Common Pests of Residential, Industrial & Institutional Structures | Pennsylvania Approval #002PZ9

Instructor: Sarah Racine

This Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture-approved course covers interior and exterior pests found in industrial, residential, and institutional buildings. It also describes best practices for managing these pests.

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

Some pests can spread diseases that cause serious illness, while others damage structural wood, furnishings, or fabrics. Pests can also infest stored food or other items. To ensure safety, pest managers must control pests that can damage property, infect people, injure them, or affect their quality of life.

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

• 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 parasitic, biting, and stinging pests and know how to manage them
• Identify common stored-food pests and how to avoid them
• Identify common vertebrate and invertebrate pests and outline the best management strategy for each