Forest Pest Management | Michigan DARD Approved

Pest managers in Michigan who take this course will learn how to manage pests and tree diseases within forest environments. The course is approved by the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development, and all course material is available online.

The course covers a wide variety of topics that are designed to make you a better pesticide applicator, starting with an examination of integrated pest management strategies. These strategies will help protect non-target organisms, minimize the impact of pesticides on water sources, and overcome pesticide resistance.

After that, the course covers pesticide sprayer equipment and application methods. Learn about sprayer maintenance, components, types, and operation. Banding and broadcast calibration methods are also covered.

Review ways to manage tree diseases and pests within forest environments with lessons that explain how to use natural, chemical, and applied insect management techniques. Weed control is also described in conjunction with pest control herbicides.

The end of the course discusses vertebrate pests, the problems they bring, and damage control methods. The final lesson explains laws and regulations related to forest pest management.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

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