Texas A&M’s IPM Experience House

In April 2017, the Dallas-based Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service unveiled the newly constructed Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Experience House, designed to be a working classroom where pest management professionals (PMPs) can gain experience in settings similar to where they will be working. It’s been busy ever since, achieving that goal.

Dr. Mike Merchant, BCE, an extension urban entomologist and director of the facility, notes that several industry suppliers have stepped up to help offer real-world scenarios and training at the House, including founding donor Corteva Agriscience and its Sentricon installation. Other supplier donors include Central Life Sciences, Fasst Professional Products, Liphatech and its newest partner, Pest Control Insulation (T.A.P. Insulation). Pest control companies, associations and individuals also contribute to ensure the House helps train PMPs for years to come.

“We’ve had approximately 250 PMPs go through classes at IPM House since its opening,” Dr. Merchant tells PMP. “Classes so far include ‘General Household Pest IPM,’ ‘Introduction to Termite Control,’ ‘Mosquito Control for PMPs,’ ‘Pest Proofing,’ ‘Rodent Academy’ and ‘ACE Prep Class.’”

New offerings are in the works, Dr. Merchant says. Interested PMPs can visit IPMHouse.tamu.edu for details, and sign up on the website for the mailing list, which gives them early access to registration.

Jose Dolagaray of Arrow Exterminators, left, and Larry King of MosquitoNix Pest Control search the House’s drainage pipe for signs of rodent pests. PHOTO: GABE SALDANA AND DR. MIKE MERCHANT, TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE

Brett Miller of Romex Pest Control searches the House’s dimly lit attic for signs of rodent pests. PHOTO: GABE SALDANA AND DR. MIKE MERCHANT, TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE

T.A.P. Insulation is blown into the House’s attic by an Orkin technician in full (protective) uniform.
PHOTO: GABE SALDANA AND DR. MIKE MERCHANT, TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE

Univar’s Keith Haas lectures in what Dr. Merchant quips is “the most comfortable lecture room seating you’ve ever been in.”
PHOTO: GABE SALDANA AND DR. MIKE MERCHANT, TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE

BASF’s Dr. Bob Davis explains the use of foam for termite spot treatments on the grounds of the House. PHOTO: GABE SALDANA AND DR. MIKE MERCHANT, TEXAS A&M AGRILIFE

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from Pest Management Professional https://www.mypmp.net/2018/12/07/texas-ams-ipm-experience-house/
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