IPM Online Homestudy Courses

IPM courses are internet-based, self-paced, non-credit courses. Here are some things you need to know about them:

• The courses are tuition-free, non-credit, self-correcting tutorial-type courses. There may be more than one part to the course. The courses are offered only as online courses.
  
• The courses are available to all who are interested.
  
• The courses use java and javascript. This requires you to have a browser program that is enabled for java and javascript (e.g. Netscape Navigator ver. 6. or higher and Internet Explorer ver. 5. or higher.) Browsers which are capable of Java/Javascript may have that feature shut off. You can find the options to turn on Java/Javascript in the Edit/Preferences/Advanced menu, if you are using Netscape or in the Tools/Internet Options/Advanced menu of Internet Explorer.
  
• For each section of the course, there is an onscreen reading assignment and a self correcting quiz. The quizzes may be multiple choice, matching, fill-in-the-blank, short answer or other types. Here is an example. If the assignment is a fill-in type, the answer must be entered EXACTLY as it appeared in the article or it will be considered an incorrect response.
  
• Most courses are set up using "frames" (more than one window open on the screen at one time.) If you want to print the article, you can click the right mouse button and open the frame into a new window. Then use the File/Print menu option to print the article for later reading.

 Current Course Offerings include:

Dealing With Poison Ivy.

Read about poison ivy; how to identify it, about allergic reactions and treatment, about methods to control or eliminate it. Take a 22 question quiz which includes multiple choice and true false questions.

Discover The IPM Word.

Study a list of names of common weeds, insect pests, beneficials and animal pests. Information given includes the pest name, type and image. Then try your luck guessing the pest in a word game.

Pest Identification - Weeds.
Study online flashcards of common weeds found in lawns and gardens, then take the Weed Identification multiple-choice quiz.

Pest Identification - Invasive Plant Species.
Study online flashcards of non-native plant species that are taking over the habitats of native species. When you have learned to identify them using the flashcards, take the Invasive Plants Identification multiple-choice quiz.

IPM Crossword Puzzle

Beasts Begone! A Practitioner's Guide to IPM in Buildings.
This course covers identification, inspection and controls for animal pests in structures. There 3 parts, and ID & Inspection multiple choice quiz (20 questions), flashcards to help identify animals, and an animal identification (matching) quiz.

What is IPM?
The course covers the fundamentals of Integrated Pest Management including understanding the pest, pest control strategies, action thresholds and pesticide resistance. There is 1 multiple choice assignment.

IPM for Cockroaches
The course covers identification of roaches, inspections, and controls. Pictures of the insects are included. There are 3 assignments; 2 multiple choice and 1 matching.

IPM for Ants/Termites
The course covers identification of termites and ants, inspections, prevention and controls. Pictures of the insects are included. There are 3 multiple choice assignments.

Turfgrass IPM
The course offers an overview of lawn construction & maintenance, seed selection, fertilizers, watering, mowing, insects, weeds and diseases. There are 3 multiple choice assignments.

Minimizing Pests in the Garden
The course covers many cultural and mechanical methods to eliminate garden pests such as insects and weeds. There are 2 fill-in assignments. With fill-ins, the entry you type must EXACTLY match the information as it was presented in the article or it will be considered incorrect.

Managing Weeds in the Home Garden
The course covers weed prevention methods and controls such as cultivation, mulching and the use of herbicides. There are 2 multiple choice assignments.

Resistance of Woody Ornamental Plants to Deer Damage
The course covers deer feeding habits and includes tables of common ornamental plants and their desirability for deer. There are 2 assignments; 1 multiple choice and 1 fill-in. With fill-ins, the entry you type must EXACTLY match the information as it was presented in the article or it will be considered incorrect.

Courses created and developed by Marilyn S. Chase, University of Connecticut, Department of Plant Science, Storrs, CT

Information on our site was developed for conditions in the Northeast. Use in other geographical areas may be inappropriate.

The information in this material is for educational purposes. The recommendations contained are based on the best available knowledge at the time of printing. Any reference to commercial products, trade or brand names is for information only, and no endorsement or approval is intended. The Cooperative Extension system does not guarantee or warrant the standard of any product referenced or imply approval of the product to the exclusion of others which also may be available.All agrochemicals/pesticides listed are registered for suggested uses in accordance with federal and Connecticut state laws and regulations as of the date of printing. If the information does not agree with current labeling, follow the label instructions. The label is the law.Warning! Agrochemicals/pesticides are dangerous. Read and follow all instructions and safety precautions on labels. Carefully handle and store agrochemicals/pesticides in originally labeled containers immediately in a safe manner and place. Contact the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection for current regulations.The user of this information assumes all risks for personal injury or property damage.Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Kirklyn M. Kerr, Director, Cooperative Extension System, The University of Connecticut, Storrs. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System offers its programs to persons regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability and is an equal opportunity employer.