Master Technician Program Overview
This
program provides technicians with in-depth, hands-on training using
state-of-the art microscopes. The series of six workshops investigate
seven major pest groups - Ants, Bed bugs, Termites, Occasional Invaders,
Cockroaches, Rodents and Flies.
At the completion of
each workshop, participants will receive a certificate designating them
as a VPMA Master Ant, Bed bug, Termite, Occasional Invader, Cockroach,
Fly or Rodent Technician, respectively. Once a technician has mastered
four of the pest groups, special recognition will be made at the final
workshop designating them as a Master Technician.
For current offerings please see the Events tab on the home page of our website.
Bed bugs - Trainers for this program are Dr. Dini Miller, Tim McCoy, and graduate
students from the Dodson Urban Pest Management Lab at Virginia Tech and
some of the most experienced PMPs performing bed bug services in the
state.
The early morning session of the training program will focus on bed bug biology and behavior.
The
balance of the program is focused on giving you hands-on experience in
the most up-to-date methods of inspecting, and treating bed bug
infestation using both non-chemical and chemical methods.
You will be treating bed bugs in infested apartments so please dress for the job.
The trainers will be teaching you:
· to conduct bed bug inspections
· to prepare and apartment for treatment
· to install bed bug monitors
· how to use a steamer and vacuum to your best advantage
· how the Cryonite system works
· to properly encase a mattress and box springs
· to use diatomaceous earth or insecticidal dust to treat voids and electrical outlets
· where to use liquid and aerosol formulations
· how whole-home heating systems are used to treat infestations
· how bed bugs canines can be used to identify small infestations
Termites - Trainers
for this program are Dr. Dini Miller, Tim McCoy, MS and graduate
students from the Dodson Urban Pest Management Lab at Virginia tech. The
first half of the workshop will walk participants through the
identification of the major termite species. Each participant will use a
reference collection of specimens and a taxonomic key to identify pest
termites by their physical characteristics. Termite biology and behavior
will also be discussed.
Laboratory sessions will provide technicians with hands-on training in:
· calculating liquid applications;
· calibrating application equipment;
· evaluating construction types; and
· application techniques.
**These lab sessions will be conducted outside, so please dress accordingly.**
Pest Flies - Trainers
for this program are Dr. Dini Miller, Tim McCoy, and graduate students
from the Dodson Urban Pest Management Lab at Virginia Tech. The first
half of the workshop will walk participants through the identification
of the major filth and small pest fly species. Each participant will use
a reference collection of specimens, a species identification guide and
a taxonomic key to identify pest flies by their physical
characteristics. Pest Fly biology and behavior will also be discussed. Laboratory sessions will provide technicians with hands-on training in:
· maggot identification; and
· fly management strategies.
Occasional Invaders - Trainers for this program are Dr. Dini Miller, Tim McCoy, and
graduate students and graduate students from the Dodson Urban Pest
Management Lab at Virginia Tech.
· Invader Identification
· Invader Biology & Behavior
· Bug Behavior & inspection
· Overwintering Invader Biology & Behavior
· Slugs and Snails: Beauty in a Slime Trail
Cockroaches - Trainers for this
program are Dr. Dini Miller, Tim McCoy, and graduate students and
graduate students from the Dodson Urban Pest Management Lab at Virginia
Tech. The first half of the workshop will walk participants
through the identification of the major cockroach pest species. Each
participant will use a reference collection of specimens and a taxonomic
key to identify different cockroaches by their physical
characteristics.
The second half of the workshop will include:
- A discussion of cockroach biology and behavior
- A hands-on cockroach monitoring exercise
- A laboratory session where students will evaluate:
o Cockroach preferences for different types of baits (granules, gels,
containerized), the effects of bait contamination on cockroach feeding,
o Time to knockdown for different bait formulations (why should we care?).
- A discussion of the attributes of different cockroach products including:
o Sprays and aerosols
o Dusts
o Baits
o "Green" products.
Pest Ants -
The first half of the workshop will walk participants through the
identification of the major pest species ant species. Each participant
will use a reference collection of specimens and a taxonomic key to
identify different ant species by their physical characteristics. The
second half of the workshop will focus on Red imported Fire Ants
(RIFA):
- A discussion of RIFA biology and behavior
- A history of RIFA including the implementation of the Federal Fire Ant Quarantine
- The public's perspective of RIFA in the quarantine areas: What the pest management professional needs to know.
- A discussion of state certification needed to treat for RIFA and registered RIFA control products
- A field site laboratory session where students will:
o Monitor for fire ants
o Perform individual mound treatments
o Apply different formulations of broadcast RIFA products
Rodents - Trainers for this program
are Dr. Dini Miller, Tim McCoy, and graduate students from the Dodson
Urban Pest Management Lab at Virginia Tech. Each participant will
use a skat reference collection, a species identification guide, and a
taxonomic key to identify these pests by their physical characteristics.
Laboratory sessions provide technicians with hands-on training in
treatment for these pests, including safety, calculations to determine
appropriate amounts of material and application techniques.
- Rodent Identification
- Rodent Biology
- Rodent Exclusion and Treatment
|
|
|
