley will cover content from the “IPM for the Urban Professional: A Study Guide for the Associate Certified Entomologist” in 2-hour slots each Friday starting on February 26, 2021 and finishing on April 16, 2021. You must be present during each session to view the content. However, participants can sign up for one class or all 7 for the same price.

No CEUs will be given; this course is designed for educational training on in-depth topics. See Agenda below for dates, topics, and speakers. We will not be meeting on April 2, 2021 in observance of holiday.

We find the biggest hurdles for PMPs wanting certification include uncertainty about how to prepare for the ACE exam and fear of test-taking.  That is where the ACE Prep Class comes in. Classes provide a review of fundamental entomology and basic knowledge requirements for the exam. The training is intended as either a kickoff for the studying process, or as a last-minute review and confidence building class.

Want to register for this class visit this website https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/3327 and we look forward to seeing you.

Date
Topic
Presenter(s)
February 26, 2021
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM		 Introduction to ACE – what to expect.
What is IPM?		 Janet Hurley, ACE
March 5, 2021
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM		 Selection and implementation of control methods: The science and technology of insecticides and Pesticide Safety, Laws and Labels Dr. Bob Davis
March 12, 2021
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM		 Insect Classification, Biology and Morphology Wizzie Brown, BCE
March 19, 2021
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM		 Biting and stinging arthropods and Flies (order Diptera) Molly Keck, BCE
March 26, 2021
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM		 Wood destroying insects, Occasional invaders, and Stored product pests Dr. Bob Davis and Molly Keck
April 2, 2021 Skipping this week – study, study, study
April 9, 2021
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM		 Ants and Cockroaches Wizzie Brown
April 16, 2021
8:00 AM – 10:00 AM		 Putting it all together, what to expect on the exam, finding a proctor Hurley, Davis, Brown, and Keck

Welcome to 2021 Everyone Do you need CEUs

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Not much has changed as we begin the new year, if you are needing those CEU credits for your license you will find most of it has moved online via Zoom or other Cloud based software.

For those of you who are licensed with TDA either as a commercial or noncommercial applicator you still must obtain your CEU credits. Over the holiday break the Department of Agriculture sent out this notice to all CEU providers.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the current rise in cases across the state, the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) is extending its allowance for Department approved CEU courses and Technician Training Courses, normally held in-person, to be given as a web-based interactive and live courses, where the audience can ask questions of the instructor and exchange information. To address the CEU and licensure requirements for Structural Pest Control Certified Applicators (CA’s) and Technicians, the TDA will work with the CA’s, prospective Technicians, CEU Course providers, and Technician Training Course providers of Texas to make CEUs and training available during this critical time. Licensed CA’s needing CEU’s and Apprentices needing to become Technicians will be allowed to take CEU Courses and Technician Training Courses as online, web-based interactive and live courses to meet their CA CEU requirements or eligibility requirements through December 31, 2021.

TDA will continue to enforce requirements for CA’s to obtain their CEU’s for their respective license and categories each calendar year. CA’s must complete their calendar year 2020 CEU’s by 12/31/2020 and their 2021 CEU’s by 12/31/2021. Per 4 TAC § 7.134, self-study online CEUs may be used every other year to meet CEU requirements. Web-based interactive and live online courses as authorized by this notice are not considered self-study online courses.

Commercial and Noncommercial Structural Pest Control

If you have a structural pest control license, you must receive your continuing education credits each year, which is Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. Those credits are so you can renew your license the next year. For example, my license expires in May, but I need to obtain 2 General, 1 Pest, 1 Lawn & Ornamental, and 1 Weed as those are the categories, I’m licensed in between Jan 1 and Dec 31 each year. Everyone who is licensed in structural MUST obtain 2 general category CEUs, plus 1 CEU in every category you are licensed in.

The above provision also applies to those Agricultural Pesticide Applicators who are Private, Commercial, Noncommercial, Noncommercial Political Subdivision license holders as it pertains to obtaining your CEU credit to renew your license.

Commercial, Noncommercial, Noncommercial Political:

These licenses must be renewed annually. TDA interprets annually based on licensing period, so if you are licensed from May 2020 to May 2021, your CEUs must be obtained between that 12-month licensing period for you to be able to renew. The license holder must complete 5 CEUs each year to be eligible to renew, with one credit each from two of the following categories: laws and regulations, integrated pest management or drift minimization.

Each applicator will be required to maintain proof of the number of CEUs necessary to renew a license or certificate. Certificates of completion verifying attendance at approved activities during the previous licensing period must be maintained by the applicator for a period of 12 months after the most recent renewal of their license or certificate. The department may audit the CEUs an applicator has obtained during an onsite inspection or by letter requesting that copies of certificates of completion be mailed to the department. Certificates of completion will be compared with course attendance rosters on file with the department. Credits obtained at a single course cannot be split or divided between licensing periods.

Private, Certified Private:

Private applicator licenses and certificates are valid for five years, and the applicator must obtain 15 CEUs during that time to renew, including two (2) credits in laws and regulations and two (2) credits in integrated pest management (IPM).

Testing:

The Texas Pesticide Law requires that persons must be licensed or certified by TDA to lawfully use a restricted-use pesticide, state-limited-use pesticide, or regulated herbicides. For more information on Agricultural Applicator licensing and testing check out this website link

The Structural Pest Control Act (Chapter 1951 of the Occupations Code) requires licensing of businesses and individuals that perform structural pest control for hire. Additionally, employees of units of state government who apply pesticides as part of their job duties, and persons performing pest control at an apartment building, day-care center, hospital, nursing home, hotel, motel, or lodge, warehouse, food-processing establishment (other than a restaurant, retail food, or food service establishment), or school must be licensed. Structural pest control includes but is not limited to pests that may infest parks, buildings or structures and adjacent areas, industrial plants, streets, docks, railroad cars, trucks, ships, or airplanes. Structural pest control includes the following activities for compensation:

  • identifying infestations,
  • making inspection reports,
  • providing recommendations,
  • submitting estimates or bids,
  • contracting,
  • performing services to prevent, control or eliminate infestations, or
  • advertising such services.

How To Schedule SPCS Licensing Exams can be found at this website link

Looking for CEUs Here is what I have found for the next two months, I added the Purdue Annual CEU workshop because they are offering TX CEU credit and it’s not something you will get a chance to attend unless you travel north. At the same time, the annual spring CEU program we offer through the Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center in Dallas, is going virtual as well, we are working on our registration now.  You can always check out TDAs CEU website search for classes that are being added weekly.

Name of conference Website to register Dates
Purdue Pest Management Conference https://www.extension.entm.purdue.edu/urbanconference/assets/pdf/brochure_2021.pdf January 11-14, 2021
2021 Professional Grounds Keepers Conference https://bell.agrilife.org/2021-professional-grounds-keepers-conference/ January 21, 2021
Bexar County Virtual CEU Workshop https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/3305 January 29, 2021
North Texas Pest Management Virtual Conference https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/3303 January 29, 2021
Spring IPM Seminar Save the Date – we are working on registration website February 23, 2021

Finally, if you did not take any on demand courses last year (2020) you can take them this year visit our AgriLife Learn website https://agrilifelearn.tamu.edu/catalog?pagename=Pest-and-Weed-Control to see all the CEU courses we offer.