Master Technician Program Overview
This program is composed of a series of workshops investigate eight major pest groups - Ants, Bed bugs, Blood-Sucking Arthropods, Cockroaches, Occasional Invaders, Pest Flies, Rodents and Termites.
At the completion of each workshop, participants will receive a certificate designating them as a VPMA Master Ants, Bed bugs, Blood-Sucking Arthropods, Cockroaches, Occasional Invaders, Pest Flies, Rodents and Termites 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.
This program provides technicians with in-depth, hands-on training using state-of-the art microscopes to learn how to use a taxonomic key to identify different species within a pest group. The biology, physical characteristics, life-stages are reviewed. Discussion of applicable control methods, appropriate products and demonstrations prepare technicians to develop an effective treatment plan.
Recertification credits are applied for in the appropriate category for the pest species being taught.
Upcoming events are listed below, if they are scheduled.
|
|
Master Tech: Rodents - May 13th, 2:00 - 10:00 pmRecertification credits have been applied for in 7a and 60 in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Washington DC, and West Virginia.Cost: VPMA Member $209 - Non-member $330 Mice and rodents have always been prolific and persistent pests, especially in urban areas. Since rodents are most active at night, this training event will begin later in the day and will include an evening “Walking Tour”, so pull on your boots (walking shoes) and prepare yourself for a first-hand tour that will showcase signs of rodent activity, harborage, damage and if we are lucky – plenty of rodent sightings, as well. Throughout the course, we will discuss best practices for inspection, identification, and control. Participants will also gain a basic understanding of the types of rodenticides available for PMPs, their mode of action, their application methodology, and the importance of avoiding non-target exposure. In addition to understanding the value of applying monitoring baits and rodenticides in an integrated rodent management plan. A review of Rodent Control Tools will be held, highlighting different methods for different situations, including trapping, baiting, and exclusion. At the end of this event, each participant will earn their Master Technician: Rodent certificate. Master Tech Pest Ant trainers will include Dr. Dini Miller, Professor, Virginia Tech, Morgan Miller, Ph.D. Candidate, Eddie Connor, Jr. ACE, and Shannon Harlow-Ellis, ACE. |
Master Tech: Pest Ants - May 14, 8:00 - 5:00 pmRecertification credits have been applied for in 7a and 60 in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Washington DC, and West Virginia.Cost: VPMA Member $209 - Non-member $330 Ants are some of the most successful organisms on the planet, and some of the most vexing for pest management professionals. In this session, we will review general ant control methods, products, and best practices for application. Additionally, we will be reviewing calculations for applications based on the application site and label instructions. Participants will learn the biology, behavior, and identification of rat and mouse species commonly found in Virginia, including their life cycle, division of labor, and physical features. A session on how to identify and control Red Imported Fire Ants will also be included. The most unique and engaging part of this training event teaches participants to use a microscope and taxonomic key to identify several different ant species. At the end of this event, each participant will earn their Master Technician: Pest Ants certificate. Master Tech Pest Ant trainers will include Dr. Dini Miller, Professor, |
None at this time.
