Pest Control Introduction Pest Management the

Pest Control

Introduction Pest Management – the philosophy of how pest problems are handled Pests – definition Any destructive, unwanted, dangerous or disease vectoring organism Pests compete with humans Pests threaten human health & welfare

Introduction (cont. ) Goal – safely prevent, suppress or eliminate unwanted organisms The “best” means of prevention or control Acceptable levels “action” or “aesthetic” thresholds Pests referred to as the “target” organism

A Really Brief History of Pest Control Man started farming about 10, 000 years ago Realized need to control pests Cultural practices probably came first Physical controls too Natural occurring elements with pesticidal qualities: sulfur, copper, arsenic, cyanide

A Really Brief History (cont. ) Botanical pesticides plant-based pesticides “Natural controls” – predators, parasites and pathogens “Biological controls” – manipulation of natural controls Early pesticides had limited use and were expensive

Things to Consider Over 50% of pesticide use in nonagricultural use That means landscape and household use As a pest control technician. . . We intentionally and deliberately. . . Apply pesticides into the environment

Categories of Pests Invertebrates Arthropods – jointed appendages & external skeleton Insects, spiders, mites, ticks, crustaceans, centipedes, millipedes, etc. Worms – segmented & non-segmented, includes nematodes Mollusks – snails & slugs

Categories of Pests (cont. ) Vertebrates – animals with a spine and internal skeleton Rodents – rats, mice, meadow voles, pocket gophers, tree squirrels, ground squirrels, moles, rabbits Birds - starlings, sparrows, house finches, pigeons Others – opossums, raccoons, deer, neighbor’s kids, etc

Categories of Pests (cont. ) Weeds Annuals, perennials, biennials Cool season or winter annuals Warm season or summer annuals Microbials – disease causing organisms Fungi, bacteria, viruses

Three Categories of Pests Key Pests Causes major damage on a regular basis Weed Key Pests have ability to compete with desirable plants Regular controls required to prevent damage

Three Categories of Pests (cont. ) Occasional Pests Occasions that may cause pests inc. life cycles, environmental factors, people’s activities Ex. ants may become pests due to changes in sanitation, weather, food sources

Three Categories of Pests (cont. ) Secondary Pests Becomes problem after controlling Key Pests Ex. Secondary weeds follow Key Weeds Secondary plant pests follow Key Pests Insects attack people after host is removed

Plant Quarantine System A-Rated Pests Q-Rated Pests B-Rated Pests C-Rated D-Rated Organisms Trace Infestation Light Infestation Medium Infestation

General Controls to Pest Management Prevention – environmentally and economically sound Prevention is cheaper than control of established pests Reduce or eliminate chances of pest’s establishment Mechanical and cultural practices and sanitation can be highly effective

Mechanical & Cultural Practices Use of clean materials Noxious Weed Lists Preventive herbicides Preventive fungicides Natural enemies Pest exclusion and trapping Modify the environment

Sanitation A solution to many problems Habitat removal or reduction Food source removal or reduction Plant care and maintenance

Suppression Common methods suppress not eliminate Intended to reduce populations below Economic Threshold Allows natural enemies to control pests Goal of most pesticide applications Methods also include cultivation, mowing and release of biological controls

Eradication Wipe ‘em out! Total elimination of a pest Costly Used against exotic or introduced pests

Biological Controls Use of natural enemies Use other arthropods or pathogens Usually against arthropods and weeds Pests usually introduced with no natural enemies Natural enemies located in pests’ native habitat

Biological Controls (cont. ) Host specific Bio-controls can be slow Do not offer complete control Naturally occurring bio-controls lag

Chemical Controls Pesticides for prevention or control Effective, fast and economical Insect damage can stop in hours Fungicides offer protection

A Word About Exclusion Often the least expensive and most effective means of pest control Don’t allow pests to: feed. . . drink. . . enter. . . hide. . . or nest

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Goal – to gain best control possible Really about suppression Mixed, compatible methods Minimize disruption to environment Economical, long-term protection Chemical pesticides used less and at lower concentrations Economic threshold – limiting factor

Considerations for IPM Use Prior pest history At what stages are plant materials Weather and season Observations and monitoring information

Considerations for IPM Use Current cultural practices Continual future monitoring These are important considerations for all forms of pest management

The Pest Management Program Know your pest Know available controls Weigh benefits and risks of each method Proper selection of method Change methods as possible

The Pest Management Program Correct use of methods Follow the laws and regulations Evaluate results Make adjustments accordingly Continue monitoring

Chemical Pesticides

Chemical Pesticides Pesticide. . . Definition 1 – any material applied to plants, soil, water, harvested crops, structures, clothing and furnishings, or animals to kill, attract, repel, or regulate or interrupt growth and mating of pests

Chemical Pesticides Pesticide. . . Definition 2 – any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any insects, rodents, nematodes, fungi, or weeds, or any other forms of life declared to be pests, and any other substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a plant regulator, defoliant, or desiccant

Chemical Pesticides From the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) The federal law that regulates pesticide registration, labeling, use and disposal in the United States

Chemical Pesticides Suffix –cide from the Latin –cida “killer” Therefore, a Pesticide kills pests

Pesticide Laws & Regulations U. S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA California Department of Pesticide Regulation CA DPR Safe, efficient and proper use Safe working environment for applicators Training Labeling

Pesticide Laws & Regulations (cont. ) Encourage pest management systems Biological and cultural practices Stresses use of selective pesticides Protects non-target organisms and environment

Pesticide Labels A legal document A “must” read – and understand it too! Labels may refer to “other” documents Those become “part” of that label Regulations set the label format Supplemental labels on many pesticides

Some Things You Just Never Do With Pesticides NEVER: Leave pesticides unattended Store pesticides in unlabeled containers Transport pesticides in the passenger compartment of any vehicle Handle anything you eat, smoke or wear

Read the Label Before purchasing Before mixing and applying Before storing Before tossing unused pesticides

Read the Label Before tossing empty containers Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) It’s all on that label

What’s On That Label? Brand name Chemical name Common name Signal words Formulations Ingredients Registration and establishment numbers

What’s On That Label? Manufacturer Precautionary statements Statement of practical treatment Statement of use classification Directions for use Agricultural use requirements

What’s On That Label (cont. ) Restricted entry statement Misuse statement Storage and disposal directions Warranty

Signal Words Category I Signal words DANGER – POISON Highly toxic! LD 50 = 0 to 50 mg/kg Danger only – specific hazard ex. eye or skin

Signal Words (cont. ) Category II Signal Word WARNING Moderately toxic compounds LD 50 = 50 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg

Signal Words (cont. ) Category III Signal Word CAUTION LD 50 = 500 mg/kg to 5, 000 mg/kg

Signal Words (cont. ) Category IV Signal Word CAUTION LD 50 > 5, 000 mg/kg Unqualified claims of safety are unacceptable “KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN”

Formulations The final product Determines the method of application Pesticides are typically NOT “ready-to-use”

Formulations Formulation types (D) Dust (E), (EC) Emulsifiable Concentrate (G) Granular (P), (PS) Pelletized (W), (WP) Wettable Powder Etc. , etc….

Ingredients are labeled by a percentage by weight of: Inert ingredients, and… Active

Inert Ingredients Have no pesticidal action May or may not be toxic, flammable, or environmentally hazardous Allow active ingredients to mix with water, store, increase effectiveness, increase stability, etc.

Active Ingredients (A. I. ) Active ingredients (A. I. ) “Material that actually destroys the target pest or… Performs the desired function”

Active Ingredients (A. I. ) Dry pesticides measured in pounds of A. I. per pound of pesticide Liquid pesticides measured in pounds of A. I. Per gallon of pesticide

Modes of Action The way the pesticide reacts with the target organism to destroy it Insecticides Stomach, contact and systemic poisons Herbicides Contact or translocated

Methods of Applications Tank sprayers Hose-end sprayers Drop spreaders Broadcast or rotary spreaders Soil drenching

Application Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Wind speed and direction Temperatures Applicator training Handling Licensing

Calibration of Pesticide Equipment in clean, good working order Calibration ensures accurate delivery Travel speed Flow rates Swath width

Resistance to Pesticides Definition: A condition in which pests become tolerant to a pesticide that once controlled that pest

Resistance to Pesticides Using rates lower than instructions found on a pesticide label Good or bad? Is less more? Lower rates may be used in specific situations: i. e. UC Pest Management Guidelines BUT. .

Resistance to Pesticides And that’s a mighty big but! ! ! Because. . . Lower rates can in fact speed the development of pesticide resistance of pest organisms to the pesticide

Resistance to Pesticides As resistance develops. . . Higher rates of pesticides are often required to achieve the same levels of control

Resistance to Pesticides become ineffective Switching pesticides may or may not help When resistance to one chemical occurs. . . Resistance to other chemicals often follows

Resistance to Pesticides Resistance can even develop to chemicals from other chemical classes. . . MAJOR BUMMER

Resistance to Pesticides Resistance involves a change in genetic characteristics Pest survivors of pesticides. . . Often pass along genetic characteristics. . . Providing resistance tot eh following generations

Resistance to Pesticides In a given population. . . pesticide application occurs. . . portion of pests survive by breaking down or modifying the pesticide. . . offspring of survivors develop genetic resistance to the particular chemical. . . resistance is passed generation-togeneration

Resistance to Pesticides Resistance has developed in every major class of pesticides! Resistance has developed in: insects. . . mites. . . weeds. . . rodents and. . . & plant pathogens

Resistance to Pesticides Resistance can be managed Management depends upon genetic and biological factors Both are beyond our control!

Resistance to Pesticides Not to fret! There is hope! Resistance management also depends upon operational factors This is an area, as pest control technicians, that we can exhibit control

Resistance to Pesticides Resistance can spread rapidly. . . And be difficult to manage Genetic factors influencing the development of pesticide resistance. . . effect how pest organisms inherit resistant genes how many organisms in a population exhibit resistant tendencies

Resistance to Pesticides how many organisms exhibit resistant genes if resistant genes are common, are they readily passed along in the population. . .

Resistance to Pesticides Biological factors influencing resistance development can be exhibited as. . . Unique characteristics to a pest and its habits such as. . . life span. . . number of offspring. . . ability to move large distances and. . . food requirements

Resistance to Pesticides In a population of short-lived. . . rapidly developing. . . immobile pests. . . with many offspring. . . will develop resistance. . . slowly or rapidly? Rapidly! ! ! Why?

Resistance to Pesticides Because in this situation susceptible pests are quickly eradicated Resistant individuals are left to continue to reproduce Resistance is passed along and resistant individuals develop rapidly And due to the low-mobility factor. . .

Resistance to Pesticides Few susceptible individuals infiltrate the resistant population. . . Examples include: mites. . . aphids. . . cockroaches. . . rodents and. . . fungi

Resistance to Pesticides Operational factors can be. . . unique characteristics of a pesticide. . . and/or the way it is used. . . that either favor or. . . reduce resistance

Resistance to Pesticides Methods can include: type of pesticide(s) used. . . persistence of pesticide residues. . . application rates of pesticides. . . life stage of pest being treated. . . single use or combinations of pesticides

Resistance to Pesticides Solutions to pesticide resistance can include: reducing exposure of pesticides to pest populations. . . vary control methods. . . biological controls. . . crop rotation and. . . use of resistant plant varieties

Resistance Management Resistance to pesticides develops quickest when closely related pesticides are chosen as the management program Good resistant management uses as many different controls as possible

Resistance Management Pesticides can be used to eliminate susceptible individuals Non-chemical methods used to eliminate resistant individuals

Resistance Management Some basic steps to resistance management chemicals are chosen to kill the pest but not natural enemies. . . non-persistent pesticides are then used allowing some individuals to survive. . .

Resistance Management alternate selective pesticides varying modes of action. . . apply pesticides during damaging life cycle of the pest. . . spot- or strip-treat to allow susceptible individuals to survive. . . treat alternate generations. . . cease using pesticides when resistance appears

Pesticide Residues Remain on the surface of treated and unintentionally treated areas following pesticide applications Factors affecting accumulation of pesticide residues persistence of the pesticide frequency of application amount of application

Pesticide Residues are subject to interactions in the environment breakdown or. . . recombination

Pesticide Residues can be necessary to provide continuous exposure to target pests Residues become undesirable. . . when they expose people, domestic animals or wildlife. . . to unsafe levels of a pesticide

Pesticide Residues When targets are missed pesticides can leave residues in. . . soils. . . ground and surface water or. . . surfaces of non-target areas Empty pesticide containers can also be a source of pesticide residues

Pest Control Licensing Pest Control Advisor (PCA) Qualified Applicators License (QAL) Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC)

Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) licensed professional by the State of California Department of Pesticide Regulation production consultants serving California agriculture and horticulture producers

Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) PCAs specialize in pest management are an important resource to producers in a wide range of production concerns related to plant health

Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) PCAs are licensed by the State of California to engage in the following activities: Provide written pest management recommendations Must be an authority on any agricultural use May solicit sales of products or services for agricultural use

Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) PCA specialties are diverse, including: may help maintain highway vegetation solve weed congestion in public waterways assist in pest-free greenhouses, golf courses, turf and landscape ensure the growth of healthy, abundant food, fiber and ornamentals

Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) Bachelor’s degree (i. e. , B. A. or B. S. ) in one of the following areas: Agricultural sciences Biological sciences Natural sciences Pest management

Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) 42 semester or 63 quarter units in the following areas: Physical and biological sciences Crop health Pest management systems and methods Production systems

Pest Control Advisers (PCAs) Plus 40 hours of continuing education per every two (2) years http: //www. cdpr. ca. gov/docs/license/adviser. htm

Qualified Applicators License (QAL) You must possess a valid Qualified Applicator License (QAL) if you do any of the following: Apply or supervise the application of federally restricted use pesticides or state restricted materials for any purpose or on any property other than that provided by the definition of private applicator 1 (Title 3 of California Code of Regulations [3 CCR], Code section 6000. 2 [a-c])

Qualified Applicators License (QAL) Supervise the pesticide applications made by a licensed pest control business and are responsible for its safe and legal operation (Food and Agricultural Code [FAC] sections 11701 -11709)

Qualified Applicators License (QAL) Requires one of the following categories: • Residential, Industrial, and Institutional Landscape Maintenance • Right-of-Way Plant • Agriculture • Forest • Aquatic • Regulatory • Seed Treatment • Animal Agriculture • Demonstration and Research • Health Related • Wood Preservative • Antifouling Tributyltin • Sewer Line Root Control • Field Fumigation • Microbial Pest Control

Qualified Applicators License (QAL) Must pass the ‘categories’ sections and the ‘laws and regulations’ section with a 70% or greater grade Continuing education of twenty (20) hours per two (2) years

Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) You must possess a valid Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) if you do any of the following: Apply or supervise the application of federally restricted use pesticides or state restricted materials for any purpose or on any property other than that provided by the definition of private applicator 1 (Title 3 of California Code of Regulations [3 CCR], Code section 6000. 2 [a-c]).

Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) If you own a business of maintenance gardening, and perform pest control that is incidental to such a business. If this is the case, you must possess the Maintenance Gardener Category (Q) or the Landscape Maintenance Pest Control Category (B) on your certificate and, in addition, obtain a Maintenance Gardner Pest Control Business License.

Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) Requires at least one of the following categories: Residential, Industrial, and Institutional Landscape Maintenance Right-of-Way Plant Agriculture Forest Aquatic Regulatory Seed Treatment Animal Agriculture Demonstration and Research Health Related Wood Preservative Antifouling Tributyltin Sewer Line Root Control Field Fumigation Microbial Pest Control Maintenance Gardener

Qualified Applicators Certificate (QAC) Must pass the ‘categories’ sections and the ‘laws and regulations’ section with a 70% or greater grade Continuing education of eight (8) hours per two (2) years http: //www. cdpr. ca. gov/docs/license/qac. htm