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October 2023
news & updates
| October 12, 2023 | Issue 31 | |
Education Planning for 2024 | |
At the bottom of this email you will see that the Education Committee has already started planning 2024. While the registrations aren't available yet, we hope that you will mark your calendars and join us! In 2024, we hope to have a wider footprint with our educational offerings across the state. As in past years, we will continue to offer a variety of ways to attend our workshops and seminars - virtual, in-person and hands-on. The Education Committee is always looking for topic and speaker ideas, so if you have input, please let us know. Mark your calendars and get off to a great start in 2024! | |
A direct and compelling headline | |
We want spiders!
For the upcoming WSPMA spider workshop, WSU is looking for spider specimens. Please collect spiders from around the home and yard this fall and send them or drop them off to Todd Murray Washington State University Puyallup REC 2606 W Pioneer Ave, Puyallup, WA 98371. Send them live, frozen or drop them off in alcohol. Todd can also come pick up if you have a lot of them!
Make arrangements with Todd by contacting him at tmurray@wsu.edu or 360-303-2223.
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A direct and compelling headline | |
If you will be attending PestWorld Hawaii or if you want to follow along with WSPMA Members who are there, check out our Shared Photo Album! Your WSPMA Board and Executive will be checking out the lineup of speakers and meeting with all the vendors to make sure we can bring back the latest and greatest to you. | |
Fall Seminar Course Descriptions | |
- Stinging Insects (Dr. Jim Fredericks): This presentation focuses on the biology, behavior, and control of stinging insects commonly encountered in the Pacific Northwest. It covers public health impacts, specific species of stinging insects, control strategies, and the importance of communicating these strategies to clients.
- Spiders (Dr. Jamel Sandidge): Dr. Sandidge discusses the biology, identification, and control of spiders, with an emphasis on understanding their behavior and life cycle. Control strategies for different types of spiders are explored, including simplification of thinking and exclusion methods.
- Biting & Stinging ACE Course Module (Laurie Jo Jensen): This module covers various arthropods, including bed bugs, ticks, fleas, wasps, bees, hornets, and more. The presentation delves into the biology, morphology, and control aspects of these pests.
- Ticks (Danny Marshall): The tick presentation focuses on the types of ticks found in the Pacific Northwest, their biology, impact on health, tick-associated diseases, and methods of tick control, including behavioral, habitat, biological, and chemical controls.
- Bedbugs (Brittany Campbell): Dr. Campbell's presentation covers all aspects of bed bug management, including their biology, insecticide resistance, new research findings, challenges in handling difficult cases, and various control methods, both chemical and non-chemical.
- Fleas (Dr. Rich Zack): Dr. Zack discusses the historical and current significance of fleas as pests. The presentation includes insights into flea biology, their impact on humans and animals, potential flea-borne diseases, and management methods, including biologically-based techniques.
This event provides a holistic understanding of pest control, addressing a wide range of pests and offering practical strategies for professionals working in the Pacific Northwest region. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge to enhance their ability to manage and control pests effectively while ensuring the safety of people and pets.
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Eastern Washington: Thursday, November 2
Western Washington: Saturday, November 4
WSDA: 7 CEUs approved
ODA: 6 CEUs approved
IDA: 5 CEUs approved
UTDA: CEUs available upon request
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The WSPMA Winter Convention brings together pest management professionals for an engaging and informative event. Technical sessions cover a range of essential topics, including updates on managing odorous house ants, certification courses, and, with a strong emphasis, enhancing communication within pest programs. Participants gain crucial insights into effective communication strategies, equipping them to improve program outcomes. Additionally, the convention delves into solving difficult pest problems, and business development by exploring learning styles and innovative training program development. Association updates keep participants informed about industry trends, and mix and mingle sessions facilitate networking and idea exchange. The convention provides a platform for knowledge exchange, skill enhancement, and business growth, leaving attendees better equipped for success in the pest management industry. | |
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Washington State Department of Agriculture recently released guidelines regarding pesticide application using drones. Please read the full document here. | |
Use of Drones in Pest Management
RIchard Sottile, CIC, RMS - Elliott, Powell, Baden & Baker, Inc
Article Originally Published: June 2022
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Most of members know me for my twenty-six years in pest control insurance, since becoming involved in 1996 covering Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. What most member DON’T know is that I have also been an aviation insurance specialist my entire carrier. Since majoring in Aviation Management in college on an Air Force Scholarship, and flying since high school; I have been insuring aircraft since 1977, and unmanned aircraft (drones) since 1992. Drones are also known as UAS, “Unmanned Aerial Systems”. Recently the FAA adopted the newest designation: “Uncrewed Systems”.
Following up on the article, "Wasp-Killing spray drone finds new frontiers," the use of drones in pest control, there are a number of items WSPMA members need to know prior to using a drone for commercial use. Since drones are being utilized by more and more industries, the FAA fast-tracked the regulations governing their use in business. The FAA website has complete information.
As a recap to become a commercial drone operator, a PCO will need to do the following:
- Become FAA Part 107 licensed (This only requires a written knowledge test online). Must be at least 16 years of age, obtain an FAA Tracking Number, complete FAA Form 8710-13.
- Register your Drone(s) with the FAA
- Obtain insurance. THERE IS A SPECIFIC EXCLUSION IN ALMOST EVERY POLICY FOR THE COMMERCIAL USE OF DRONES IN BUSINESS. We insure commercial drone operators of all types.
The average cost of liability coverage for one drone with a $1M limit is $700. Most operators self-insure the low cost drones themselves to save money. There are premium discounts for multiple drones, and coverage can be purchased for payloads such as sprayers. Higher limits of liability are easily available, with $5M being fairly common for those doing large commercial jobs. Spraying with drones is a safe & effective way to reach inaccessible or dangerous areas easily in less time; especially on roofs and hard to reach spots.
I would be happy to discuss this in more detail with any operator seriously considering adding this cost-effective tool to their pest management arsenal.
Thank you
Richard Sottile, CIC, CRM
Producer
ELLIOTT, POWELL, BADEN & BAKER, INC.
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Thank you Speakers, Sponsors, Attendees and Planners. This event was unforgettable!
Mark your calendar for Pest Coast Workshop 2024, to take place in early October.
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Pest Coast Workshop (PCW) Recap
The Pest Coast Workshop in September 2023 offered a comprehensive program for pest professionals in the Pacific Northwest.
During the event, participants gained valuable insights into urban rodent management and pest control strategies. They learned about rodent behavior, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles, city rat management, exclusion and sanitation in pest prevention services, and the impact of rodenticides on wildlife.
The workshop featured discussions on trapping, non-chemical tools, and essential rules for using rodent bait. Attendees also examined real-world photos of rats to understand rodent behavior.
Additionally, digital equipment and remote monitoring technologies were explored, and community engagement strategies were discussed.
The event concluded with field visits, team-based IPM program development, and a round table discussion on successful rat IPM programs. Participants left with new ideas and insights for effective rodent control in their regions.
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