Date: 3/29/99

Time: 10:00

Type: Symposium

Number: 7

Attracting pest control operators to the Branch.

*S.T. Kamble, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, NE 68583-0816.
Contact e-mail: skamble@unlinfo.unl.edu

The branch, national and international entomology meetings are structured to stimulate professional interactions, to debate new findings, and be familiar with forthcoming technological changes. Although, these meetings have an open forum policy, the traditional participants include those who are deeply involved in entomological research/extension programs. Most of these participants are university professors, research associates, graduate students, industry scientists, state and federal entomologists and consultants. In spite of such great expertise, insect pests have constantly challenged us in all situations including urban entomology. Currently, urban entomology is fast growing and requiring well-trained entomologists. Urban pest control is a multibillion dollar industry. However, the majority of pest control operators (PCOs) employed by this industry have very limited formal training in entomology. This creates an opportunity for us to attract PCOs to participate in such professional meetings. However, the PCOs are more likely to participate if some selective specialized programs are offered to them with immediate economic returns. Such programs may include: special problem solving workshops, continuing education credits towards certification, current public awareness issues, evolving technologies and their applications, special sessions on government regulations impacting the industry, how to improve economic growth and resolve legal problems.

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