Extension Offers Retailer Training
Published: Apr. 6, 2009
URBANA - An online training course to help retailers work with their customers to make better pest management choices has been launched by University of Illinois Extension.
"Responsible Pest Management for Retailers" (http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/rpmr/) was developed by U of I Extension personnel George Czapar, an Integrated Pest Management educator; David Robson, horticulture educator; Martha Smith, horticulture educator; and Michelle Wiesbrook, an Extension specialist in horticultural weed science.
"Previous studies have shown that most homeowners buy pesticides from retail stores with lawn and garden centers and that store employees are often asked to make pest management recommendations," Czapar explained.
"This training will take retailers through the various aspects of Integrated Pest Management and discuss options for pest control. They'll learn how to better understand the label, make sure the display area is safe, and help customers choose the most effective pest-management controls."
Czapar added that most successful plant care programs use a combination of practices for dealing with pest problems. Pesticides are only one approach, and if they are used, they must be applied correctly and safely.
The website consists of five training components covering: Integrated Pest Management, understanding pesticides, understanding labels, human pesticide protection, and store safety.
Participants must register online and pay a fee to take the course. After successfully finishing all five modules, students will receive a certificate of completion.
This program was partially funded by a grant from U.S. EPA Region 5 in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. For more information, contact Czapar at (217) 782-6515.
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