The Structural (Urban) IPM Short Course, 2015

Abstract

Correct identification of pests and pest evidence is critical to effective and safe pest management. Accurate identification of an organism, damage to goods or a structure, or debris, including feces, can help a pest management professional (PMP) determine the source of a pest problem, the extent of an infestation, possible entry points, harborage and areas to target for control. This information also helps in determining control tactics to use, giving the PMP an accurate range of choices from traps to chemistry, baits to sprays. Correct identification is key to lowering the use of more hazardous pesticides when safer and more effective alternatives are available. The NYSIPM Program created the Structural IPM (SIPM) Short Course to enhance the identification skills and decision-­?making expertise among PMPs and others, including Master Gardeners, to improve pest management for all New Yorkers. This short course was designed to use a longer hands-­?on identification module followed by presentations on monitoring and control. The hands-­?on portion relies on collections of pinned and preserved specimens, a handbook, a PowerPoint presentation and interaction. The SIPM Short Course was held three times in 2015 for the pest management industry. Short Course content also was used for Master Gardener volunteer training and shorter pest professional lectures. Feedback on the course has been positive and we will continue to offer the course in 2016, with five dates scheduled as of January 2016.