Workshop aids those in pest management jobs

RAYMOND, Miss. -- Professionals who hold pest management certifications have an opportunity to fulfill the requirements for renewal at a Mississippi State University workshop March 24 in Raymond.

The General Pest Management Workshop is held annually at the Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center. Participants must register and pay the $25 fee by March 16 to secure a spot in the workshop. Late registrants must contact workshop organizer and MSU Extension plant pathologist Rebecca Melanson to determine space availability.

The program for this daylong event begins at 8:45 a.m. and concludes at 4:15 p.m. Attendees can begin checking in at 8 a.m., and lunch is provided on site.

Topics for the 2026 General Pest Management Workshop include pesticide safety and regulation, disease management, insect management and weed management.

“There are a significant number of employees in Mississippi whose jobs require them to hold current professional certifications in a range of pest management categories,” Melanson said. “This MSU workshop allows participants to receive the continuing education they need to stay current on regulations, product changes and emerging pests and to apply pesticides safely.”

The 2026 General Pest Management Workshop has been approved by the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce Bureau of Plant Industry for consultant license renewal for categories A, E, G, I, J, K, M and N. It is also approved for commercial recertification for categories IA, III, VI, VII(C) and X, and for professional services categories AGP, ORP, HCP, HCW and ROW. Only certificates expiring within 12 months will be reissued.

Complete registration by sending in the registration form and a check, payable to “Mississippi State University,” for the registration fee. Materials must be received by March 16. Write “Pest Management Workshop” on the check memo line, and mail to General Pest Management Workshop, Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center, 1320 Seven Springs Road, Raymond, MS 39154.

Find the registration form, announcement letter and the agenda with topics and speakers at https://extension.msstate.edu/events/2026/2026-general-pest-management-….

MSU is an equal opportunity institution. For disability accommodation, please contact Melanson at 601-857-2284 or rebecca.melanson@msstate.edu.