NWCOA continues educational focus for wildlife control pros

LOGO: NPMA/NCWOA

Since our last update in the June issue, the National Wildlife Control Operators Association (NWCOA) has continued to develop new resources, member benefits and educational training opportunities for members and stakeholders.

Over the summer, NWCOA went live with its mobile app for members. With this app, members can connect with or refer other members, manage their profiles, and register for events. Additionally, we added a member benefit webinar series for members and non-members to learn about NWCOA and the many benefits it offers.

As with many associations, NWCOA adjusted its training opportunities this year to include online certification events. This fall, though, we re-introduced small-group, in-person training events while closely monitoring the safety recommendations offered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state and local ordinances regarding social distancing and personal protective equipment (PPE). If you are planning to attend one of our in-person events, please know that NWCOA is doing everything it can to ensure you have a safe and positive experience — all while providing up-to-date training and education needed for the wildlife control industry. Online training events for certain NWCOA certification programs are still ongoing as well. To learn more and register, please visit NWCOA.com/events for the latest listings of both online and in-person events.

2021 EXPO SET FOR FEBRUARY

Editor’s Note: As of Dec. 11, the event will be held virtually instead of in Orlando, Fla.

We are working with the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), getting ready for the 2021 NWCOA/NPMA Wildlife Expo taking placeFeb. 1-3, 2021. Registration and additional information is online at NWCOA.com/Wildlife-Expo-2021, and as I write this in late October, we are finalizing the event’s sessions and speakers.

The Wildlife Expo is an event unlike any other for wildlife control professionals, with experienced presenters offering insight that is sure to bring value to your business and enhance your knowledge of a subject. In addition to the sessions presented during the Wildlife Expo, NWCOA will once again offer NWCOA-certified training courses on the two days prior to the conference, and the day following the conference.

If you’re not already a member, now is a great time to reach out and get involved. The association stays in touch with members through its quarterly newsletter, “NWCOA News,” and regular communications through email and social media. Members who stay engaged in the association throughout the year are sure to realize benefits that more than cover the cost of membership. Learn more at NWCOA.com/membership.

NWCOA-certified training course schedule

Editor’s Note: These events were scheduled take place before and after the 2021 NWCOA/NPMA Wildlife Expo.

Sunday, Jan. 31 and Monday, Feb. 1

Option 1: The NWCOA Certified Wildlife Control Operator Training Course covers bats, birds, squirrels and other commonly encountered problem species; animal biology; animal handling; euthanasia; inspection; safety; and more.

Option 2: The NWCOA Certified Advanced Wildlife Control Operator Training Course (AOTC) covers —in addition to providing training that will earn 16 hours of Commercial Nuisance Animal Permit (CNAP) recertification credits and NWCOA Certification — how to expand into offering advanced services and specialty species control.

Thursday, Feb. 4

Option 1: The NWCOA Rodent Standards Certified Course discusses rodent biology, behavior and identification, as well as various exclusion and control methods. It also covers habitat management, disease, laws, regulations and more.

Christie Meresse

Option 2: The NWCOA Zoonotic Disease Course sheds light on key risks and dangers associated with the species and groups with which wildlife control professionals typically interact. The engaging, interactive presentation includes real-world scenarios and examples of disease transmission, and devotes significant time to the subject of risk reduction and disease prevention.

MERESSE is executive director of the National Wildlife Control Operators Association. She can be reached at info@nwcoa.com.