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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.

Rodent Academy

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Come spend two days learning from the experts about house mice, Norway rats, and roof rats.  In addition, to biology and common control methods, we will also be learning about new management techniques using electronic monitoring systems, diseases associated with rats, how the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) impacts your business, how to clean up when you have a heavy infestation and so much more including the hands-on portions of the class.

Class participants will receive an information manual, continental breakfast and lunch, and learn from a series of speakers.

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

 

Termite Category Training

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This 8 hour course is designed to satisfy the Apprentice Training Requirements as specified in Section 7.132 (i) (2) “8 hours of classroom training in each category in which the Apprentice is to provide pest control services”.  In addition, the course can be used to prepare for the Structural Pest Control Termite category examination. The class is from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with an hour lunch (lunch is not provided). The $150 course fee includes the required category training manual, Termite Category (AES-5075), a $25 value, and instruction from experienced Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service trainer, Dr. Brittny Jones.

Termite Category Training

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This 8 hour course is designed to satisfy the Apprentice Training Requirements as specified in Section 7.132 (i) (2) “8 hours of classroom training in each category in which the Apprentice is to provide pest control services”.  In addition, the course can be used to prepare for the Structural Pest Control Termite category examination. The class is from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with an hour lunch (lunch is not provided). The $150 course fee includes the required category training manual, Termite Category (AES-5075), a $25 value, and instruction from experienced Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service trainer, Dr. Brittny Jones.

Termite Category Training

by

This 8 hour course is designed to satisfy the Apprentice Training Requirements as specified in Section 7.132 (i) (2) “8 hours of classroom training in each category in which the Apprentice is to provide pest control services”.  In addition, the course can be used to prepare for the Structural Pest Control Termite category examination. The class is from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with an hour lunch (lunch is not provided). The $150 course fee includes the required category training manual, Termite Category (AES-5075), a $25 value, and instruction from experienced Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service trainer, Dr. Brittny Jones.

Termite Category Training

by

This 8 hour course is designed to satisfy the Apprentice Training Requirements as specified in Section 7.132 (i) (2) “8 hours of classroom training in each category in which the Apprentice is to provide pest control services”.  In addition, the course can be used to prepare for the Structural Pest Control Termite category examination. The class is from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with an hour lunch (lunch is not provided). The $150 course fee includes the required category training manual, Termite Category (AES-5075), a $25 value, and instruction from experienced Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service trainer, Dr. Brittny Jones.

Termite Category Training

by

This 8 hour course is designed to satisfy the Apprentice Training Requirements as specified in Section 7.132 (i) (2) “8 hours of classroom training in each category in which the Apprentice is to provide pest control services”.  In addition, the course can be used to prepare for the Structural Pest Control Termite category examination. The class is from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. with an hour lunch (lunch is not provided). The $150 course fee includes the required category training manual, Termite Category (AES-5075), a $25 value, and instruction from experienced Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service trainer, Dr. Brittny Jones.