Logo: University of Kentucky

This year, the University of Kentucky (UK) will not hold the Pest Control Short Course Nov. 5-7 as planned because of COVID-19 concerns. Instead, a series of webinars will be made available so that pest management professionals (PMPs) may earn continuing education units (CEUs).

“While we cannot let this virus interfere with the important services we provide, first and foremost, we have a responsibility to protect the health and well- being of our attendees,” said Dr. Zach DeVries, urban entomologist for the state of Kentucky, and organizer and chair of the event. “This decision does not come lightly, and has been made to ensure all our attendees are able to continue working and protecting the health and well-being of those they serve.”

Educational sessions have been a highlight of the event, and this year was no exception. Dr. DeVries says details on the upcoming webinars will be announced this fall, so that PMPs may continue to learn about pest control and new management techniques.

The Pest Control Short Course is held in Lexington, Ky., and is sponsored by the University of Kentucky’s Department of Entomology, in cooperation with the Kentucky Pest Management Association and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture.

Next fall will be the event’s 50th anniversary. It is scheduled to take place Nov. 9-11, 2021.

Dr. DeVries, who succeeded PMP Hall of Famer Dr. Michael Potter (Class of 2012) at the University of Kentucky, notes the Pest Control Short Course has a reputation of being one of the premier training events in the country.