Idaho Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education Courses

1 credit: Recertification
Annual bluegrass has historically been an important weed of many, if not most, commodity and specialty crops. The extensive reliance upon herbicides as the primary means of control has led to an almost overwhelming presence of herbicide resistance. This course will discuss the currently reported cases of annual bluegrass resistance to various herbicides and how to develop an effective herbicide program.  This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
When pesticide applications become necessary for good turf management, it's important to understand how the application equipment works and how to properly calibrate the equipment. This course will provide turf managers with an understanding of the most common types of equipment used for pesticide applications on turf and how to properly calibrate the equipment. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
This course covers the importance of honey bees, details honey bee decline statistics, and outlines the strategies that can be implemented to coordinate the efforts of farmers, beekeepers, and applicators to find a balance between managing pests and protecting pollinators. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Bed bugs are a common and difficult household pest that can be linked to a number of health effects such as psychological issues, cutaneous reactions, allergic reactions, anemia, and potential disease transmission. This course outlines various management methods for bed bug control and treatment as well as common symptoms and signs of health effects caused by the presence of bed bugs. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: Recertification
Structural applicators know that managing a bed bug infestation is difficult on many levels. This course looks at the history of bed bugs, current integrated pest management approaches to preventing and managing an infestation, and several of the chemical options available when your non-chemical controls and methods have failed. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Proper application of pesticides and fertilizers on turfgrass is only possible with accurately calibrated equipment. These lessons discuss the calibration of three types of application equipment: handheld or back-pack pump-up sprayers, large acreage sprayers, and fertilizer or “dry-granular” spreaders as well as several different calibration techniques. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Identifying pests correctly is crucial for effective management and preventing plant damage. Misidentification can lead to improper management and application methods. This course teaches how to recognize and handle common Idaho landscape pests in various settings. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: Recertification
Pest management of ornamental plants involves multiple steps from growing a healthy plant that is more resistant to pest damage to correctly identifying the problem when present. This course will cover the most common pests of ornamental plants. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credit: Recertification
Pest managers in Idaho who complete this course will understand how to identify and manage common interior and exterior pests that can infect people, cause property damage, or infest stored food. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Managing weeds in a turf stand can be a tricky proposition. Often times the client fails to recognize that the presence of weeds in a turf stand is the result of poor turf, not the cause. This course will provide applicators with a working knowledge of weed biology, weed identification, and how herbicides work. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Turf responds best to consistent cultural practices including mowing, irrigating, and fertilizing. But as turf managers know, there is a right way and a wrong way to do these. This course covers the dos and don'ts of good cultural practices that will result in a healthy vigorous turf that will be enjoyed for years. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: Recertification
This course teaches the basics of pest and disease management in enclosed spaces where exposure is increased and the different tools and techniques needed to successfully control the environment. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: Recertification
This course is a comprehensive overview of pest management strategies for Idaho interior plant environments. Learn about pesticide safety protocols, how to master Integrated Pest Management strategies, and ways to foster indoor plant health. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Pesticides are a key factor in pest management but it is important to understand what happens to those pesticides after the application. This course will review some key characteristics of environmental factors that can affect how pesticides move and degrade in the environment. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

4 credits: Recertification
This course reviews strategies for integrated pest management within forest environments. Lessons focus on how to minimize pesticide’s impact on water sources, protect non-target organisms, and manage pesticide resistance. Topics covered include forest pest management regulation, sprayer components, various application methods, and more. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: Recertification
This course explains how to manage pests in Idaho forest environments safely. Lessons discuss integrated pest management strategies, forestry herbicide types, pesticide-mixing safety measures, and more. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: Recertification
As certified or licensed professionals we have legal responsibilities that we must fulfill in every job that we do. Not only do have to control pests, but we also have to do the paperwork and legwork that documents our applications. This course reviews the basics of general structural pest management. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
German cockroaches can be a difficult pest to control. The temptation for most pest control operators is to reach for the pesticide right away, but there is much more involved in controlling a German cockroach infestation. This class will focus on an eco-friendly approach to German roach control strategies in the most difficult environments. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
What is integrated pest management? The reality is nobody can agree on what integrated pest management is. This course will cover what IPM is and what isn't and how to be practical about IPM strategies. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
The lawn and landscape are essential elements in any residential situation. When not installed or managed properly the investment of time and money can be perceived as a waste as the lawn and landscape do not fulfill their purpose. This course will focus on the essentials of designing a landscape that is aesthetically pleasing and makes weed control easier as well as key factors for installing and establishing a functional home lawn. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
IPM of ornamental plants involves multiple steps; producing a healthy plant, correctly identifying the problem, recognizing that there will always be some pests and damage, and only using pesticides as a last resort. This course teaches the basics of pest and disease management for ornamental plants, and the different tools and techniques needed to successfully provide your clients with a healthy and attractive landscape. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the United States. But there are several common-sense IPM practices that can be implemented to make a structure less inviting to termites from the start. This course will provide a review of IPM principles, termite biology, and several IPM practices to make any structure less attractive to termites. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
As a turf manager, you'll need to be more than someone who just applies pesticides. Good turf management requires the use of all the tools in the toolbox. This course will touch on the best practice cultural, mechanical, biological, and chemical controls for turf management. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
This Effective Pesticide Applications in Landscape and Turf Settings course teaches pesticide applicants in Idaho how to develop an integrated pest management (IPM) program. Topics include a variety of pest-management methods, such as sanitation and pesticide use, augmentation, mechanical and cultural control. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Managing your row crops takes time and attention to detail. Your IPM strategy, insect sampling techniques, and pesticide applications all need to work together. This course covers the basics of sound IPM principles, insect sampling techniques, and how to effectively calibrate your equipment to help applicators manage their crop. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: Recertification
This course teaches the basics of disease management for landscape plantings, cost-minimizing strategies, and tools and techniques needed to successfully control disease in the highly competitive world of landscaping. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Moles can be the bane of a well-kept lawn. But is it really a mole? Moles, voles, shrews, and pocket gopher damage can look the same to the untrained eye. This course covers the physiological differences between moles and other look-alike vertebrate pests, trapping techniques, and toxicant options. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: Recertification
This course is for agricultural pesticide applicators who want to become certified as commercial or public applicators of restricted-use pesticides for the control of natural areas. It outlines various invasive weeds in natural areas and how an applicator should go about treating natural areas with respect to wildlife and the environment. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
When pesticide applications become necessary for good ornamental plant management it's important to understand how application equipment works and how to properly calibrate the equipment. This course will discuss the most common types of equipment used for pesticide applications on ornamental plants, the way to calculate the volume of solution needed, and how to properly calculate the flow rate of the equipment. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Wearing PPE can reduce exposure (dermal, inhalation, ocular, or oral) and thereby lower the chances of pesticide injury, illness, or poisoning. It is important that all pesticide applicators and handlers understand the protections and limitations of PPE. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: Recertification
Become an expert in tackling pesky pests that threaten your property, disrupt your peace, and annoy the heck out of you! Learn affordable and effective methods to combat these little troublemakers while keeping yourself, others, and the environment safe. Gain the skills to manage pests like a pro and take back control of what truly matters to you!  This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
A pest is an undesirable organism that injures humans, desirable plants and animals, manufactured products, or natural substances. This course will discuss the importance of pest identification in pest control, describe how pest population levels trigger control procedures, and give several reasons why pesticide applications may fail. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Pesticides may be applied as sprays, dusts, granules, gases (vapors), fogs, baits, rubs, or dips and require the correct equipment for the pesticide as well as the job size and type. In addition, you must properly select, operate, calibrate, and maintain your equipment. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
This course on pesticide safety empowers Idaho pest managers to protect the environment and people from pesticide hazards. The course emphasizes elements of safe handling and application, including management plans and pesticide alternatives. Standards for notification and warning signs help keep the public safe.  This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Pesticides are formulated to make them safer or easier to use. There are many formulations available for various pest control sites and situations and it is important that applicators choose the best one for the job. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Pesticides are designed to be toxic so they can control pests (e.g., plants, insects, rodents, fungi, and bacteria) while not harming non-target organisms and anyone else exposed to the product. Pesticide users need to be concerned with the hazards associated with exposure to the chemical and not just the toxicity of the pesticide. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Pesticide labels and safety data sheets (SDS) appear to contain much of the same information. While the label is the law, an SDS is not considered the law. As an applicator, it is important to understand the difference between a pesticide label and a safety data sheet and know what information can be found in each document. This course will review the various parts of pesticide labels and safety data sheets to identify the similarities and differences. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Applicators and the public share concerns about how pesticides may harm the environment. Initially, hazards to humans were the primary reason the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to classify a pesticide as a restricted-use product. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
This course provides an outline of the primary concerns of the bee-keeping industry including colony collapse disorder (CCD), factors affecting honey bee decline, invasive insects, fungal disease, best practices for pollinator stewardship, and minimizing pesticide risks for pollinators. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
When the pesticide label requires a respirator it's important to know how to use a respirator safely. This course outlines the types of respirators available, proper fit, and inspection/maintenance requirements.  This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: Recertification
This course teaches Idaho pest managers how to protect the environment, its inhabitants and humans from pesticide hazards while controlling forest pests. Course material includes a detailed discussion of the personal protective equipment (PPE) employers must make available, pesticide application methods, calibration techniques and broadcast spraying.  This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Designed for Idaho pest managers, this course explores pesticide classifications, designations, and hazards. The course covers the hazards pesticides pose to humans, wildlife and the environment, helping pest managers minimize dangerous exposure.  This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: Recertification
This course will help applicators understand the five main groups of pests, identifying those pests, and help applicators decide on management strategies. It will also convert the main causes of plant disease, plant life cycles, and the development stages through which plants progress. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: Recertification
This course will review the methods and techniques to manage vegetation on right-of-ways and non-cropland industrial sites safely without damage to non-target species, sites, objects, or the environment. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: Recertification
Pest management in right-of-way situations can be a challenge. The economic thresholds are different in right-of-way situations compared to either a landscape setting or an agricultural setting. This course provides an overview of pests common to rights-of-way, management solutions, a look at the equipment commonly used to treat rights-of-way, and a review of calibration steps for that equipment.  This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: Recertification
An animal with a backbone or spinal column is called a vertebrate. A few vertebrates, such as rats and mice, are common pests in urban and industrial areas. Others are not pests in their normal habitats but may occasionally become pests when they conflict with humans. This course looks at basic management of common vertebrate pests. Be sure to understand all the regulations that apply in your geographic area before attempting to control vertebrate pests.  This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
This course will discuss the lifecycle and biology of skunks, habitat modification to discourage skunks from taking up residence, trapping tips and techniques, the basics of rodenticide use, and the basics of euthanizing if allowable by law. It is important to be familiar with state and local laws regarding skunk management. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: Recertification
Having a clear understanding of the hierarchy of insect classification is important. It helps us better understand the background of our pest decide the best course of action in controlling the pest. This course will cover some of the structure infesting pests commonly encountered by structural pesticide applicators and technicians.  This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: Recertification
As a pest control technician, it's important to be familiar with the pests in the region as well as where they reproduce. In some cases, it is difficult to determine if the designated living space is inside or outside. This course covers the identification and management of pests that generally live outside but will invade a structure if the conditions are favorable.  This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Inspecting and treating for termites can be a difficult process. Being familiar with common types of construction is extremely helpful. This course is a tour of the Mississippi State University Extension termite training facility. The facility consists of 12 different stations, each representing an area of a building or home where termites could enter the structure. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
There are a variety of diseases, disorders, insects, and vertebrate pests that can cause problems in turfgrass. This course will give applicators and turf managers an overview of these common pests and strategies for their management.  This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: Recertification
This course teaches the basics of pest and disease management for various turfgrasses, the multiple steps involved, and the different tools and techniques to successfully control the environment. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Rodenticides are becoming a widely discussed and concerning topic in the pest control field. There is a growing public concern at the risk of secondary and non-target poisonings when rodenticides are used. As a pest control operator is it your responsibility to understand how rodenticides work and how to read their labels. This course discusses the common types of rodenticides, their appropriate application, the risks involved with the use of each type of rodenticide, and takes a look at specific label language. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Recertification
Voles are known by a variety of names, meadow mice or field mice for example. Voles are rodents, meaning they like to chew on things, but they rarely enter structures and are primarily a pest in landscape settings. But they are often confused with mice by many homeowners. This course will cover the basics of vole identification, biology, and damage as well as several control methods including trapping and rodenticide use. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

6 credits: Recertification
Termites are just one of the many wood-destroying pests found throughout the United States. Carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and wood-damaging fungi can also cause severe structural damage if not properly managed. This course will cover the primary wood-destroying pests found through the country, the recommended treatments for each of those pests, and the primary sources of excess structural moisture.  This course must be completed by 12/31/24