Massachusetts Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education Courses

1 credit: 27, 29, 31, 32, 33, 36, 37, 40, L (Core)
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: 41, L (Core)
Unlike most pesticides, antimicrobial pesticides can be found in a wide variety of places and are readily available to the public. Antimicrobial pesticides also have unique label requirements. This course will discuss antimicrobial pesticides, their properties, potential risks, and hazards of use. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 32, 33, 37, 40, L (Core)
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: 39, L (Core)
Managing aquatic weeds revolves around proper plant identification. Tailoring management strategies to address specific aquatic plant life is only possible through accurate identification. This course teaches the basics of aquatic weed identification and the different approaches to aquatic plant management. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Any, L (Core)
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: 41, 44, L (Core)
The site of a bat hanging around a structure can be unnerving to most clients. Finding one inside a home is even more unsettling and can send the homeowner into a panic. This course will talk about the identification of bat issues, fundamentals of bat control, and a few health issues that can be quite costly for wildlife control operators and clients. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 41, 46, Core (L)
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:  41, 46, L (Core)
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

3 credits: 44, L (Core)
This course focuses on the use of cage and box traps in the management of vertebrate pests in both urban and suburban environments. Best practices surrounding appropriate traps for target animals, effective baits, and safe and humane use of traps will be outlined. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: 36, L (Core)
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 credits:  41, 44, L (Core)
This course teaches Massachusetts pest managers how to properly identify and control common pests found in interior and exterior buildings that can cause property damage, infest stored food, or infect people. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 32, 37, L (Core)
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

3.5 credits: 39, Core (L)
This course discusses managing pests in aquatic environments. It contains extensive plant identification, discussing common weed types and species. Other pests, such as insects or birds, are also covered. In addition, this course explains a variety of control methods, outlining how to use pesticides safely and the necessary first aid for any exposure. Finally, calibration of equipment is explained and example scenarios are explored. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 37, L (Core)
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: 26, 29, 36, 41, L (Core)
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: 29, 36, 41, L (Core)
Pesticide applicators in Massachusetts who take this course will get a thorough review of pest management for interior plant environments. A few course topics include 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: Any, L (Core)
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

1 credit: Any, L (Core)
Pesticides are regulated to utilize their benefits while protecting public health and welfare and preventing harm to the environment. This course addresses the federal pesticide laws that control the labeling, sale and distribution, storage, transportation, use, and disposal in the best public interest. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

5 credits: 27, 33, L (Core)
Pesticides protect plants and animals from insects, weeds, and diseases; improve the efficiency of food, feed, and fiber productions; and provide for greater crop yields. This course outlines various invasive pests of field crops and how an applicator can effectively treat pest invasions while protecting themselves and the environment from the adverse effects of pesticides. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: 25, 26, 27, 33, 42, 44, L (Core)
This course focuses on the use of fumigants to effectively control burrowing animals. Students will learn about different fumigation devices and products, and how best to comply with label restrictions to protect both non-targets and applicators from harm. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

4 credits: 35, L (Core)
This course covers integrated strategies for pest management within Massachusetts forests. Lessons explain how to protect non-target organisms, minimize pesticide’s impact on water sources, and manage pesticide resistance. Other topics covered include weed control, sprayer operation, various application methods, and more. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: 35, L (Core)
This course teaches pest control professionals how to manage pests found in Massachusetts forest environments. Lessons discuss forestry herbicide types, integrated pest management strategies for protecting water sources, greenhouse plant fumigation, and more. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

5 credits: 25, 27, 30, 33, L (Core)
Pesticides protect plants and animals from insects, nematodes, weeds, and diseases; improve the efficiency of food productions, and provide for greater crop yields. This course outlines various invasive pests of fruit crops and how an applicator can effectively treat pest infestations while protecting themselves and maintaining productive fruit crop yields intended for human consumption. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 25, 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 35, 36, 37, L (Core)
This course provides a basic understanding of how fungicides work and the basics of collecting plant material samples for testing pathogens. Fungal spores, germination, plant appearance, infections, fungicide mechanism, collection techniques, and collection dos and don'ts are all discussed. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: 41, 43, 44, L (Core)
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: 36, 37, L (Core)
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

2 credits: 41, 44, L (Core)
If you do not diagnose the problem correctly you will spend a lot of time treating something that is not there. Identify correctly and gather evidence and determine the extent of potential problems. This course will cover the basics of what to look for while inspecting a structure that has potentially been invaded by wildlife. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: 46, 47, L (Core)
To effectively manage a mosquito population as part of an integrated pest management plan applicators must be familiar with mosquito physiology, the lifecycle of the mosquito, and various collection and surveillance methods for both adult mosquitoes and larvae. This course will talk about surveillance methods, mosquito anatomy, and touch on the diseases that are most commonly vectored by mosquitoes in the United States. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 26, 29, 36, L (Core)
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: 43, L (Core)
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: 32, 37, L (Core)
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: 26, 29, 32, 36, 37, L (Core)
Pesticide applicants in Massachusetts will learn how to develop an integrated pest management (IPM) program after taking this Effective Pesticide Applications in Landscape and Turf Settings course. Topics include a variety of pest-management methods, such as pesticide use, augmentation, mechanical and cultural control, and sanitation. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 25, 27, 30, 31, 33, L (Core)
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

1 credit: 31, 33, L (Core)
The site of a fresh mound of soil in an otherwise manicured lawn or alfalfa field can be enough to send a landowner into a tizzy. Pocket gophers can be devastating to both lawns and agricultural fields if they are not properly controlled. The damage caused by pocket gophers can sometimes be confused with either moles or ground squirrels. This course will cover the basics of pocket gopher management including biology, damage, trapping, and toxicant use. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 41, 44, Core (L)
This course will cover five different species of tree squirrel so you can identify the differences between each species in terms of their behaviors and abilities, habitats, and damage. This course will also discuss the many control techniques to use and requirements of each. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3.5 credits: 36, L (Core)
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: 41, 44, L (Core)
One of the challenges with house mice is that clients don't take house mice seriously. It's amazing how people will move heaven and earth when rats are around, but when it comes to mice they will simply say "oh, it's just a mouse!" This course will help educate applicators on the risks of allowing house mice to remain in a structure. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: 39, L (Core)
Managing microbial pests in water systems is essential for human health and the wider environment. This course will cover pest identification and methods of control. It will also discuss common application methods and ways to protect yourself from hazards when using biocides. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 32, 36, 37, L (Core)
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: 46, 47, L (Core)
Correct identification of each mosquito species is an important step to managing the mosquito population in your area. Each species of mosquito has its own preferred habitat and breeding environment. This course covers the preferred habitat, breeding ground, and physiological differences between five major species of mosquitoes found throughout the United States. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: 46, 47, L (Core)
Mosquito management is a daunting task for many applicators. When mosquito management is done incorrectly or isn't done at all, mosquitoes can make public spaces unusable. This course will discuss common methods of mosquito controls, everything from physical controls to pesticides, to record-keeping, all as part of a solid integrated pest management approach to mosquito control. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 31, 36, L (Core)
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: Any, L (Core)
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: 41, 44, L (Core)
Enroll in this course to learn safe, effective, and affordable pest control methods that will help you handle pests that can harm property, people, or quality of life. Manage pests effectively and avoid further damage by minimizing risks to yourself, others, and the environment. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: 36, 37, 41, L (Core)
This course is designed for Massachusetts pesticide applicators to explain how to identify pests found in landscape, turf, and interiorscape environments. Discover treatment strategies that will solve and prevent problems caused by a broad spectrum of pest types. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: 31, 33, L (Core)
This course discusses pest identification and management strategies for corn, soybean, and grain sorghum. Each species is identified according to various stages of maturity, the signs and symptoms exhibited, and the type of biological, cultural, or chemical control recommended for each. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 41, L (Core)
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: Any, L (Core)
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: Any, L (Core)
This course for Massachusetts pest managers contains important guidance for pesticide use. Protect people and the environment from pesticide hazards through safe and legal practices. The course emphasizes elements of safe handling and application plus standards for public warnings and emergency response. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Any, L (Core)
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: Any, L (Core)
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: Any, L (Core)
The pesticide label is the main method of communication between a pesticide manufacturer and pesticide users. By law, pesticide users are required to comply with all instructions and use directions found on the pesticide product label. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Any, L (Core)
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: Any, L (Core)
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: Any, L (Core)
Before beginning a pesticide application, you should know how to select the right pesticide for the job, review the label, test for pesticide compatibility before mixing, select personal protective equipment, transfer pesticides safely, and clean up after an application. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Any, L (Core)
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

2 credits: Any, L (Core)
Labels are increasing in complexity and depth of information. It is never suggested that anyone try to memorize a pesticide label. By reviewing parts of a label and recognizing label language and use, we hope that you feel more comfortable with the information on pesticide labels and feel confident in understanding the information present. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Any, L (Core)
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: 35, L (Core)
Designed for Massachusetts pest managers, this course will prepare you to effectively manage forest pests while minimizing pesticide exposure risks to people and the environment. Learn to effectively utilize personal protective equipment (PPE), broadcast sprayers and other tools as you work to control forest pests. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Any, L (Core)
This online course teaches pest managers in Massachusetts to understand the classifications and hazards of pesticides. Recognizing the toxicity danger pesticides present to plants, animals, and people is the focus of this course, which also includes the types and categories of pesticides. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: 40, L (Core)
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 cover the main causes of plant disease, plant life cycles, and the developmental stages through which plants progress. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: 40, L (Core)
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

3 credits: 40, L (Core)
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

2 credits: 41, 46, L (Core)
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: 46, 47, Core (L)
Mosquito control programs manage the population of mosquitoes to reduce their damage to human health. Mosquito control is a vital public-health practice as mosquitoes are the number one vector of disease globally, spreading many diseases. Mosquitoes can cause significant pain, irritation, and infection from their bites, which are a considerable nuisance. This course outlines mosquito control's components, methods, benefits, and complexities. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: Any, L (Core)
This course discusses safety and security issues that may arise when pesticides are moved or stored, under what conditions uncertified people can make applications of restricted use products, and how to communicate these issues with customers. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 32, 37, L (Core)
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

1 credit: 41, 46, L (Core)
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

3 credits: 31, 33, L (Core)
Pesticides protect plants and animals from insects, nematodes, weeds, and diseases; improve the efficiency of food productions; and provide for greater crop yields. This course outlines various invasive pests of vegetable crops and how an applicator can effectively treat pest infestations while protecting themselves and maintaining productive vegetable crop yields intended for human consumption. This course must be completed by 12/31/24