Vertebrate Pest Control Education and Outreach for Dealing with California Wildlife Pests

Abstract

Author(s): Krason, Ryan S.; Lima, Lorin L.; Salmon, Terrell P. | Abstract: This project was undertaken to provide a flexible multimedia education and outreach program on vertebrate pest control in agricultural settings. The target audience for this concept is the California agricultural industry and urban members of the public who are dealing with California ground squirrel, pocket gopher, and meadow vole problems. Online users are able to access various learning tools for all three species. Each program consists of an interactive training course, video learning, study guide, two section quizzes, and a final exam with an option to obtain 2-hours of California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) or Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) continuing education credit. The site also has a Facts and Questions section, podcasts of the training programs, and links to a YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter pages. The training programs are available to DPR certified pesticide applicators, SPCB licensed applicators and the general public. All educational content is capable of being added to or amended from any location, via the Internet. In addition to educating users, the website seamlessly collects statistical data and voluntary information from users (i.e., email messages and website comments). The success and wide availability of internet-based training programs demonstrate the site’s potential for use in statewide continuing education and in pesticide applicator certification efforts related to vertebrate pest control.