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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.

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. 

GENERAL HOUSEHOLD PEST IN-DEPTH TRAINING

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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.

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

Understanding Termites and Wood Destroying Insects

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This class is designed to orient new apprentices, technicians, and certified applicators to 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.

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

2020 is the Year of the Rat and Rodent Academy is going Virtual

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The Texas 2020 Rodent Academy is going virtual!

Register early to join us for this unique urban rodent management virtual workshop. Come spend two-days with experts from around the country discussing better ways to understand rodent ecology and integrated pest management (IPM). Learn about rodent disease, monitoring, trapping, urban rodent surveys and much more.

This event will be December 1 & 2, 2020 via Zoom and will be from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM with time for you to chat with our speakers.

Cost is $75 per person and we ask that you register by Nov. 30th at 3:00 PM to give us time to send you the video link for the meeting.

Who Should Attend?

This course is intended for pest management professionals, municipalities, universities, public schools, and food safety personnel involved in the rodent control programs.

Curriculum Content

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, how?
  • Alternative tools & techniques for rat control
  • Rodent Sensing Systems – which one is right for your business

 Class Size:  since we are going to be virtual, we will allow for a larger class than our in-person events. However, it will still be limited to 75 people to keep the group somewhat small so we can chat at the end of each day.

Academy Completion Certificate and CEU Credits

To Receive a Certificate of Academy Completion

  • Students will be expected to participate in class activities via chat or online polling.
  • Both sessions must be attended and completed by the same student from each company.
  • All students must also pass a final exam, which will be given via an online survey software.

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

Meet some of our speakers:

Dr. Claudia Riegel, Director, New Orleans Mosquito, Termite and Rodent Control Board. She is currently leading a city-wide program of rodent baiting not only considering the increased pressure from the coronavirus pandemic, but out of concern that the higher pressure could spread disease among the homeless population.

Dr. Niamh Quinn, Human-Wildlife Interactions Advisor, University of California Cooperative Extension Area Vertebrate Pest Advisor, based at the UC ANR South Coast Research and Extension Center in Irvine.CA. She facilitates interactions and information exchange among campus-based academics, CE advisors and community stakeholders. 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, with concentration in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties.

Timmy Madere, Pest Control Specialist, New Orleans Mosquito, Rodent and Termite Control Board. Madere has worked on research studies and urban pest issues concerning everything from termites and bed bugs to coyotes and raccoons, but his primary focus is on commensal rodents and urban rodent control.

Sylvia Kenmuir, BCE Sylvia is an Industrial Entomologist and chair of the West Coast Rodent Academy. She is currently the Western US Technical Specialist with BASF where she is responsible for product support.

Dr. Michael H. Parsons is a Visiting Research Scholar in the Department of Biological Sciences at Fordham University in the Bronx, NY. His work focuses on creating novel biological field assays to explore how scents influence risk assessment, disposition and decision making in small mammals. As a multi-disciplinary researcher, his assays with wild, city rats have been adapted into neuroethological assays and have been utilized for urban pathogen surveillance.

There will also be a discussion about the banning of rodenticides in California, how they got there and what steps everyone should learn from this.

Have you heard about rodent remote sensing?  Are you unsure what it is or how to use? Then Wednesday afternoon will be the day to learn more about this new technology.

Both days will end will a roundtable discussion that will allow participants to ask questions and share ideas with others.

Here is the Rodent academy agenda I will have more detailed information closer to the event.  In the meantime, get registered now.  If you need SPCS CEUs or a certificate of training you must register Online Here  I will notify each participant with the Zoom invite for the meeting.  Once you receive the invite from Zoom, you will have to register again to get the room code.  Please do not share the link.

I look forward to “seeing” you on December 1 and 2, 2020 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM