The Big 5-0

2021 marked the 50th anniversary of the University of Kentucky Pest Control Short Course, and a return to in-person training. While originally designed as a short training experience, the conference has grown to a three-day program with one of the strongest lineups of speakers and topics in the country.

Last year’s conference, held Nov. 9-11, included attendees from 10 different states comprised of those working in pest management, multifamily housing, public health, school systems and food processing. In addition, the conference recognized two outstanding technicians for their contributions to the industry. And in an effort to ensure training was accessible to all pest control personnel interested in attending, a live-stream option was offered for those pest management professionals unable to attend in person.

On day one of the Short Course, talks were given on equipment operation and maintenance (Matt Christensen, Critter Control, Lexington, Ky.); pesticide resistance (Dr. Jamel Sandidge, Nisus Corporation, Rockford, Tenn.); landscape invaders (Dr. Jonathan Larson, University of Kentucky Department of Entomology); and small flies (Scott Robbins, Action Pest Control, Evansville, Ind.). These talks provided a great mix of practical advice paired with basic knowledge of the pests and problems pest management professionals face on a daily basis.

On day two of the conference, sessions were presented on rodent and wildlife control (Scott McNeely, Winston-Salem, N.C.); minimizing pest damage claims and ant control (Kim Kelley-Tunis, Terminix, Atlanta); what to do when disaster strikes (Dr. Fred Whitford, Purdue Pesticide Programs, West Lafayette, Ind.); and stinging pests (T.J. Neary, Insect Technologies, Lexington, Ky.). These talks had the audience both laughing and learning, especially Whitford’s interactive demonstration of what to do when a pesticide spill occurs.

On the final day of the conference, I gave presentations on bed bugs and cockroaches, while a panel of industry experts presented on the business of bed bugs. Other presentations covered termite biology and control (Dr. Faith Oi, University of Florida Department of Entomology and Nematology) and battling the brown recluse spider (Sandidge). These presentations provided important updates and reminders on some of the most challenging pests in the field.

The 2021 Short Course was not only educational, but a lot of fun. Next year’s Short Course is scheduled for Nov. 1-3, 2022, in Lexington, Ky.

The author is an assistant professor in urban entomology at the University of Kentucky.