Introduction to Pest Management: The IPM Approach

A successful pest management program includes the ability to properly identify pests, monitor populations, and evaluate control methods based on the level of need. In this course, you will explore the basic themes and methods of pest management, as well as the challenges that modern pest management programs face. You will gain an appreciation for management techniques that balance the need for pest control and a desire for environmental stewardship.

Designed for pesticide applicators

If you are currently a licensed pesticide applicator or consultant, you will earn one (1) continuing education credit by completing this course.

This course can also help you prepare for your certification exams if you seek to become a licensed apprentice, a commercial applicator, a private applicator, a public applicator or a pesticide consultant. Learning materials in this course include information covered in the National Pesticide Applicator Certification Core Manual.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course, you will be able to:

Define “pest.”
State the four main groups of pests and give an example of each.
Discuss the importance of pest identification in pest control.
List six general pest management methods.
Define “integrated pest management (IPM).”
List five benefits of using IPM.
Discuss how using one or more control options can improve pest control.
Describe how selectivity and persistence affect chemical controls.
Explain how pest population levels trigger control procedures.
Distinguish between prevention and suppression when developing pest management goals.
Give several reasons why pesticide applications may fail.
Explain the importance of a pesticide’s mode of action in managing pesticide resistance.
List two tactics that will minimize the development of pesticide resistance.

Pesticide Recertification Credit

This online Personal Protective Equipment course is approved for Oregon Department of Agriculture's pesticide applicator recertification credit.

IMPORTANT: Final grade reporting to the state will include grades released as of December 31. Our system takes 24 hours for grades to release, so to ensure your grade will be counted toward the calendar year, you will need to complete the final quiz no later than December 30.

On demand. Access any time.

Online

$35

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Additional Information:
1 CORE ODA pesticide recertification credit.
1 CORE ISDA pesticide recertification credit.

Instructors

Kaci Buhl

Kaci Buhl is an Associate Professor of Practice at Oregon State University (OSU). She coordinates the Statewide Pesticide Safety Education Program, working to educate professional pesticide applicators. On the national level, Ms. Buhl is the Deputy Director of the Pesticide Educational Resources Collaborative, which creates pesticide manuals, exams, and other resources for professionals. She studied integrated pest management (IPM) at Michigan State University and previously coordinated the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC).

Miranda Dudzik

Miranda is the Pesticide Safety Educator at the Pesticide Safety Education Program at Oregon State University. Her background includes teaching biology, animal science and healthcare courses at the college level. Miranda brings to PSEP her expertise in online curriculum and course design that aims to provide quality online continuing education for pesticide applicators around the state.

Miranda Dudzik

Miranda is an OSU alumna with a background in Biology, Chemistry, and Toxicology. She brings to PSEP over a decade of experience in adult education, including online education and curriculum design. Miranda currently develops and coordinates online recertification courses, assists with webinar course planning, and is working on a new pre-licensing program to help applicators prepare for their certification exams. She is passionate about creating inclusive and accessible learning opportunities for people of diverse backgrounds, abilities, and native languages.

Past Students' Work

Take a look at some recent projects our students have created.