Forest Pest Management | West Virginia Approval #000Z2G

This online course explains how to protect forests in West Virginia from various vertebrate pests and tree diseases. All lessons are self-paced, so they fit into any schedule. Complete the course with confidence knowing that all material is approved by the West Virginia Department of Agriculture.

The course begins with an explanation of integrated pest management strategies designed to help pest managers protect non-target organisms, minimize the impact of pesticides on water sources, and overcome pesticide resistance.

Properly implementing these strategies means understanding how to safely use pesticide equipment. Learn about sprayer types, components, maintenance, application methods, and operation. Banding and broadcast calibration methods are also discussed.

Next, learn how to manage forest pests and tree diseases with lessons on how to use chemical, natural, and applied insect management techniques. Pest control herbicides and weed control are also described.

The end of the course covers vertebrate pests, the problems they bring, and damage control methods. There is also an overview of regulations and laws related to forest pest management.

After completing this course, participants will be able to:

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