South Carolina Category 7A Commercial Applicator Bundle - Wood Destroying Pest
This course bundle is designed for the South Carolina Commercial Applicator. The course bundle contains 20 continuing education units (CEUs) of training approved by the South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation. Courses focus on structural pest control and pesticide safety related topics. Please click on course details for a list of specific courses.
BUNDLE CONTENTS
Category 7A
- Wood-Destroying Pest Management – 6 CEUs
- Wood Treatment – 3.5 CEUs
- Structure Infesting Pest Management – 3 CEUs
- IPM for Termite Prevention – 1 CEU
- Termite Inspection and Treatment- 1 CEU
Pesticide Safety (Core)
- Pesticide Labels and Safety Data Sheets – 1 CEU
- Planning the Pesticide Application – 1 CEU
- Pesticides in the Environment – 1 CEU
- Federal Pesticide Laws – 1 CEU
- Pesticide Formulations – 1 CEU
- Pesticide Hazards and First Aid – 1 CEU
Wood-Destroying Pest Management
Course Description
Termites are just one of the many wood-destroying pests found throughout the United States. Carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and wood-damaging fungi can also cause severe structural damage if not properly managed. Often times the initial cause of any pest problem is the presence of excess moisture in the structural wood. The source of the excess moisture must be addressed for a permanent solution to the pest problem to be effective. This course will cover the primary wood-destroying pests found through the country, the recommended treatments for each of those pests, and the primary sources of excess structural moisture.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Explain the different laws that govern pesticide applications
- Describe termite biology, caste system, and physical characteristics
- Identify other wood-destroying insects such as carpenter ants, powderpost beetles, and carpenter bees
- Explain the different types of termite treatments
- Describe the different types of wood-damaging fungi and outline standard treatment procedures
- Identify common sources of excess moisture within a structure
Wood Treatment
Course Description
Wood is the most renewable resource, and the extraction and processing of wood products take far less energy, carbon, and water than other raw materials. To use wood as a structural material for various demands, such as utility poles, fence posts, marine pilings, lumber, timbers, and plywood, the wood must be properly treated with chemicals to protect the wood from pests. This practice is known as wood treatment.
After completing this course users will be able to:
- Outline strategies for wood treatment systems and practices.
- Operate and properly adhere to regulations concerning the use of Restricted-Use Pesticides.
- Identify common pests of wood, including insects, fungi, and marine-borers.
Structure Infesting Pest Management
Course Description
Having a clear understanding of the hierarchy of insect classification is important. It helps us better understand the background of our pest decide the best course of action in controlling the pest. This course will cover some of the structure infesting pests commonly encountered by structural pesticide applicators and technicians.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Describe the different stages of insect growth, development and metamorphosis
- Distinguish the different types of cockroaches and discuss effective management options
- Distinguish ants and termites and discuss effective management options for ants
- Distinguish the different types of stored product and fabric pests and discuss effective management options
- Describe the difference between silverfish and firebrats
- Describe the different types of fleas and discuss effective management options for each
IPM for Termite Prevention
Course Description
Termites are one of the most destructive pests in the United States. They are responsible for more than 2 million dollars in damage each year. In many states, building codes require the use of liquid termiticide when constructing new structures. But there are several common-sense IPM practices that can be implemented to make a structure less inviting to termites from the start. This course will provide a review of IPM principles, termite biology, and several solid IPM practices to make any structure less attractive to termites.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Explain the principles of Integrated Pest Management and how they apply to termite prevention.
- Describe the life cycle of a termite and be familiar with termite behavior.
- Recommend several IPM practices that can reduce the risk of a structure being invaded by termites.
Termite Inspection and Treatment
Course Description
Inspecting and treating termites can be a difficult process. Being familiar with common types of construction is extremely helpful. The following course is a tour of the Mississippi State University Extension termite training facility. The facility consists of 12 different stations, each representing an area of a building or home where termites could enter the structure. The regulations referenced by the presenters are Mississippi regulations for termite treatments. It is the responsibility of the applicator to be familiar with the rules and regulations regarding termite treatment and all pesticide applications for their state.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Identify key areas to inspect for termite damage or entry
- Identify common treatment failure points at each station
- Discuss treatment strategies for each station
Pesticide Labels and Safety Data Sheets
Course Description
Pesticide labels and safety data sheets (SDS) appear to contain much of the same information. While the label is the law, an SDS is not considered the law. As an applicator, it is important to understand the difference between a pesticide label and a safety data sheet and know what information can be found in each document. This course will review the various parts of pesticide labels and safety data sheets to identify the similarities and differences.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Identify the content and sections of a pesticide label
- Identify the content and sections of a safety data sheet (SDS)
- Outline the differences between information such as signal words and PPE on pesticide labels and safety data sheets
- Explain how to use pesticide labels and safety data sheets to prepare applications
Planning the Pesticide Application
Course Description
Planning is essential before beginning a pesticide application. To help plan, you should know how to select the right pesticide for the job, review the label, test for pesticide compatibility before mixing, choose what personal protective equipment to wear, transfer pesticides safely, and how to clean up after an application. Careful planning and consideration of all details is the hallmark of professionalism.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Explain how to select appropriate pesticides and additives (if needed).
- Follow the label for safe mixing and loading.
- State some basic procedures that ensure the correct application of pesticides.
Pesticides in the Environment
Course Description
Applicators and the public share concerns about how pesticides may harm the environment. Initially, hazards to humans were the primary reason the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) decided to classify a pesticide as a restricted-use product. Now, more and more pesticide labels list environmental effects (such as contamination of groundwater or toxicity to birds or aquatic organisms) as reasons for restriction. Anyone who uses a pesticide—indoors or outdoors, in a city or on a farm—must consider how that pesticide affects the environment.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Describe how pesticide applications can affect the environment.
- Explain how to prevent pesticide drift, runoff, and movement to nontarget areas.
- Discuss how to prevent pesticide residue accumulation associated with mixing, loading, and equipment washing.
Federal Pesticide Laws
Course Description
Pesticides are hazardous substances that can cause serious harm if used improperly. Pesticides are regulated to utilize their benefits while protecting public health and welfare and preventing harm to the environment. Federal and state pesticide laws and regulations control the labeling, sale and distribution, storage, transportation, use and disposal in the best public interest. This course addresses the requirements set forth by federal regulations. Pesticide applicators are responsible for learning about and complying with all regulations.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Be able to describe and integrate important regulatory requirements related to labeling, hazard management, environmental issues, and application procedures.
- Distinguish between restricted-use and general-use pesticide classifications.
- Explain the importance of maintaining accurate records of pesticide application and employee training.
Pesticide Formulations
Course Description
A pesticide formulation is a combination of active and inert ingredients that form an end-use pesticide product. Pesticides are formulated to make them safer or easier to use. There are many formulations available for various pest control sites and situations, and it is important that applicators choose the best one for the job.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Explain why pesticides are formulated for end use.
- List the factors to consider when choosing a formulation for a specific site or situation.
- Discuss the properties of common formulations.
Pesticide Hazards and First Aid
Course Description
Pesticides are designed to be toxic to living organisms so they can control pests (e.g., plants, insects, rodents,
fungi, and bacteria). At the same time, pesticides must be used with special care to avoid harming nontarget organisms, including pesticide applicators, handlers, and anyone else exposed to the product. Pesticides can have both short-term
and long-term effects on humans. As a result, pesticide users need to be concerned with the hazards associated
with exposure to the chemical and not exclusively with the toxicity of the pesticide.
After completing this course participants will be able to:
- Identify common exposure routes for various pesticides and application methods.
- Discuss the appropriate first aid response to oral, ocular, dermal, and inhalation exposures to pesticides.
- Explain the hazard level classification system for pesticides, including the corresponding signal words.