Common Pests of Residential, Industrial & Institutional Structures | California SPCB Approved

Instructor: Sarah Racine

This course, which is approved by the California Structural Pest Control Board, covers interior and exterior pests found in residential, industrial, and institutional buildings. It also describes pest management best practices.

Many vertebrates and invertebrates in California are considered pests when found in or around structures. Examples of pests include insects, fungi, weeds, rats, mice, bats, and some birds.

Some pests damage structural wood, furnishings, or fabrics. Others can infest stored food or other items. A few can spread diseases that cause serious human illness. To ensure safety, pest managers must control pests that can damage property, infect or injure people, or affect someone's quality of life.

After completing this course, California pest managers will be able to:

• Identify common parasitic, biting, and stinging pests and know how to manage them
• Identify common stored-food pests and how to avoid them Identify common fabric pests and outline how to manage them
• Describe wood-destroying pest damage and explain why treating wood prior to use is important
• Identify common vertebrate and invertebrate pests and outline the best management strategy for each