Free online Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Training

The UC Statewide IPM Program has a collection of free training modules available online. It is anticipated additional courses will be added in the future. Current classes are as follows:

For Pest Management Professionals and Pesticide Applicators

• Urban Pesticide Runoff and Mitigation provides information on pesticides, their impact on our water resources, and practical solutions for reducing runoff. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available from the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) after completion of this course.
  • IPM — A Solution for Reducing Pesticides / Water Quality: Pesticide Properties
  • The Impact of Pesticides on Water Quality / Mitigating Urban Pesticide Runoff
  • Water Quality and Mitigation: Bifenthrin and Fipronil
• Maintenance Gardener Pesticide Applicator Exam Preparation Course will help maintenance gardeners prepare to take the California Department of Pesticide Regulation certified applicator (QAC) exam in category Q.

For Retail Nurseries, Garden Centers and others who advise home gardeners about pests and pesticides

• Introduction to Pesticides for Retail Employees provides training for employees and others who advise consumers about home and garden pesticides.
• Moving Beyond Pesticides—Environmentally Safe Tools for Use in an IPM Program for Retail Employees explains the best tools and products for solving pest problems. Includes a basic overview of Integrated Pest Management and diagnosing pest problems.

These course can be accessed at the UC IPM website. Some of the materials are available in Spanish.

IPM relies in part on natural predators such as the adult and larva of mealybug destroyer feeding on citrus mealybug. (J.K. Clark)