Montana Pesticide Applicator Continuing Education Courses

1 credit: 10, 39, 40, 45, 56C
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: 10, 32, 39, 40, 45, 54
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

2 credits: 10, 39, 40, 45
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: 10, 32, 39, 40, 45, 54, 60
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

1 credit: 10, 30, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 44, 45, 50, 55, 60, 61 
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

3 credits: 10, 32, 39, 40, 54, 60
Montana pest managers who complete this course will learn how to identify and manage common exterior and interior pests that can cause property damage, infest stored food, or infect people. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 32, 35, 39, 40, 45, 54, 60
Unwanted birds can pose a problem for applicators and their clients. Some people love to feed the birds and spend hours watching birds. Once birds have become established in an area they can be difficult to control or deter. Though this course will focus on the control and management of unprotected birds, some of the techniques covered will help with the management of protected birds when a permit is issued. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 34, 39, 45
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: 10, 34, 39, 60
This course offers thorough training for Montana pest managers, focusing on interior plant pesticide management. Topics include safety protocols, Integrated Pest Management, and pesticide selection and application. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 30, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 41, 44, 55, 56a, 60
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: 10, 32, 39, 54, 60
This topic, while not often talked about, is something that everyone in wildlife control has to deal with. It is one of those unmentionables, but we need to talk about it in detail because it’s something you’re going to need to encounter if you’re going to be a full-fledged wildlife control operator. This course will cover methods for euthanizing animals, ways to dispose of the deceased animal, and pitfalls to avoid to maintain public relations and appearance. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: 10, 32, 39, 54, 60
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: 10, 32, 33, 39, 54, 60
Learn about integrated pest management strategies for Montana forests. Lessons explain how to minimize pesticide’s impact on water sources, protect non-target organisms, and manage pesticide resistance. Other topics covered include sprayer operation and maintenance, weed control, various application methods, and more. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: 10, 33, 39, 60
This course teaches Montana pest control professionals how to manage pests found in forest environments safely. Lessons discuss pesticide-mixing safety measures, forestry herbicide types, integrated pest management strategies for protecting water sources, and more. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 40, 54, 60
There are many regulations and requirements for the use fumigation products. One of the biggest requirements is preparing a fumigation management plan (FMP). This course will help you navigate the requirements of a fumigation product label, SDS sheet, and Applicator's Manual, and will also walk you through a step-by-step demonstration of how to fill out an FMP for the control of burrowing rodents. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

3 credits: 10, 32, 39, 40, 45, 60
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

3 credits: 10, 34, 39, 45, 60
Montana’s Effective Pesticide Applications in Landscape and Turf Settings course discusses benefits and considerations for developing an integrated pest management (IPM) program. The course covers a variety of pest-management methods, such as augmentation, mechanical and cultural control, sanitation, and pesticide use. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 54, 60
Beavers are protected and beneficial to the ecosystem and habitats of other animals. Managing them requires careful consideration and knowledge of state laws and permits. This course will cover common behaviors and habitat construction. It will also cover many non-lethal methods of control and requirements and ways to effectively trap beavers. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 54, 60
Columbian ground squirrels are similar to Richardson's ground squirrels, but they are much more difficult to control. This course will teach you the difference between both ground squirrel species, help you identify their behaviors and habitats, and show you the best time to control them. This course will also discuss the many control methods of Columbian ground squirrels and requirements of each. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 54, 60
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: 10, 32, 39, 54, 60
Managing prairie dogs is a delicate balance between maintaining a healthy environment and keeping valuable land pest free. This course will cover environmental concerns and methods of control. It will also discuss common application methods and ways to protect yourself from hazards when using rodenticides. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 40, 60
Because the management of raccoons is a detailed process, this topic is split into two courses: basic (part A) and advanced (part B). This basic course provides an overview of raccoon biology, damage, and control measures that can be taken. Additionally, this course will cover safety protocol and legal requirements of wildlife control. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 40, 60
Because the management of raccoons is a detailed process, this topic is split into two courses: basic (part A) and advanced (part B). This advanced course provides an overview of baiting principles and the different types of traps recommended for raccoons. This course will also touch on diseases carried by raccoons and how to humanely dispatch trapped raccoons. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 54, 60
Richardson's ground squirrels are similar to Columbian ground squirrels, but they are much easier to control. This course will teach you the difference between both ground squirrel species, help you identify their behaviors and habitats, and show you the best time to control them. This course will also discuss the many control methods of Richardson's ground squirrels and requirements of each. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 40, 45, 54, 60
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

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 54, 60
Woodchucks are also known as whistle pigs or groundhogs. Woodchucks are basically the building contractors for many animals in the wildlife kingdom because of the holes they dig. This course will discuss the control and management of woodchucks. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 40, 45, 60
There are many species of woodpeckers and they are all protected, so managing them requires careful and diligent observation. This course will cover differences between species and common behaviors. It will also cover many non-lethal methods of control and legal requirements for lethal control. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 39, 40, 45
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

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 54, 60
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

2 credits: 10, 35, 40, 60
Uncover the secrets of safe, effective, and budget-friendly pest control methods in this course. Learn how to effectively manage pests that threaten property, people, and quality of life. By prioritizing safety for yourself, others, and the environment, you'll gain the power to control pests and halt their damaging impact. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 21, 30, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 55, 60
Master safe, legal handling to avoid pesticide emergencies with this course for Montana pest managers. You can protect the environment and people with careful planning and application practices. When warning signs and management plans aren’t enough, learn steps for emergency response and first aid essentials. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 44, 50, 54, 55, 56A, 56C, 60
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

2 credits: 10, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 44, 50, 54, 55, 56a, 56b, 56c, 60, 61
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 the present. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

2 credits: 10, 30, 33, 39, 60
Learn how to protect forests from pests while also protecting the natural environment, its inhabitants and humans from pesticide hazards with this course for Montana pest managers. Find out what personal protective equipment (PPE) your employer must provide on the job and learn important techniques for broadcast sprayers, banding calibration and pesticide application. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 21, 30, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 45, 50, 55, 60
This course teaches Montana pest managers the classifications and hazards of pesticides. You will learn how to recognize the toxicity danger pesticides present to humans, pets, wildlife and the environment. Detailed categorization and designation requirements are included. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

4 credits: 10, 37, 39, 44, 55
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

4 credits: 10, 37, 39, 55
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

1 credit: 10, 35, 39, 60
In the last ten years, there has been a resurgence of treated seed use, largely due to the advent of improved chemical performance. We as agricultural producers are obviously concerned about the more modern applications of these processes. This course outlines the benefits and risks associated with treated seed products. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 60
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

1 credit: 10, 30, 33, 34, 36, 37, 39, 40, 44, 45, 55, 56a, 56b, 56c, 60
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: 10, 32, 39, 54, 60
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

4 credits: 10, 32, 39, 40, 45, 54
This course focuses on the fundamentals of wildlife damage inspection including identification based on habitat, routes of entry, scat, and tracks. It will help you understand the unique biological and legal risks that are involved with the inspection process as well as the proper equipment and PPE that should used. This course must be completed by 12/31/24

1 credit: 10, 32, 39, 54, 60
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