Continuing education offered at Dec. 10 Stephenville pesticide applicator training
Program will include updates on fire-ant control
STEPHENVILLE – A pesticide applicator's training on Dec. 10 in Stephenville will include an update on the spread of a phorid flies, a minuscule parasite that only preys on red imported fire ants.
"The parasite releases that have been made the last five or six years have been spreading out," said Dr. Chris Sansone, Texas AgriLife Extension Service entomologist at San Angelo.
Sansone, one of the speakers at the program, will also review the chemical controls currently available for fire ants and talk about hay quarantine restrictions on counties where fire ants are established.
The training program is a joint effort of AgriLife Extension offices in Somervell, Bosque, Comanche, Eastland County, Erath County, Hamilton County and Hood counties, said Josh Blanek, AgriLife Extension agent for Somervell County. The program will be held at Graham Street Church of Christ Family Center, 312 N. Graham St., Stephenville. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. The program should conclude by 3 p.m.
Preregistation by Dec. 1 is $30 and includes lunch. Registration after Dec. 1 or at the door will be $40. Josh Blanek, AgriLife Extension agent for Somervell County, strongly encouraged preregistration to ensure there will be enough lunches available.
Holders of a Texas Department of Agriculture private, commercial and non-commercial pesticide applicator's license will earn five continuing education units; one in the general category, one in laws and regulations, and three in integrated pest management.
Other speakers and topics will include: "Being Prepared for a TDA Audit," "Pecan Management," "Pest Control Around the House," and "Rangeland Brush and Weed Control."
To register or for more information, contact Kathy Singletary at the AgriLife Extension office in Somvervell County, 254-897-2809 or kmsingletary@ag.tamu.edu.
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