In 2012, California regulations changed how structural pest management professionals could apply pyrethroid insecticides. Pyrethroids are a class of commonly used insecticides around homes and other structures that can be washed off surfaces into storm drains and into waterways. This is problematic since pyrethroids are highly toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates.
Urban Area IPM Advisor Karey Windbiel-Rojas and University of California (UC) Cooperative Extension Environmental Horticulture Specialist Loren Oki obtained funding from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to conduct training on the issue of pyrethroid insecticides found in waterways throughout California.
Working with partners in the structural pest control industry, UC IPM, DPR, and other UC staff developed a curriculum for in-person workshops. Attendees were introduced to water quality concerns with pyrethroid pesticide use around structures, IPM, and how to comply with the newer pyrethroid laws and regulations.
Three small-group workshops were held in late 2017 and early 2018 in the Sacramento areas of Davis, Folsom, and Roseville. Each identical workshop included lectures and hands-on activities covering laws, regulations, pesticide calibration, water quality, and IPM. In total, 66 structural pest management professionals attended the training.
UC IPM and DPR intend to continue the project to offer more in-person workshops as well as develop an online course to widen the reach to more structural license holders statewide.
Long-Term Impacts
