YOU MUST SIGN UP BY 4:00 PM THE DAY BEFORE EACH CLASS TO RECEIVE THE LINK AND INFORMATION!

16 CEU's!  For 2 hours, from 8:00 am to 10:00 am each Friday from October 23 to December 18, 2020.  

October 23rd, 2020 – COVID-19 and Pest Control: National and Local Perspectives

8:00am-9:00am  A National Overview on COVID-19 and Pest Control

Dr. Brittany Campbell (the National Pest Management Association).

Dr. Brittany Campbell is currently a staff entomologist at the National Pest Management Association (NPMA). Brittany graduated with her PhD in May 2018 from the University of Florida, where she studied the biology and control of the common bed bug and the tropical bed bug. Her work with tropical bed bugs garnered national attention and the nickname from the University of Florida as the “Mother of Bed Bugs”. Prior to her work at the University of Florida, Brittany attained her Master’s degree in Entomology from Virginia Tech, where she evaluated insecticide resistance in bed bug eggs.

COVID-19 has upended daily lives of many Americans, but has also had an impact on urban pests as human behavior changed drastically to accommodate stay-at-home mandates. Notably, rodents have been seen more frequently outdoors during the day and exhibiting odd behaviors when food sources became more scarce in cities. Opportunities for ticks to get more regular meals from humans as they enjoy the outdoors has increased and pests have thrived in homes with more abundant food. This session will cover the behavioral changes of some of the most common structural pests and ways to take advantage of these changes as a pest control operator during this pandemic.

9:00am-10:00am COVID-19 and Pest Control: Protecting Yourself and Your Business

Panel: Dr. Brittany Campbell (the National Pest Management Association), Matt Snowball (Snowball Pest Control), and Matt Schaffer (IPM Pest and Termite).

*Dr. Brittany Campbell – see bio above*

Mr. Matt Snowball is the owner of Snowball Pest Control based out of Alexandria, Kentucky. He has worked for >20 years as a licensed pest control operator in Kentucky and Ohio, servicing a range of different accounts. In addition, he has served on the Kentucky Pest Management Association Board of directors for the past 5 years, currently serving as Vice-President. Mr. Snowball has extensive experience in training technicians and managers in both the technical and managerial aspects of pest control.

Mr. Matt Schaffer graduated From Bellarmine University 1993, with a degree in Business Administration. Matt has worked in the pest control industry for > 25 years, which includes 10 years in management with Terminix, and the past 17 years as an Owner with Innovative Pest Management, currently marketing as IPM Pest & Termite. He also serves on the boards for the Kentucky Pest Management Association, Better Business Bureau, and the Short Course Planning Committee. He is proud to lead a team of pest control service professionals at IPM Pest & Termite that maintains a 5.0 Google Rating and a servant heart for our customers.

The ongoing pandemic has completely reshaped our society and forced us to take new and creative approaches to previously simple or ordinary tasks. The measures are necessary to ensure pest control operators can continue to protect the health and well-being of their clients, while simultaneously limiting the spread of COVID-19. In this session, each speaker will discuss specific strategies they have implemented that have assisted in continuing to manage pest while simultaneously reduce the risk of exposure to COVID-19 with discussion relating to pesticide use and safety, label limits, and new strategies they will keep after the pandemic is over.

October 30th, 2020 – Occasional Invaders and Pest Proofing

8:00am-9:00am  Managing Fall Insect Invaders

Dr. Ric Bessin (University of Kentucky).

Dr. Ric Bessin is an Extension Professor in The Department of Entomology at the University of Kentucky. Dr. Bessin received his Ph.D. in Entomology in 1990 from Louisiana State Univeristy, and his M.S. in Applied statistics in 1989 from L Louisiana State University. Dr. Bessin has worked at the Univeristy of Kentucky. He has worked as an extension professor at the University of Kentucky since 1991, with his work focused on developing and evaluating IPM guidelines in a variety of systems. He routinely educates growers and extension agents throughout the state and is regarded as one of the top entomologist in his field.

In this presentation, Dr. Bessin will discuss the factors that influence fall insect invaders of structures, their timing of invasion, and some management tactics that can be used to reduce this problem. Invaders discussed include brown marmorated stink bug, multicolored Asian lady beetle, boxelder bug, and western conifer seed bug. Attendees will gain valuable information that will improve their knowledge of occasional invader biology and management, which can be used to improved their integrated management programs.

9:00am-10:00am Pest Proofing

Matt Christensen (Truly Nolen & Critter Control).

Mr. Matt Christensen is the Vice President of Christensen's Urban Insect Solutions, Inc. based in Lexington, KY. He has worked with his father Dr. Chris Christensen for 19 years and is the current LPCO holder for their company. Matt has an Associate’s degree in Business and runs the day to day operations for the two franchises they own, Critter Control of Lexington and Cincinnati and Truly Nolen Pest Prevention of Lexington and Cincinnati. Matt has over 15 years of experience training and educating technicians and managers on technical aspects of Pest Management including pest control, wildlife and equipment used in day to day operations.

In this session, Mr. Christensen will discuss strategies and techniques to pest proof a home. Although a multitude of pests will be discussed, special attention will be given to the troublesome fall invaders (brown marmorated stink bug, multicolored Asian lady beetle, boxelder bug, and western conifer seed bug). Both chemical and non-chemical prevention strategies will be discussed, along with safety protocols an procedures when pest proofing a home.

November 6th, 2020 – Termites and Other Wood Destroying Organisms

8:00am-9:00am  Termites: They’re not gone yet and neither am I!

Dr. Bob Davis (BASF).

Dr. Bob Davis has a varied employment background. Positions have included; Fisheries Biologist, Pest Control Operator, Pest Control Technician, Extension Research Specialist, Graduate Research Assistant, Technical Director for ABC Pest & Lawn Services of Austin, TX and Technical Field Representative for Aventis and Bayer Environmental Sciences. Bob is presently employed as a Technical Services Representative for BASF Professional & Specialty Solutions. Bob received his educational degrees from the University of Nebraska (UNL). At UNL he received a BS degree in Natural Resources and his MS and Ph.D. from UNL. He is a Board Certified Entomologist and is active in the Entomological Society of America. His graduate work was focused on testing and evaluating termite control materials and techniques. Bob has multiple publications in peer reviewed journals and has provided educational materials and articles through extension and professional magazine venues. He has provided many and varied educational and research presentations in our industry for over thirty years.

In this session, Dr. Davis will discuss identification, biology & conducive conditions of subterranean termites, along with inspection techniques and IPM strategies. Specific items to be discussed include colony and individual behaviors, feeding, digestion, reproduction & swarming, signs of termite infestations, and conducive conditions. In addition, other WDI are also noted, with reference to potential management strategies.

9:00am-10:00am Other Wood Destroying Organisms

Dr. Bob Davis (BASF).

*See Bio Above*

In this session, Dr. Davis will discuss integrated management strategies and how IPM techniques can limit infestations. Specific topics will include termite liquid and baiting treatment methods, proper application and safety equipment, termite social behaviors that aid in transfer of control agents, labeled application techniques, product efficacy and post treatment services/inspections are addressed.

November 13th, 2020 – Cockroaches and Ants

8:00am-9:00am  Cockroach 101: Back to the Basics

Dr. Zachary DeVries (University of Kentucky).

Dr. Zachary DeVries is an Assistant Professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Kentucky. He completed his B.S. in Zoology and M.S. in Entomology at Auburn University, and his Ph.D. and postdoctoral training in Entomology at North Carolina State University. He has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and trade magazines and is the educational director for the University of Kentucky Pest Control Short Course, a pest control training program which draws >500 attendees from Kentucky and surrounding states annually. His work encompasses three main goals: 1) understanding how urban pests function and behave, 2) utilizing this information to improve urban pest management strategies, and 3) improving human health and quality of life through proper pest management. Ultimately, he strives to provide scientifically backed evidence to support the most effective, affordable, and sustainable pest management strategies, facilitating proper pest control for everyone.

In this session, Dr. DeVries will discuss cockroach biology, behavior, and control. Special attention will be paid to the German cockroach due to its perineal status as one of the most difficult urban pests to control, particularly in low-income housing. Proper pesticide application and safety will be discussed, along with new management techniques that can be implemented into current management programs.

9:00am-10:00am What you need to know to successfully manage ants

Dr. Karen Vail (University of Tennessee).

Dr. Karen Vail received her Bachelor’s degree from Cook College, Rutgers University, her Master’s degree from Virginia Tech., and her Ph.D. from the University of Florida. While working towards her Ph.D. degree she was employed by the USDA-ARS in the Imported Fire Ant and Household Insects Unit. Vail is currently a professor and extension urban entomologist in the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department at the University of Tennessee. Her Extension/research programs have focused on the management of the common bed bug Cimex lectularius L., odorous house ant Tapinoma sessile (Say), imported fire ants Solenopsis spp. and other urban pests. As the Extension urban entomologist she provides leadership to pest management professionals, county agents, housing managers, other professionals, and the public pertaining to urban IPM programs.

In this session, Dr. Vail will discuss strategies to successfully manage ants, including knowing what ant you are dealing with, why it’s there (conducive conditions), how you can reduce sightings at the present moment, and how you can provide long-term solutions. Ant identification is no longer an exercise for the experts. Smartphone zoom features and inexpensive clip-un macro lenses give magnified high-resolution images so important ant identification features can be easily seen. Take the time to find the conducive conditions and remove them to provide short-term and long-term population reductions. Top it off with monitoring and targeted pesticide applications, and you have a recipe for effectively managing ants.

November 20th, 2020 –Spiders and Pest Identification

8:00am-9:00am  They’d be Cuter with Antennae: What this Entomologist has Learned about Spiders

Mark VanderWerp (Rose Pest Solutions).

Mr. Mark VanderWerp is the Manager of Education and Training for Rose Pest Solutions, the nation’s oldest pest management company, founded in 1860. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in entomology from Michigan State University in 2005. Mark is a board-certified entomologist through the Entomological Society of America, current president of the National Pest Management Association’s Technical Committee, incoming president of the Michigan Entomological Society, and a member of the Southeastern MI Beekeepers Association. He is currently based out of Rose’s Troy, MI corporate office where he directs a variety of training initiatives, including new employee technical training, eLearning content generation and management, safety education, public outreach, and some other miscellany.  Previously, he was a supervisor in Rose’s Grand Rapids, MI district office, helping to solve challenging pest problems and coaching technicians in basic pest identification, biology, and treatment techniques.

In this session, Mr. VanderWerp spiders and their control. He will pay special attention dealing with arachnophobia, specifically what causes it and what can be done about it. He will also discuss the common misconceptions about spiders and other arachnids, how spiders interact with the environment, some commonly encountered species/groups, including medically important species, and control options and tips

9:00am-10:00am Let’s See Some ID! Basic Arthropod Identification and the Benefits that Come with It

Mark VanderWerp (Rose Pest Solutions).

*See Bio Above*

In this session, Mr. VanderWerp will discuss the business benefits of knowing the arthropods, basic definition of an arthropod and intro to the four main subphyla that will be encountered on the job, how to make a correct ID, how specific do you need to be to control a pest, the top 8 Insect ID tips to memorize, and some options for help when you can’t figure it out.

December 4th, 2020 – New Products and Social Media

8:00am-9:00am  New Products and Technologies for PMP’s

Scott Underwood (Oldham Chemicals).

Mr. Scott Underwood Currently holds the position of Outside Sales Representative for Oldham Chemicals, specialty products distributor for the pest control and termite industry since March 2006. Industry experience consists of 25 years including technical sales representative for Ensystex, Manufacturer of the Exterra Termite Baiting System and other generic chemical formulations, Branch Account Manager Orkin Commercial Pest Control Sales, CSR - Target Specialty Products (West Coast pest control distribution Company), Outside Sales Rep Bayer Environmental Science (pest and termite chemical manufacturer). Industry background entails extensive training and experience in the pest and termite industry, including but not limited to presenter of training materials for state re-certification in structural pest management. He Obtained Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from the University of Kentucky in 1994 and Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 1999.

In this session, Mr Underwood will discuss new technologies to assist companies in controlling pest and termite populations, while complying with restrictions imposed by the EPA and other federal and state governmental agencies. Specific focus is on new pesticide products and chemistries to highlight treatment measures for pest management applications and procedures. New equipment and technologies are also covered to assist technicians and managers in application procedures utilizing an integrated pest management program. This class emphasizes the importance of New Product Chemistries and technologies critical to the success of P.M.P’s treatment protocol in day to day operations and assist with knowledge of basic product chemistry to include mode of action for pest and termite management.

9:00am-10:00am “I read it on the Internet (or heard it on a podcast), so it must be…”

Dr. Faith Oi (University of Florida)

Dr. Faith Oi is currently the director of Pest Management University, an academy that provides state-of-the-art education and hands-on training for the industry and statewide school IPM program. As a faculty member in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida, she works at a “grassroots-level” and does applied research to solve industry problems. Her latest efforts also involve working with county faculty to direct market IPM to residents through existing programs. She leads a graduate seminar: “Issues in Pest Management.” She received her Ph.D. from the University of Florida and her M.S. and B.A. degrees from the University of Hawai’i, Mānoa.

In this session, Dr. Oi will discuss the power of social media and online access to information. She will also discuss how our customers receive information (including examples of pest biology and behavior misinformation), examples of social media success in real-world problem solving, tools/tricks to determine if a post is credible, and how social media might be influencing your business (positively or negatively).

December 11th, 2020 – Bed Bugs and Technician Training

8:00am-9:00am  Bed Bugs: Biology, Behavior, Treatment Techniques and Considerations

Dr. Angela Sierras (University of Kentucky).

Dr. Angela Sierras in a native of Los Angeles, California and began her bachelor’s coursework in Zoology at Cal Poly Pomona. She later transferred to finish her degree at North Carolina State University where she graduate with a B.S in Zoology in 2011. She then worked as a pest control technician in North Carolina. During this time, bed bugs were making their comeback and she decided to return to graduate school at North Carolina State University to investigate the potential for a more effective treatment strategy for their control. Her research included working on a novel ingestible bed bug bait where she mainly worked on the active ingredient component of the bait. Her other research involved IPM in hog farms for German cockroach eradication, as well as insecticide resistance in bed bugs and German cockroaches. While in graduate school, Dr. Sierras assisted in teaching the technician certification course for the State of North Carolina at their annual Pest Control Technicians’ School. She received her doctorate from North Carolina State University in 2018. She then served as the Technical Director for McNeely Pest Control in Winston-Salem, NC after graduating. She recently has accepted a positon at the University of Kentucky working in Dr. Zachary DeVries’ Urban Entomology Lab as a Research Scientist. Dr. Sierras has always been passionate about working with the pest control industry and improving on IPM strategies for pest management.

In this session, Dr. Sierras will discuss the challenges and opportunities surrounding bed bugs and bed bug control. Because bed bugs have consistently remained on the list of pests most frequently encountered and treated for among the pest control industry, we know their remains room for improvement in their control. Issues relating to control that will be discussed include insecticide resistance, client readiness, and correct placement of various insecticides labelled for their control, just to name a few. Understanding bed bug biology, behavior, detection and treatment options and techniques can help you be successful in their elimination from an account.

9:00am-10:00am How to Implement a Progressive Bed Bug Program

Jeff White (Bed Bug Central).

Mr. Jeff White holds a masters degree in entomology from the University of Florida and focuses the majority of his time and work to researching bed bug biology and behavior as well as evaluating tools and techniques for their control. White served as the driving force behind the development of various products that include the BlackOut Bed Bug Detector, SenSci Volcano Bed Bug Monitor and SenSci Activ Bed Bug Lure as well as developing bed bug management programs for residential and commercial properties. He is currently evaluating new products, redesigning treatment protocols and conducting research to determine a more effective and cost efficient bed bug treatment plan. White was recently voted one of twenty-one of the National Pest Management Association’s “Next Generation of Leaders in the Pest Management Industry”. Mr. White has presented to forums that include the National Pest Management Association, state pest management associations, the Entomological Society of America, the International Hotel and Motel Show, as well as dozens of apartment associations, affordable housing and senior living associations. He’s been featured as a bed bug expert on ABC’s The View, NBC’s Nightly News with Brian Williams, NBC’s Today’s Show, ABC’s World News Tonight with Diane Sawyer, Animal Planets Infested, and Dateline, among many others.

Training both yourself and employees can be a complicated process that few in our industry understand. In addition to the initial training process, proper collateral to support the new program as well as periodic reinforcement of the information can lead to a successful launch and implementation of the program. This session will discuss what a proper training and reinforcement program looks like as well as provide a quick update on what’s new in the world of treating bed bugs.

December 18th, 2020 – Delusional Parasitosis and Knowing when to Walk Away

8:00am-9:00am  Invisible Itches: The Pain and Problems of Delusional Parasitosis

Dr. Jonathan Larson (University of Kentucky).

Dr. Jonathan Larson is an Assistant Professor of Extension Entomology at the University of Kentucky. He hold a Ph.D. in Entomology from the University of Kentucky and a B.S. from Purdue University. Prior to beginning his current position at Kentucky, he served as an extension agent at the University of Nebraska for five years, where his main focus was on pests around and inside homes. His current work focuses on pests of the urban landscape and environment.

Some of the hardest clients are those who don’t really have a bug problem. Invisible itches are not only a challenge to solve, but also pose dangers an potential risks to pest control technicians handling these calls. In this session, Dr. Larson will discuss the challenges associated with delusional parasitosis and what actions you can take to ensure you help your customers while still protecting yourself.

9:00am-10:00am Sometimes you can’t win: Knowing when to walk away

Frank Fowler (McNeely Pest Control).

Mr. Frank Fowler earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Pembroke State University and enjoyed a successful career as a Federal Officer/Biologist with the United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine division. He received numerous awards from USDA and attended their 3 year APHIS Leadership assessment and Development Program. During his tenure with USDA Frank gained unique exposure to programs such as pheromone trapping and monitoring, fumigation, and large scale land and aerial pesticide application for Gypsy Moth, Asian Long Horn Beetle, and Fire Ant control. This unique experience carried over nicely to private industry when Frank joined Scott McNeely in January of 2001. Frank oversees all day- to -day field operations for the company, as well as recruitment of and hiring quality individuals. Mentoring young leadership is one of Frank's strong points. He also coordinates the company's safety programs, and is Licensed in Pest, Wood Destroying and Fumigation with the NC Department of Agriculture.

In this session, Mr. Fowler will go over specific scenarios where managing pests may not be in your or your company’s best interest. These can include risks to employ safety, liability issues, client compliance, etc. After spending numerous years evaluating accounts and making the often difficult decision to walk away, Mr. Fowler will provide valuable information on what things to consider when approaching difficult accounts with potentially unsolvable pest problems.