The MSU Extension Pesticide Education Program (PEP) is offering three urban pesticide trainings to assist homeowners, gardeners, and other urban pesticide applicators in understanding the basics of using pesticides. This includes how to select the proper pesticide, reading and understanding the pesticide product label, how to manage pests, calibrating sprayers properly, pesticide safety, and avoiding non-target impacts. This training will offer private and commercial applicator credits.

Details by Location

  1. April 19 - Missoula
  2. April 20 - Great Falls
  3. April 21 - Billings

 

 

Missoula Urban Tour

The Missoula event has been cancelled. Please see the Great Falls or Billings information for other available locations.

  • Date: Wednesday, April 19, 2023
  • Location: Missoula County Fairgrounds, Home Arts Building 35, 1101 South Ave W, Missoula, MT 59801
  • Registration and Contact Info: Register by April 14th online or contact Amy Bowser at (406) 994-5178 or [email protected] 
  • Fee: $15 credit card (online in advance) or cash/check (at door)

 

Great Falls Urban Tour

Registration is now closed for this event. Walk-ins are welcome!

  • Date: Thursday, April 20, 2023
  • Location: Great Falls College MSU Heritage Hall, 2100 16th Ave S, Great Falls, MT 59405
  • Registration and Contact Info: Register by April 14th online or contact Amy Bowser at (406) 994-5178 or [email protected] 
  • Fee: $15 credit card (online in advance) or cash/check (at door)

 

Billings Urban Tour

Registration is now closed for this event. Walk-ins are welcome!

  • Date: Friday April 21, 2023
  • Location: MetraPark 4-H Building, 308 6th Ave N, Billings, MT 59101
  • Registration and Contact Info: Register by April 14th online or contact Amy Bowser at (406) 994-5178 or [email protected] 
  • Fee: $15 credit card (online in advance) or cash/check (at door)

 

Agenda

Printable Agenda

  • 7:30 am - Registration and Sign In
  • 8:00 am - Welcome, Dr. Cecil Tharp, MSU Extension Pesticide Education Specialist
  • 8:05 am - Selecting the Proper Pesticide, Dr. Cecil Tharp, MSU Extension Pesticide Education Specialist

    • During this presentation you will learn the basics of pesticides and what factors you should consider when selecting a pesticide for use in your home garden or in urban settings.

  • 8:35 am - Reading and Understanding the Pesticide Label, Amy Bowser, MSU Extension Pesticide Education Technician

    • Reading and understanding the pesticide product label is an important step in pesticide applications. Amy will introduce you to the different sections of the label and what specific wording means to you as the applicator.

  • 9:05 am - Managing Urban Pests Using IPM, Abiya Saeed, MSU Extension Horticulture Specialist

    • Abi will discuss the definition of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and explain how to use these methods to manage pests in an urban landscape. IPM is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

  • 9:55 am - Break and Refreshments
  • 10:10 am - Understanding Pesticide Safety and Toxicity, Dr. Cecil Tharp, MSU Extension Pesticide Education Specialist
    • During this presentation you will learn how to protect yourself and others from pesticide exposure. Cecil will discuss toxicity, signal words, personal protective equipment (PPE), poisoning and cleaning equipment and PPE.
  • 10:40 am - Minimizing Environmental Risk from Pesticides, Amy Bowser, MSU Extension Pesticide Education Technician

    • Amy will cover how pesticides move within the environment and how pesticide applicators can minimize the environmental impacts of their pesticide applications. Topics will include the role of weather, protecting water, soil, and plants from non-target damage, and what to do if you have a pesticide spill.

  • 11:10 am - Calibration of Yard and Garden Sprayers, Dr. Cecil Tharp, MSU Extension Pesticide Education Specialist

    • Calibrating pesticide sprayers is important to determine the exact amount of pesticide applied. By applying too much pesticide product an applicator increases the potential for environmental contamination, damage to beneficial plants, and risk to their personal safety. Too little pesticide product poses the risk of pest resistance and poor management of pests. Cecil will cover how to properly calibrate handheld and backpack sprayers for home garden use.

  • 12:00 pm - Urban Pesticide Application Jeopardy, Amy Bowser, MSU Extension Pesticide Education Technician

    • Attendees will participate in a fun review of what was covered during this event including safety, environment, the label, IPM and calibration.

  • 12:30 pm - Event Adjourned

Pesticide Education Credits Offered

If you are attending this event for credits please bring your pesticide license with you to the event. This program is available for the following pesticide license categories:

10 - Dealer      4
30 - Agricultural Plant Pest Control      4
34 - Ornamental and Turf Pest Control      4
39 - Demonstration & Research Pest Control      4
60 - Private Agricultural Pest Control      4

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