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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. 

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

Dr. Mike Merchant Retires After 30+ Years with Extension

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The Department of Entomology and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service celebrated the retirement of a longtime professor and Extension Entomologist during a virtual celebration held on August 7.

Merchant, a Professor and Extension Entomologist in Dallas, will be retiring on August 31. He has been with Extension for more than 30 years when he joined as an Urban Entomologist in the District 4 offices located in the Dallas area.

His career highlights started in 1993 when Merchant was named Chair of the statewide School IPM Advisory Committee. As chair, Merchant served as principal drafter of the original regulations establishing the Texas School IPM program. Since then, he has created video training tapes and wrote a handbook for school IPM coordinators, and a training conference.

In 2001, Merchant and Program Leader and Extension Specialist Dr. Don Renchie were awarded a multi-state grant in to develop the Southwestern Technical Resource Center for IPM in Schools and Daycare Facilities. The grant also allowed Merchant to hire Extension Program Specialist Janet Hurley to help create the Texas School IPM Team, which gained national recognition for their outstanding work developing training materials and courses in integrated pest management for schools.

In the early 1990’s Merchant was the author of the original fact sheet for the “Texas Two-Step” method of controlling fire ants that was developed by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. The sheet was the most frequently requested publication from 1995-1997 and is now being used by commercial fire ant bait manufacturers and is recognized as the most effective control program available in the nation.

Crepe myrtle bark scale

Over the past decade, Merchant led a team of entomologists to identify a new insect pest of crape myrtle, officially named the crape myrtle bark scale or Eriococcus lagerstroemiae. The scale has now spread throughout the southern U.S. Merchant demonstrate that neonicotinoid soil drenches controlled the scale, and his research has focused on safe and effective methods of control that are also safe, economically feasible, and do not adversely impact pollinators who use crape myrtle as a source of pollen in the late summer.

In 2003, Merchant along with colleagues Drs. John Jackman and Carlos Bogran developed the Master Volunteer Specialist in Entomology program. This training consists of a course which offers in-depth training in entomology to Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists and created an online outreach tool for professionals and general public called Insects in the City. He also oversaw the renovation project in 2016 that eventually became the Texas IPM House, which is a hands-on training facility for pest management professionals to learn about IPM and pests that invade homes or used structures as a source of food and shelter.

Merchant also created an interactive website called “Mosquito Safari” to help teach homeowners and businesses about proper mosquito control. During the emergence of the Zika virus, Merchant worked with Dr. Sonja Swiger to develop a statewide outreach program to educate about controlling mosquitoes and prevention of Zika in Texas. In 2016, they enlisted the help of several Extension agents, specialists, and program specialists to create and distribute materials.

Mike Merchant training a class at the IPM Experience House

Their efforts in mosquito control educational programming resulted in 339 education events, directly training nearly 140,000 people plus over 2 million media contacts engaged with the programs. In addition, 76,400 people received newsletters with Zika information and more than 11,000 printed copies were distributed throughout the state.

Since 1995, Merchant has also maintained another highly popular website called Insects In The City, or citybugs.tamu.edu, that allows visitors to sign up for insect updates, post questions, and view fact sheets. The site receives at least 1.2 to 1.5 million visitors and an average of 3.2 million views per year.

In addition to Extension, Merchant was very active in the Entomological Society of America where he made significant contributions through his service, including co-authoring a 208-page study guide Associate Certified Entomologist program titled IPM for the Urban Professional: A Study Guide for the Associate Certified Entomologist.

Merchant also served on the Entomological Society of America’s Certification Board, a board that is responsible for the Society’s certification programs, and the Director of the BCE program in 2001-2002. Since he was director of the BCE, he led the reorganization of the program committee and established the Associate Certified Entomologist program.

Extension Program Specialist Wizzie Brown said that Merchant will definitely be missed by everyone.

“Mike has been an excellent mentor over the years and will be sorely missed by myself, other entomologists, and people within the pest control industry,” Brown said.

“Dr. Merchant has always been some whom I could depend on whenever I had a question or an issue,” Associate Professor and Extension Specialist Dr. Sonja Swiger said. “He has provided guidance, wisdom, compassion and steadfast for all of us in the Extension Entomology group. While his retirement is well deserved, he will be deeply missed by all.”

2019 ACE Prep Class in Dallas

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A prep class for the Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) exam will be offered December 12-13 in Dallas.  The class will provide an [optional] opportunity to take the ACE exam on the second day. The class at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research and Extension Center in Dallas is part of IPM Experience House course series for 2019.

ACE Prep class members 2018

Prep classes are usually small and lively in discussion. Last year’s class included (from left): Brandon Guy and Bruce Guy (Bugs and Blooms), Mike Merchant (Instructor), David Gayle (Gayle Pest Control), Brad Hudson and William (Ashley) Jenkins (Presto-X) and Rodney Hall (Home Exterminating Services).

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 12-13, is a one-and-a-half day course followed by an opportunity to take the ACE exam on the afternoon of day 2.

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).  Coincidently, the class is also good for new technicians who would like a broad overview of the science of pest management.

Test taking success rates are much higher with good preparation.

Costs for the class

Registration for the Dallas class is available online and costs $60 ($70 after 12/09; 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.

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: if you plan to take the exam after the class prior study is highly recommended. The Prep Class is not a prerequisite for taking the exam, however many people find that the class is a useful way to prepare for study.

Finishing 2019 Strong at IPM House

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We are please to offer three courses for pest management professionals this November and December at IPM Experience House. All IPM House classes provide a mix of lecture, demonstration and hands-on practice.

The PMP Toolbox

Successful pest control requires being familiar with the tools of the trade.  Tools of the Trade: Equipment and Materials for Pest Control, is a new class to be offered on November 8. This class will provide an overview of essential pest control tools, how they work, how to use them, and how to maintain them.  We will also cover exclusion materials and techniques for pest proofing. All topics will be covered from the perspective of Integrated pest management (IPM) and new technologies will be discussed.  This will be an excellent class for both new and seasoned technicians.  Guest trainers include Randall Kennedy, with Dallas Fort Worth Wildlife Control, and Greg Orr with B&G Equipment Company.

This is a one-day class that runs from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Certificates will be given for 7 hours of verifiable classroom training for apprentices. Up to 3 Structural CEU credits will be awarded. Lunch is provided. Cost is $60 preregistration. Click here to register today, class size is limited.

Rats!

We are proud to offer Rodent Academy for the third year in a row with Dr. Bobby Corrigan.  Rodent Academy is in demand across the U.S. and this is your only Texas opportunity to take it. The course is intended for pest management professionals, municipalities, universities, public schools, and food safety personnel involved in the rodent control programs.

This year’s course will be held December 17-19.  In addition to Dr. Corrigan, we will have distinguished presenters Dr. Claudia Riegel, from the City of New Orleans, Travis Gates with ABC Home and Commercial Services in Dallas, Scott Smith with Bell Laboratories, as well as the IPM House faculty, Dr. Mike Merchant and Janet Hurley.  If your company does rodent control or exclusion, or would like to expand into this lucrative area, you’ll want to sit in on this fascinating three days of lecture and hands-on activities.

Note that Rodent Academy will be held in a new location this year. While still at the Texas A&M AgriLife Dallas campus, we have moved into the classroom located in the new Water Education building on the north end of the main parking lot.  Check the map on the registration page for directions. Cost for the three-day class is $300, lunches and snacks included.

ACE Prep

If you’ve been a pest control professional for five years or more and would like to be recognized by your peers and your customers for your hard work and professionalism, consider the Associate Certified Entomology program. This program is available to qualified professionals who can pass a certification exam.  The ACE Prep class is an intensive one-and-a-half day class designed to help prepare you to take the ACE exam.

The ACE Prep class is really for three kinds of people. It’s for young professionals starting out who would like a succinct overview of the science of entomology and pest control.  It’s for the ACE candidate who has studied hard on their own and just wants a final “cram” and confidence booster before the exam.  And it’s for anyone interested in preparing for the ACE exam, but who isn’t sure how best to study.  If you fall in this last category the ACE Prep class is just the thing to orient you to what to study, and get you pumped up to hit the books.

This year’s ACE Prep class will be held in the Healthy Living Building Classroom (formerly the Education Building) on December 12-13.  Lunch is provided. Cost for the two-day class is $100.  Mark your calendar now; registration is coming soon.

 

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.