Forest Pest Management | Delaware DoA Approval

Delaware pest managers who complete this course will understand integrated pest and disease management within forests. The course is completely online and approved by the Delaware Department of Agriculture.

Course lessons cover many topics that are designed to make you a better pesticide applicator. The beginning of the course includes an examination of integrated pest management strategies. These strategies include learning how to overcome pesticide resistance, minimize the impact of pesticides on water sources, and protect non-target organisms.

Following the strategies, pesticide sprayer equipment and application methods are also covered. Learn about sprayer types, components, operation, and maintenance, followed by broadcast and banding calibration methods.

The course also reviews pest and plant disease management within forest environments. Explore how to use natural, chemical, and applied insect management techniques. Pest control herbicides are also described in conjunction with weed control.

The course then discusses how to manage vertebrate pests, their associated problems, and damage control methods. The course ends by explaining laws and regulations related to forest pest management.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain what integrated pest management is and various management strategies.
• Describe the importance of keeping pesticides out of water sources and methods to minimize the impacts of pesticide use.
• Relate types of forests and specific pest threats.
• Identify key variables in properly calibrating pesticide application equipment.
• Explain types of calibration methods and techniques.
• Discuss types of management methods and controls for insects within different tree environments.
• State the types of equipment necessary for pesticide application and various application methods.
• Describe key features of forest disease management and characteristics of common tree diseases.
• Relate control methods for weed control, including pesticides and herbicides.
• Identify types of forest vertebrate populations and problems and how to choose the best control method.