pest control. introduction pest management – the philosophy of how pest problems are handled pests...

Pest Control

Introduction

Pest Management – the philosophy of how pest problems are handled

Pests – definitionAny destructive, unwanted, dangerous or

disease vectoring organismPests 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 pestsCultural practices probably came firstPhysical controls tooNatural 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 non-agricultural 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 skeletonInsects, 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.)

WeedsAnnuals, perennials, biennialsCool season or winter annualsWarm season or summer annuals

Microbials – disease causing organismsFungi, bacteria, viruses

Three Categories of Pests

Key PestsCauses major damage on a regular basisWeed Key Pests have ability to compete

with desirable plantsRegular controls required to prevent

damage

Three Categories of Pests (cont.)

Occasional PestsOccasions 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 PestsBecomes problem after controlling Key

PestsEx. Secondary weeds follow Key WeedsSecondary plant pests follow Key PestsInsects attack people after host is

removed

Plant Quarantine System

A-Rated PestsQ-Rated PestsB-Rated PestsC-RatedD-Rated OrganismsTrace InfestationLight InfestationMedium 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 materialsNoxious Weed ListsPreventive herbicidesPreventive fungicidesNatural enemiesPest exclusion and trappingModify 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 pestsGoal of most pesticide applicationsMethods also include cultivation, mowing

and release of biological controls

Eradication

Wipe ‘em out!

Total elimination of a pest

CostlyUsed against exotic

or introduced pests

Biological Controls

Use of natural enemiesUse other arthropods or pathogensUsually against arthropods and weedsPests usually introduced with no natural

enemiesNatural enemies located in pests’ native

habitat

Biological Controls (cont.)

Host specificBio-controls can be

slowDo not offer

complete controlNaturally 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 possibleReally about suppressionMixed, compatible methodsMinimize disruption to environmentEconomical, long-term protectionChemical pesticides used less and at

lower concentrationsEconomic threshold – limiting factor

Considerations for IPM Use

Prior pest historyAt what stages are plant materialsWeather and seasonObservations and monitoring information

Considerations for IPM Use

Current cultural practicesContinual future monitoringThese are important considerations for

all forms of pest management

The Pest Management Program

Know your pestKnow available controlsWeigh benefits and risks of each methodProper selection of methodChange methods as possible

The Pest Management Program

Correct use of methodsFollow the laws and regulationsEvaluate resultsMake 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 useSafe working environment for applicatorsTrainingLabeling

Pesticide Laws & Regulations (cont.)

Encourage pest management systemsBiological and cultural practicesStresses use of selective pesticidesProtects non-target organisms and

environment

Pesticide Labels

A legal documentA “must” read – and understand it too!Labels may refer to “other” documentsThose become “part” of that labelRegulations set the label formatSupplemental labels on many pesticides

Some Things You Just Never Do With Pesticides

NEVER: Leave pesticides

unattendedStore pesticides in

unlabeled containersTransport pesticides in

the passenger compartment of any vehicle

Handle anything you eat, smoke or wear

Read the Label

Before purchasingBefore mixing and

applyingBefore storingBefore tossing unused

pesticides

Read the Label

Before tossing empty containersPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE)It’s all on that label

What’s On That Label?

Brand nameChemical nameCommon nameSignal wordsFormulationsIngredientsRegistration and establishment numbers

What’s On That Label?

ManufacturerPrecautionary statementsStatement of practical treatmentStatement of use classificationDirections for useAgricultural use requirements

What’s On That Label (cont.)

Restricted entry statement

Misuse statementStorage and

disposal directions

Warranty

Signal Words

Category ISignal words

DANGER – POISON

Highly toxic!LD50 = 0 to 50 mg/kgDanger only – specific hazard ex. eye or skin

Signal Words (cont.)

Category IISignal Word

WARNING

Moderately toxic compoundsLD50 = 50 mg/kg to 500 mg/kg

Signal Words (cont.)

Category IIISignal Word

CAUTION

LD50 = 500 mg/kg to 5,000 mg/kg

Signal Words (cont.)

Category IVSignal Word

CAUTION

LD50 > 5,000 mg/kg

Unqualified claims of safety are unacceptable

“KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN”

Formulations

The final productDetermines the method of applicationPesticides are typically NOT “ready-to-

use”

Formulations

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

Ingredients

Ingredients are labeled by a percentage by weight of:

Inert ingredients, and…Active

Inert Ingredients

Have no pesticidal actionMay 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 sprayersHose-end sprayersDrop spreadersBroadcast or rotary

spreadersSoil drenching

Application Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)Wind speed and directionTemperaturesApplicator trainingHandlingLicensing

Calibration of Pesticide Equipment

Equipment in clean, good working orderCalibration ensures accurate deliveryTravel speedFlow ratesSwath 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

Pesticides become ineffective Switching pesticides may or may not

helpWhen 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-to-generation

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 managedManagement 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 manageGenetic factors influencing the

development of pesticide resistance . . . effect how pest organisms inherit resistant geneshow many organisms in a population exhibit resistant tendencies

Resistance to Pesticides

how many organisms exhibit resistant genesif 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 managementchemicals 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 residuespersistence of the pesticidefrequency of applicationamount of application

Pesticide Residues

Residues are subject to interactions in the environmentbreakdown or . . .recombination

Pesticide Residues

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)

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

Pest Control Advisers (PCAs)

PCAs specialize in pest managementare 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 vegetationsolve weed congestion in public waterwaysassist in pest-free greenhouses, golf courses, turf and landscapeensure the growth of healthy, abundant food, fiber and ornamentals

Pest Control Advisers (PCAs)

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)

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 applicator1 (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 applicator1 (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 InstitutionalLandscape MaintenanceRight-of-Way Plant Agriculture Forest Aquatic Regulatory Seed Treatment

Animal Agriculture Demonstration and ResearchHealth 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