Right-of-Way: Pest Management and Overview | California DPR Approved

This course is divided into 2 topics:

Pest Management

Civilization has been combating insects and other pests throughout history. A pest is an undesirable organism that injures
humans, desirable plants and animals, manufactured products, or natural substances. Many insects, pathogens (disease-causing organisms, such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi), plants (known as weeds), mollusks (slugs and snails), fish, birds, and a variety of mammals (from mice to deer) compete for our crops and livestock. As the battle between humans
and pests continues over time, so will innovative methods of control.

After completing this chapter participants will be able to:

• Discuss the importance of pest identification in pest control.
• Describe how pest population levels trigger control procedures.
• Give several reasons why pesticide applications may fail. 

Pest Management and Overview

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. The treatment areas can be more readily viewed by the public or may be too rough to reach using traditional equipment. While broadleaf and woody plant material is usually the major pests in right-of-way situations there can be insect and vertebrate pests that need management. This chapter 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.

After completing this chapter participants will be able to:

• Outline the principles of an IPM program in right-of-way situations
• Identify weeds and other pests commonly found in rights-of-way
• Identify and calibrate equipment commonly used in right-of-way applications
• Demonstrate an understanding of professional conduct and how to interact with the public