Florida Category 5A - Aquatic Pest Control Bundle

This course bundle is designed for the Florida Aquatic Pest Control applicator but also counts as 3 CEUs for Public Health, 2 CEUs for category 03, and 1 CEU for categories 1A2 and 21. This bundle should be paired with a core bundle to meet recertification requirements. All courses are approved by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Agricultural Environmental Services. Please click on course details for a list and description of courses.

BUNDLE CONTENTS:

Aquatic Pest Control (Category 5A) CEUs:

  • Controlling Aquatic Pests 3.5 CEU
  • Aquatic Pest Management 2.5 CEU
  • Intro to Mosquito Control 2 CEU
  • Microbial Pest Management 2 CEU
  • Mosquito Management & Control 2 CEU
  • Management of Beavers 1 CEU
  • Setting up a Mosquito Control Program 1 CEU
  • Swimming Pool Pest Management 1 CE
  • Aquatic Weed Control 1 CE

 


Controlling Aquatic Pests

Course Description

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.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Explain the laws and regulations surrounding aquatic pesticide use.
  • Calculate area, rate, and amount of pesticides for aquatic use.
  • Discuss the risks involved with pesticide use and methods for both reducing risk and managing any exposures that should occur.

 


Aquatic Pest Management

Course Description

Aquatic ecosystems are extremely complex and fragile. This course covers the many aspects necessary for managing aquatic pests, from site evaluation and pest identification to pesticide application and treatment evaluation. Risk communication strategies are included, along with a variety of control methods in addition to aquatic pesticides.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Explain the laws and regulations surrounding aquatic pesticide use.
  • Identify aquatic pests and the best methods for management.
  • Calculate the appropriate amount and rate for aquatic pesticide use.

Intro to Mosquito Control

Course Description

Mankind has been battling mosquitoes since before the first settlers landed on the continent. Mosquitoes are vectors for a multitude of diseases that are harmful to humans, livestock, and pets. 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. It is also important to have a good understanding of the diseases that are commonly vectored by mosquitoes. The course will talk about surveillance methods, mosquito anatomy, and touch on the diseases that are most commonly vectored by mosquitoes in the United States.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Describe the different stages in the mosquito lifecycle.
  • Explain the differences between male and female mosquitoes.
  • Suggest different surveillance and collection tactics to efficiently trap mosquitoes in the target area.
  • List and describe several commonly mosquito vectored diseases.

Microbial Pest Management

Course Description

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.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Identify the common pests of cooling towers, air washers, evaporative condensers, paper mills, sewer treatment, and the like.
  • Outline the facets of an integrated pest management approach to microbial pest management.
  • Discuss the intricacies of biocide selection, application, and safety.

Mosquito Management & Control

Course Description

Mosquito management is a daunting task for many applicators. When done correctly, outdoor areas such as parks and neighborhood common areas can be a perfect place for people to relax. 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 control, everything from physical controls to pesticides, to record-keeping, all as part of a solid integrated pest management approach to mosquito control.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Discuss the different types of control methods for managing mosquito populations.
  • Discuss the different types of insecticides available for both larval and adult control of mosquitoes.
  • Identify and describe the different kinds of equipment commonly used for mosquito control pesticide applications.
  • Discuss several ways to evaluate the efficacy of the different mosquito control methods implemented.

Management of Beavers

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.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Adhere to state laws for trapping in and out of season.
  • Construct effective, safe, and legal trap sets for beaver control.
  • Distinguish between the beneficial elements of beaver construction and when they need to be controlled.

Setting up a Mosquito Control Program

Course Description

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 such as Malaria, West Nile virus, Dengue Fever, and Yellow Fever. Besides, mosquitoes can cause significant pain, irritation, and infection from their bites, which are a considerable nuisance. Taught by Mississippi State University’s Jerome Goddard Ph.D., Extension Professor of Medical Entomology, this course outlines mosquito control’s components, methods, benefits, and complexities.

After completing this course users will be able to:

  • Outline strategies for mosquito control.
  • Justify the need for mosquito pest control, including surveillance, trapping, and spraying.
  • Identify problem areas for mosquito management such as public objections and environmental protection efforts.

Swimming Pool Pest Management

Course Description

One of the main factors in swimming pool maintenance is water chemistry. A few different facets need to be maintained. These include the organic content in the water, the pH of the water, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Additional factors are the temperature of the water, the concentration of disinfectant, and the amount of total dissolved solids. All of these factors are interconnected and each one influences the others.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Identify the common pests of swimming pools.
  • Outline the facets of an integrated pest management approach to swimming pool management.
  • Discuss the intricacies of pool pH management.

 


Aquatic Weed Control

Course Description

Managing aquatic weeds revolves around proper plant identification. Proper control relies on proper identification. This course teaches the basics of aquatic weed identification and the different approaches to aquatic plant management.

After completing this course participants will be able to:

  • Gain an understanding of the issues involved in controlling aquatic weeds.
  • Tailor a management strategy that addresses the unique identification and control approaches to aquatic plant life.