Pest Control Advisor
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Pest Control Advisors are responsible for employing multiple strategies to ultimately minimize damage by pests and diseases on crops. Based on an intense monitoring program and proper pest identification, PCAs then make recommendations for practices and treatments to control or prevent economical damage. Pest control advisors have a number of responsibilities and can work independent on a contractual basis, work for growing operations, or for agro-chemical companies. PCAs must be licensed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) by passing a series of exams in addition to satisfying a number of agricultural and pest management related courses.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Pest Control Advisors are responsible for employing multiple strategies to ultimately minimize damage by pests and diseases on crops. Based on an intense monitoring program and proper pest identification, PCAs then make recommendations for practices and treatments to control or prevent economical damage. Pest control advisors have a number of responsibilities and can work independent on a contractual basis, work for growing operations, or for agro-chemical companies. PCAs must be licensed by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) by passing a series of exams in addition to satisfying a number of agricultural and pest management related courses.
Contents
- Overview
- What is a Pest Control advisor?
- What do PCAs Do?
- Importance of IPM
- Regulation
- PCAs in Other States
- Becoming a PCA
What is a Pest Control Advisor?
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A Pest Control Advisor (PCA) in California is defined as any person who offers a recommendation on any agricultural use of a pest control product or technique, presents themselves as an authority on any agricultural use, or solicits services or sales for any agricultural use. In this case, “agricultural use” is defined as the use of any pesticide, method or device for the control of plant or animal pests in settings other than home use, industrial use, or veterinary products. PCAs must be licensed by the CA Department of Pesticide Regulation and can work in
either public or private industry [5].
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A Pest Control Advisor (PCA) in California is defined as any person who offers a recommendation on any agricultural use of a pest control product or technique, presents themselves as an authority on any agricultural use, or solicits services or sales for any agricultural use. In this case, “agricultural use” is defined as the use of any pesticide, method or device for the control of plant or animal pests in settings other than home use, industrial use, or veterinary products. PCAs must be licensed by the CA Department of Pesticide Regulation and can work in
either public or private industry [5].
What do PCAs do?
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The basic service of a pest control advisor is to provide expertise for planning, monitor for pests on a regular basis, and ultimately offer a specific recommendation for a pesticide or pest control tool to be used against specific pests on a piece of property [6]. Pest control advisors not only provide advice for agricultural crops, but also work on landscapes, golf courses, and parks. They may help maintain highway vegetation, support in pest-free golf courses, or ensure the growth of healthy food, fiber and ornamentals from over 10 million acres of California farm and public lands [6].
PCAs may work for pesticide dealers or other pest control companies, farming operations, grower associations, public agencies (e.g. city IPM coordinators) or they may work independently as consultants [2]. They may also provide advice related to fertilizers or other crop production practices and many have CCA (Certified Crop Advisor) certifications. PCAs are also qualified to train pesticide handlers, fieldworkers or others who work around pesticides [5].
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The basic service of a pest control advisor is to provide expertise for planning, monitor for pests on a regular basis, and ultimately offer a specific recommendation for a pesticide or pest control tool to be used against specific pests on a piece of property [6]. Pest control advisors not only provide advice for agricultural crops, but also work on landscapes, golf courses, and parks. They may help maintain highway vegetation, support in pest-free golf courses, or ensure the growth of healthy food, fiber and ornamentals from over 10 million acres of California farm and public lands [6].
PCAs may work for pesticide dealers or other pest control companies, farming operations, grower associations, public agencies (e.g. city IPM coordinators) or they may work independently as consultants [2]. They may also provide advice related to fertilizers or other crop production practices and many have CCA (Certified Crop Advisor) certifications. PCAs are also qualified to train pesticide handlers, fieldworkers or others who work around pesticides [5].
The Importance of Integrated Pest Management
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PCAs often assist growers in implementing integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Integrated pest management is defined as a science-based, decision-making process that identifies and reduces risks from pests and pest management related strategies [1]. It coordinates the use of pest biology, environmental information, and available technology to prevent high levels of pest damage by the most economical means, while also posing the least possible risk to people, resources, and the environment [4]. In IPM programs, pesticides are treated as a “last resort” option and the need for an application is chosen based on pest identification, an intense monitoring system, and consideration of the land’s history and research guidelines [3].
Many pest management professionals regularly employ these concepts in daily work. For example, when managing pests on a crop near a school or residential area, a PCA might suggest pest resistant varieties or crop rotation rather than immediate pesticide application. This decision was made based on a number of factors and aimed to use non-chemical treatments to mitigate a pest problem. However, in some instances pesticides can are an important part of an IPM system and are used in ways that enhance their effectiveness and attempt to minimize negative impacts on people and the ecosystem [1]. The most important concept of integrated pest management is that an effective IPM program is composed of multiple techniques integrated into an overall strategy to protect the health of crops [4].
The Challenges of Pest Management
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Responsible pest management requires informed decision making based on constant monitoring and strong attention to detail. Pests can cause major economic damage to a crop and in some cases, may reduce yield up to 90% [1]. Because pest problems occur as a result of a combination of factors, PCAs must have a deep understanding of the relationships between the environment, cultural practices, crop biology and pest biology [5]. Thus, many PCAs seek outside reference from universities, growers, and extension specialists. Most importantly, pest control advisors assume legal responsibility for the recommendations they make. Consequently, PCAs must keep all parties well informed about the decisions being made while also keeping accurate records and documentation of recommendations, applications, etc. [6].
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PCAs often assist growers in implementing integrated pest management (IPM) programs. Integrated pest management is defined as a science-based, decision-making process that identifies and reduces risks from pests and pest management related strategies [1]. It coordinates the use of pest biology, environmental information, and available technology to prevent high levels of pest damage by the most economical means, while also posing the least possible risk to people, resources, and the environment [4]. In IPM programs, pesticides are treated as a “last resort” option and the need for an application is chosen based on pest identification, an intense monitoring system, and consideration of the land’s history and research guidelines [3].
Many pest management professionals regularly employ these concepts in daily work. For example, when managing pests on a crop near a school or residential area, a PCA might suggest pest resistant varieties or crop rotation rather than immediate pesticide application. This decision was made based on a number of factors and aimed to use non-chemical treatments to mitigate a pest problem. However, in some instances pesticides can are an important part of an IPM system and are used in ways that enhance their effectiveness and attempt to minimize negative impacts on people and the ecosystem [1]. The most important concept of integrated pest management is that an effective IPM program is composed of multiple techniques integrated into an overall strategy to protect the health of crops [4].
The Challenges of Pest Management
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Responsible pest management requires informed decision making based on constant monitoring and strong attention to detail. Pests can cause major economic damage to a crop and in some cases, may reduce yield up to 90% [1]. Because pest problems occur as a result of a combination of factors, PCAs must have a deep understanding of the relationships between the environment, cultural practices, crop biology and pest biology [5]. Thus, many PCAs seek outside reference from universities, growers, and extension specialists. Most importantly, pest control advisors assume legal responsibility for the recommendations they make. Consequently, PCAs must keep all parties well informed about the decisions being made while also keeping accurate records and documentation of recommendations, applications, etc. [6].
Pesticide Regulation and PCAs
___________________________________________________________________________ There are a number of levels of regulations that PCAs fall under. Firstly, the United States Environmental and Protection Agency (EPA) regulates pesticides nationally through the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). In fact, the EPA registers pesticides and puts restrictions on their use that PCAs must follow. However, there are no specific national laws or regulations related to PCAs [5]. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation also regulates pesticides under the laws contained in the California Food and Agriculture Code [6]. These regulations can be more restrictive than US EPA, but not less. Thus, pesticides must be registered both by US EPA and CA DPR. The CA DPR is the sole organization that administers licensing exams and issues licenses and creates regulations regarding PCA activity. Furthermore, the Agricultural Pest Control Advisory Committee (APCAC) advises the DPR Director on policies related to licensees [6]. |
The last level of regulation lies within the County Agricultural Commissioners (CAC). CACs enforce pesticide laws at the local level and may develop pesticide use policies specific to the needs of their counties. PCAs must be registered with the Agricultural Commissioners’ offices in all counties where they operate and can use the CAC offices as a local source of information on pesticides, pesticide laws, and pesticide safety [6]. It is important to note that a PCA license does not allow one to apply pesticides. You must have a qualified applicator license or certificate (QAL or QAC) to apply pesticides. A different exam is required to get the QAL or QAC license. QALs and QACs may not make written recommendations or give advice about pest control procedures [6].
PCAs in Other States?
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There term “PCA” does not apply to any state other than California. In fact, in much of the United States, PCAs are often called pest management consultants. Although some states have licensing programs for pest management consultants (e.g., Oregon, Washington), most don’t require licenses. Thus, California’s pest management programs are highly respected and used as a model in some instances.
Requirements for becoming a PCA
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To become a PCA one must satisfy educational requirements to qualify to take exam, pay a fee, pass an exam on Laws and Regulations & Principles of IPM plus an exam in at least one subject matter area: Insects, mites, other invertebrates, plant pathology, nematology, weed science, vertebrate pests, defoliation, or plant growth regulators [5]. PCA licenses renewed every 2 years and every 2 years you must complete 40 hours of continuing education (CEUs). Continuing education is important for keeping up-to-date with new technologies, new pests and new laws and regulations [6]. Currently, there is a strong need for pest control advisors in California and there are an estimated 30,000 jobs available. The typical starting salary of a PCA is approximately $60,000 though some PCAs may make up to a 6-figure salary [6].
References
1. Barzman, Marco, et al. "Eight principles of integrated pest management." Agronomy for sustainable development, (2015).
2. Brodt, Sonja, et al. "Almond growers rely on pest control advisers for integrated pest management." California agriculture 59.4 (2005): 242-248.
3. Elliott, N. C., et al. Integrated pest management. Springer Science & Business Media, 1995.
4. Ehler, Lester E. "Integrated pest management (IPM): definition, historical development and implementation, and the other IPM." Pest management science 62.9 (2006): 787-789.
5. Flint, Mary Louise, Sheila Daar, and Richard Molinar. "Establishing integrated pestmanagement policies and programs: a guide for public agencies." (2003).
6. Flint, Mary Louise. IPM in practice: principles and methods of integrated pest management. Vol. 3418. UCANR Publications, 2012.
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There term “PCA” does not apply to any state other than California. In fact, in much of the United States, PCAs are often called pest management consultants. Although some states have licensing programs for pest management consultants (e.g., Oregon, Washington), most don’t require licenses. Thus, California’s pest management programs are highly respected and used as a model in some instances.
Requirements for becoming a PCA
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
To become a PCA one must satisfy educational requirements to qualify to take exam, pay a fee, pass an exam on Laws and Regulations & Principles of IPM plus an exam in at least one subject matter area: Insects, mites, other invertebrates, plant pathology, nematology, weed science, vertebrate pests, defoliation, or plant growth regulators [5]. PCA licenses renewed every 2 years and every 2 years you must complete 40 hours of continuing education (CEUs). Continuing education is important for keeping up-to-date with new technologies, new pests and new laws and regulations [6]. Currently, there is a strong need for pest control advisors in California and there are an estimated 30,000 jobs available. The typical starting salary of a PCA is approximately $60,000 though some PCAs may make up to a 6-figure salary [6].
References
1. Barzman, Marco, et al. "Eight principles of integrated pest management." Agronomy for sustainable development, (2015).
2. Brodt, Sonja, et al. "Almond growers rely on pest control advisers for integrated pest management." California agriculture 59.4 (2005): 242-248.
3. Elliott, N. C., et al. Integrated pest management. Springer Science & Business Media, 1995.
4. Ehler, Lester E. "Integrated pest management (IPM): definition, historical development and implementation, and the other IPM." Pest management science 62.9 (2006): 787-789.
5. Flint, Mary Louise, Sheila Daar, and Richard Molinar. "Establishing integrated pestmanagement policies and programs: a guide for public agencies." (2003).
6. Flint, Mary Louise. IPM in practice: principles and methods of integrated pest management. Vol. 3418. UCANR Publications, 2012.