IPM Experience House
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Save the dates for ants, equipment, safety and bed bugs

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The IPM Experience House has three new advanced training courses on the calendar.  These are not just any classes.  Board Certified Entomologists and experienced professionals share their insights and knowledge in the most personalized training you can find anywhere in the state of Texas.  You will definitely want to add these classes to your calendar.

Ants! Ants! Ants! Register Now!

On July 30 we are offering advanced training in ant identification for pest management professionals.  Topics to be covered include an introduction to ant biology, taxonomy and morphology, how to monitor ants, and general principles of fire ant and other ant control.

We will make extensive use of microscopes to learn to recognize the key aspects of ant structure and develop the ability to identify ants to the genus level with a microscope. Students will collect ants from the field and identify their catch.

Details. Cost $60 in advance and $80 after July 26. Lunch is provided.  Depending on availability, registration will remain open until the day of the class; however, class size limited to 15.  No refunds after July 26.  Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center, Building E Classroom.  8 am to 3:30 pm.  Instructors: Drs. Mike Merchant and Robert Puckett.  (CEUs: 6.5 hours verified training in Pest Category, 1 CEU Pest, 1 CEU IPM).  Register now at Conference Services Website

Getting the Bugs Out – Register now!

On September 25, long-time bed bug specialist for ABC Home and Commercial Services, Alan Brown, will be providing his insights into best practices for bed bug control. In  addition to classroom training on the finer points of the “modern bed bug,” the class will get hands on experience with inspecting, treating and developing practical and effective follow-up plans for your customers. Register now at Conference Services Website 

Details. SAVE THE DATE. More details coming soon.

 

Spring class schedule includes mosquitoes and general pests

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Instructor Scott Sawlis

Instructors, like Scott Sawlis of the Dallas County Health Department, bring years of experience to the classroom.

Spring is a great time to learn!  With that as inspiration, we want you to know about two new IPM House courses scheduled for May and June.

First, mark your calendars for May 28. On this day we’ll be offering Introduction to Mosquito Control for PMPs –a great class if you are a technician or owner considering adding mosquito control to your list of services.  The class on May 28 is an introduction to mosquito management–perfect for owners, managers or technicians.

The course provides essential information for any pest management professional engaged in providing mosquito control services. Topics include an introduction to mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit; the role and tools of surveillance; how to conduct a backyard mosquito inspection, mosquito control methods and equipment. In addition, we will use microscopes to look at different mosquito life stages and species.  Instructors include Extension medical entomologist Dr. Sonja Swiger, and Target Specialty Product‘s Vector Control specialist, Patrick Sutton.

mosquito control class learns about insecticide spray equipment

In IPM House classes, students learn practical use and maintenance of equipment for mosquito and pest control.

On Friday, June 28 we will be offering General Household Pest Training.  This class provides necessary Pest Category training for new apprentices and introduction to general pest control for new technicians.  Topics to be covered will include introduction to entomology and general orders of insects; general insect pests; mosquitoes; rodents and other animal pests.  In addition, we will cover an introduction to IPM and pesticides, and equipment used in pest control.  Hands-on activities include use of various sprayers and dusters, bait applications and situational problem solving.

All classes at IPM House provide a combination of hands-on demonstrations and classroom instruction. Lunch will be provided. Both classes have a $50 early registration fee ($75 late registration).  Class size is limited, so register soon.  Details and registration for both classes can be found at the https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu website (search for “mosquito” or “household pest”). Or click on the following links.

Mosquito Control Training May 28

General Household Pest Training June 28

Intro to termite control April 4

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subterranean termite swarmer

Time to prepare your team for termite swarming season.

On April 4 the IPM Experience House will offer its next course in termite control for te

chnicians.

This is our third year to offer this class for orienting new termite technicians to the art and science of termite control. Termite control expert, Dr. Bob Davis, will be demonstrating practical field skills for setting up and executing a soil termiticide job. Kevin Keim, with Corteva, 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.

technician digging termite trench in front of IPM House sign

IPM House Termite training includes hands-on experience.

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, conducting a termite treatment. One termite CEU will be offered for those who complete the class.

Topics covered:
• Introduction to termites
• Theory and practice of termite baiting
• Introduction to termite soil treatment
• Hands-on Demonstrations at IPM Experience House
o Preparing the treatment diagram
o Estimating a bait job and station placement
o Problem solving
o Estimating a soil termiticide job
o Soil injection equipment
o Spray rig calibration
o Safe mixing
o Application of soil applied termiticides

Details
Dallas Center map

This year’s class will be held in Building E – the Education Building classroom.

Hours of the class are from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.  The class will be held in the Building E (Education Building) classroom at the Texas A&M AgriLife Center on Coit Road. Because of ongoing construction, we ask that you enter the campus through the secondary (south) entrance, and park directly behind Building E (see map).

Class size will be limited to 22 and lunch is included with registration. Click here for registration and additional information.

 

ACE Prep Classes in Dec and Jan

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ACE Prep class 2016

Prepare for the ACE exam with some of the top PMPs in your area. Most class participants feel that the interactive class setting provides a higher level of confidence going into the exam.

Prep classes for the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) exam will be offered in both December (Dallas) and January (College Station).  Both classes provide an opportunity to take the ACE exam on the second day. The December class will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas as part of IPM Experience House. The January class will be held as part of the annual Texas A&M University Urban Pest Management Conference and Workshop in Bryan, TX.

With over 1,000 ACEs nationwide, the Certification program of the Entomological Society of America (ESA) is the fastest growing certification program for PMPs.

We find that the biggest hurdles for PMPs wanting certification include uncertainty about how to prepare for the ACE exam, and fear of test-taking.  That’s where the ACE Prep Class comes in.  The Dallas class, December 20-21, is a one-and-a-half day course followed by an opportunity to take the ACE exam on the afternoon of day 2.  The College Station class, held Jan 16, is an abbreviated, one-day class, with opportunity for exam-taking on Jan 17.  Both classes will be team-taught by Drs. Mike Merchant and Bob Davis.

Classes provides a review of fundamental entomology and basic knowledge requirements for the exam. The training is intended as either a kick off for the studying process, or as a last minute review and confidence building class (not a substitute for comprehensive studying).

Test taking success rates are much higher with good preparation.

Costs for the class

Registration for the Dallas class is available online and costs $100 ($150 after 12/18; click here for agenda and registration). Snacks and water are provided at the Dallas class; lunch is on your own. As part of the IPM Experience House curricula, the Dallas class also includes some extra time with microscopes and specimen viewing.

For the College Station class you must register for the full Texas A&M Urban Pest Management Conference and Workshop (click here for more information). According to Lisa Jordan, Conference administrator, the pre-registration price of $200 is good through December 7 (late or onsite registration is $225). If you want to take the ACE exam at the Conference you will also need to apply for the ACE program and pay the fees ahead of time.

Size of the prep class is limited to 30 students.  Up to 4 CEU credits will be available for those providing license numbers.  In addition, you have the option to purchase the highly recommended: ACE Study Guide “IPM for the Urban Professional: A Study Guide for the Associate Certified Entomologist.” Entomological Society of America -$49

How Do I Get Certified?

So what’s involved with getting certified? First you have to qualify. To become an ACE, you must:
Have five years experience in pest control (three years for those with an entomology degree);
hold a current U.S. pesticide applicator’s license; and agree to sign the ACE code of ethics.
If you think you qualify, you can apply through the ESA/ACE website. The application fee is $355 for ESA members and $395 for non-ESA members.

After being approved by the ESA, you will need to study to take the ACE exam. Information about how to study for the exam and what study materials are recommended can be found on the ESA website. Note that if you plan to take the exam after either of these classes, prior study is highly recommended. The Prep Class is not a prerequisite for taking the exam.  

Rodent Academy sign up

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Personal attention is one of the benefits of Rodent Academy and other IPM Experience House classes. Here Dr. Corrigan advises during a rodent problem-solving session.

Registration for our Fall Rodent Academy is now open. One of our most popular courses, this class is based on the popular New York City Rodent Academy.  The 3-day course will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Center at Dallas on December 11-13. Special guest trainer for the training is nationally recognized “rodentologist”, Dr. Bobby Corrigan. Bobby will lead the class through a highly focused, science-based approach to managing rodent populations through IPM.

Goals for the course include improved management of rodent populations through better understanding of the biology, behavior, and habitat of rodents; helping students better understand factors that contribute to rodent infestations; and training students to develop better site-specific problem solving skills and more effective communication with customers.

This year’s class is sponsored by Target Specialty Products.

Who Should Attend?
This course is intended for pest management professionals, municipalities, universities, public schools, and food safety personnel involved in rodent control programs.  This is an advanced course, so students should ideally have a basic understanding of rodent control principles. The Academy is not designed, or appropriate, for new-hire training. We suggest that supervisors, managers, and owners attend the class with the intent to be better prepared to teach their own employees.

Curriculum

The course will include both in-class and field training components.  Instructors include Dr. Bobby Corrigan, Janet Hurley (AgriLife Extension), Sylvia Kenmuir (Target Specialty Products) and Emory Matts (Rentokil).  Classroom topics 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, how?
  • Alternative tools & techniques for rat control
  • Mouse IPM in apartment/private homes
  • Rodent control

Hands-on, field training will involve small group interaction at real field sites. Topics addressed by the group will include:

  • Evaluating the account: what to look for
  • Proper placement of bait stations and snap traps
  • Rodent exclusion techniques
  • Site-specific best management practices

Tuition

Tuition for the 3-day class is $300, which includes cost of a class notebook, other handouts, snacks and lunches. Registration and a detailed class agenda is available here.

Course Requirements

Students should plan to attend all days of the class.  To receive a certificate of Rodent Academy Completion, each student will be expected to:

  • Participate in all class activities
  • Complete two homework assignments
  • Participate in a field trip that involves team work and team analysis

Note that class size is limited to 30, but we will keep a waiting list.  Any companies who miss getting into this class will remain on the waiting list for inclusion in subsequent Academies.

 

Mosquito class offering July 19

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french drain on an artificial turf site in a backyard

French drains are an often overlooked mosquito breeding site. Do your technicians know how to assess a property for mosquito risk?

For which important urban insect pest did 70% of pest control companies get more calls last year? For which pest are 88% of pest management professionals (PMPs) confident that control options are better than they were five years ago? For what pest do nearly 2/3 of companies have callback rates of 4% or less?

According to a 2017 report by MGK® Co., the answer is “mosquitoes”. It appears that pest control customers increasingly want to fight pesky mosquitoes in their backyards, and are willing to pay for it.

There has never been a better time to consider adding mosquito management to your list of services. If you’ve considered getting into mosquito control, or have technicians in need of mosquito training, IPM House will host a introductory mosquito class on July 19. The course provides essential information for pest control technicians to use in providing mosquito control services to your customers.

Topics to be covered include an introduction to mosquitoes and the diseases they transmit; the role and tools of surveillance; how to conduct a backyard mosquito inspection, mosquito control methods and equipment. In addition, we will use microscopes to look at different mosquito life stages and species.

Classes at IPM House are a combination of hands-on demonstrations and classroom instruction. Lunch will be provided. The class runs from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Instructors are Dr. Mike Merchant, Dr. Sonja Swiger, Mike Nichols, and Scott Sawlis. (CEUs: 7 hours verified training in Pest Category)

Registration is open until the day of the class; however, class size is limited to 21, so register early. Early registration (up to July 16) is $50. Late registration after July 16 is $75. No refunds after July 16.

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

Spring 2018 IPM House classes now open for registration

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student looking through microscope

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.

Sign up for Texas Rodent Academy

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Norway rats active during daylight hours in a NYC park. Photo by Bobby Corrigan

The IPM Experience House will be offering a Rodent Academy course for the first time this fall.  Based on the popular New York City Rodent Academy, the 3-day course will be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Center at Dallas on December 5-7. Special guest trainer for the training is nationally recognized “rodentologist”, Dr. Bobby Corrigan. Bobby will lead the class through a highly focused, science-based approach to managing rodent populations through IPM.

Goals for the course include improved management of rodent populations through better understanding of the biology, behavior, and habitat of rodents; helping students better understand factors that contribute to rodent infestations; and training students to develop better site-specific problem solving skills and more effective communication with customers.

Who Should Attend?
This course is intended for pest management professionals, municipalities, universities, public schools, and food safety personnel involved in rodent control programs.  This is an advanced course, so students should already have a basic understanding of rodent control principles. The Academy is not designed, or appropriate, for new-hire training. We suggest that supervisors, managers, and owners attend the class with the intent to be better prepared to teach their own employees.

Curriculum

Critter cams offer new insights into rodent behavior. Video still shot by J. Hurley

The course will include both in-class and field training components.  Classroom
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, how?
  • Alternative tools & techniques for rat control
  • Mouse IPM in apartment/private homes
  • Rodent control

Hands-on, field training will involve small group interaction at real field sites. Topics addressed by the group will include:

  • Evaluating the account: what to look for
  • Proper placement of bait stations and snap traps
  • Rodent exclusion techniques
  • Site-specific best management practices

Tuition

Tuition for the 3-day class is $300, which includes cost of a class notebook, other handouts, snacks and lunches.

Course Requirements

Students should plan to attend all days of the class.  To receive a certificate of Rodent Academy Completion, each student will be expected to:

  • Participate in all class activities
  • Complete two homework assignments
  • Participate in a field trip that involves team work and team analysis for designing a real-world control exercise for a few different rodent infestations.
  • Pass a final exam

Other

Structural Pest Control CEU credits will be available in IPM and Pest for participants who need them. Please, limit your registration to two employees per company. To ensure quality and good instructor-to-student interaction, the Academy can only accommodate approximately 35 students per session. Please wear comfortable shoes, and clothes appropriate for the field.

Registration

If your company is interested in the Rodent Control Academy, please complete and submit the online registration form:  https://agriliferegister.tamu.edu/productListingDetails/2392

 

If you are unable to register because the class has reached it’s maximum enrollment, and you wish to be added to a waiting list, send an email to class organizer, Janet Hurley at (jahurley@ag.tamu.edu).  You will be given first notice about subsequent Rodent Academy classes.  To join our IPM Experience House mailing list and receive alerts for future Rodent Academies and other IPM Experience House-sponsored training classes, click here. 

 

Termite training draws old and new

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termite infested box

Termites are resourceful insects as shown by this damaged book box brought to class by Anita Woessner.

Yesterday’s IPM House training was designed for new technicians, but that didn’t stop a few seasoned veterans from turning out.  Experience in pest control ranged from just a few days on the job to 30 years, making for a very diverse class.

use of termiticide foam

BoJack Jalowy, with Naturescape Texas out of Kerrville, tries out canned foam in a simulated wall void.

Anita Woessner, Affordable Pest Control of Denton, TX, brought in a termite ridden box of books.  Taken from a client’s garage, the box sat for years on the concrete floor, over a cold joint in the slab.  Eventually subterranean termites discovered their treasure and had their way with it. Part of the course covered basic termite biology and behavior, and part dealt with the practical matter of how to approach a termite control job.

Rotations in the afternoon walked the class through microscopic identification of termites and ants, using a measuring wheel to diagram a WDI inspection, and learn how to calibrate a termite rig.  In addition students learned about use of foam in termite jobs and in-ground baiting for termites.

The class was introductory, so many of the finer details were not covered to the veterans’ satisfaction; but everyone seemed to take away something useful.  Look for Advanced termite training to be offered at sometime in the near future.

Mosquito class offered for first time

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Keith Haas demonstrates use of a handheld ULV applicator to the class.

For which important urban insect pest did 70% of pest control companies get more calls last year? For which pest are 88% of pest management professionals (PMPs) confident that control options are better than they were five years ago?  For what pest do nearly 2/3 of companies have callback rates of 4% or less?

According to a 2017 report by MGK® Co., the repeated answer is “mosquitoes”. It appears that pest control customers increasingly want to fight pesky mosquitoes in their backyards, and are willing to pay for it.

Ultimately, this increased interest in mosquitoes is what brought 15 interested PMPs to the “Practical Mosquito Control” course last week at IPM Experience House. [Read more…] about Mosquito class offered for first time