Pest Control Training in Ireland
Statutory Training:
The EU Biocide Directive has brought a lot of changes for Pest Control Companies in 2018, all driven by increased restrictions on the use of Professional rodenticides (i.e. rat and mice poison).
Specifically, since 01/01/2018, all pest control operators or other individuals buying or using professional rodenticides must hold a valid licence or “PMU number”. The new rodenticide product labels clearly indicate this legal requirement, as we can see below in the first paragraph of the new Vertox Oktablock II rodenticide label:
Not for sale to the general public or any person other than trained professionals. Trained professional users must register with DAFM as a “Trained Professional – Pest Management Professional” (PMU) and must present their PMU No. at the point of sale to purchase this product for use only as specified on the label.
Using a biocide contrary to the label instructions is an offence.
The only qualification accepted by the DAFM (Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine) is an Ofqual Level 3 course in pest management. Currently the Lantra “Level 3 Award in Pest Management Services – Trained Professional User” is the only course available. It is a 5-day course divided onto 3 modules and 3 examinations, including a practical assessment and multiple-choice exam.
Topics covered include:
- Biology and Control of Invertebrate Pests
- The Biology and Control of Rodent Pests
- Other Vertebrate Pests Biology and Control
- Practical Skills for the Management of Invertebrate and Vertebrate Pests
After obtaining their qualification, trainees can apply to the DAFM for a full PMU number, and then purchase biocides and work without restriction. Only individuals receive a PMU number, not Companies.
In the meantime, the DAFM can issue a “Temporary PMU” for a period of up to 9 months, with a number of restrictions, so trainee pest controllers can gain experience before undertaking the Lantra course. For this, you will need to apply for a “Temporary PMU”, selecting in the drop-down menu “Pest Management Trainee“.
Since the beginning of the DAFM rules in 2018, Owl Pest Control has been facilitating independent training for the “Lantra Level 3 Award in Pest Management Services” course, by providing FREE training rooms at our office, in small groups of 8-15 trainees.
For the period 2018-2022, eight Lantra courses have been held, despite the lockdowns and travel restrictions during the Covid pandemic.
Training modules are Covered via online learning, a Practical assessment, and an exam with multiple-choice questions.
Biology and Control of Invertebrate Pests - Biology and Control of Rodent Pests
- Biology and Control of Vertebrate Pests
- Practical Skills for the Management of Vertebrate and Invertebrate Pests
The training covers all aspects of the LANTRA Pest Management Level 3 + examination. Pre-Learning material is also provided 2 weeks in Advance.
The course is ideal for Existing Professional Pest Control Companies
It is essential to register your interest with PestNI so that they can run a course with enough participants.
The DAFM can give a Temporary PMU number to new entrants to the pest control industry for a period of up to 9 months. This is in order to allow time for “on the job” training and completion of the Lantra course. There are a number of rules / restrictions with the temporary PMU number:
- The trainee must work under direct supervision of a licensed trainer (PMU for 2+ years) for a period of 2 weeks
- A training plan must be submitted to the DAFM, including training records and proof of registration to an upcoming Lantra Level 3 course
- A Pest Control trainee can only carry out repeat visits and cannot conduct site assessments until registered as a full PMU
- A trainee must observe a PMU carry out method/technique applications of biocidal products and then carry out a minimum of 4 treatments himself under direct supervision in order to carry out repeat visits on his/her own
For full details on rules and record keeping requirements click here:
New-Entrants-Rules-for-Trainee-PMUs.pdf
Apply for a Temporary PMU Number here. (select “Pest Management Trainee” in the drop-down menu).
Although it is strongly advised to get work experience before seating the LANTRA Pest Management Diploma (Level 3 Trained Professional User) PMU training/exam, it is possible to enrol on a Lantra course without pest control experience.
The DAFM delivers licences (PMU numbers) to all applicants who have successfully obtained the Lantra qualification, regardless of previous experience. You should make sure to do a lot of pest control reading before enrolling (e.g. The British Pest Management Manual – but with Irish Legislation) as it is a difficult qualification.
It will also be easier to opt for the classroom training with PestNI (as opposed to Online training with the IPCA), as you will get more specific attention and comprehensive reading materials weeks before the training starts, giving you the best chances of success.
After Pest Control trainees pass their exams and receives a Certificate from Lantra, they can finally register and apply for a PMU Number with the DAFM Pesticide Registration and Control Division (PRCD). The application is made by filling out a form online.
Apply for a full PMU Number here. (select “Pest Management User” in the drop-down menu).
As with many other industries, in order to keep your licence you must partake in a Continuous Professional Development (CPD) or “Continuous Professional Education” (CPE) pest control scheme recognised by the DAFM.
Every calendar year, The DAFM-PRCD reviews the CPD points earned for each licensed pest controller in Ireland. It is mandatory to have all the required points in order to keep the licence (PMU number) active.
There are three recognised Pest Control CPD schemes in Ireland at present:
BASIS PROMPT is the most established scheme (Est. 1978) with over 4,000 members between the UK and Ireland. It has the benefits of a wide range of CPD materials (exhibitions, online and classroom training, magazines, forums, etc.) and several full-time staff members to run it.
Read our article for more information about BASIS PROMPT, how to register and examples of how to get CPD points.
Advanced Training:
Ready to take on a new challenge?
Module 1:
The IPM provision of Pest Management Services
Module 2:
Management and Control of Vertebrate Pests
Module 3:
Management and Control of Invertebrate Pests
Prerequisite: Assessment is by written examination and the completion of assignments. Candidates will be expected to refer to successful pest management treatments that they have carried out when completing their assignments. Ability to make Inspection report recommendations building effective relationships with customers. All teaching will be based on current standards and Irish legislation.
Pre Learning provided 4 weeks in Advance
- Learning resources (provided at no extra cost)
- Morning Tea/Coffee
- Light lunch
- Afternoon refreshments
- Socially Distant room with suitable controls in place.
Course will run based on a minimum of 6 Candidates.
Cost (July 2021): £899 (all in)
To reserve your place you must submit a booking form
The Certified Field Biologist Programme is approved by NPTA Ireland.
In order to ensure that candidates have a wide range of competencies in all areas working within a legislative context (Republic of Ireland & Northern Ireland), PestNI has introduced a number of pre-requisite courses that are necessary before entering the final stage of the Field Biologist Programme.
The aim is to Educate candidates to an advanced level having the necessary knowledge and skills to produce Expert Reports meeting Pest Industry Standards.
To enter on this programme it is mandatory to hold the following:
- RSPH/BPCA Level 2 Award in Pest Management/ Irish Diploma or equivalent.
- At least 2 years experience of undertaking Pest Control Inspections or Audits.
Pest NI Field Biologist Programme:
On this Field Biologist Programme, candidates will learn how to produce an expert report summarising the evidence seen during an inspection as well as recommendations.
- Knowledge of legal conformity and non-conformity.
- Current State of Pest Activity
- Review of all pest control procedures and Documentation including HACCP (Pest Control)
- Compliance Audit in relation to Health & Safety, Food Hygiene, HACCP, Environmental & Pest Risk Assessment in accordance with Domestic, National and European legislation, approved codes of Practice and British Retail Consortium (BRC) Industry Standards.
- Trend Analysis and corrective actions.(Food Processing Risk Area Maps).
- Based on Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems 19011:2011
Stage 1-3 outlined below must be completed before entering on to the final Field Biologist Course.
Candidates are required to submit a Portfolio of at least three inspection audit reports demonstrating practical experience of Inspection and Quality of Reports for Food Manufacturing, Retail outlets and Warehouses etc.
Candidates will be Supported & guided throughout. Report guidelines will be provided when joining at the beginning of the programme.
Access to online pre-learning will be provided 4 weeks in advance of the start of the programme.
STAGE 1
RSPH Level 3 Award in Health and Safety for Supervisors in the Workplace. 2-day course with course literature, Multiple Choice Exam, food and refreshments.
On completion, Candidates will receive an Ofqual Level 3 RSPH Qualification.
STAGE 2
RSPH Level 3 (Intermediate) in HACCP. 2-day course with course literature, Multiple Choice Exam, food and refreshments.
The exam will be 1.5 hours long consisting of 45 Multiple Choice Questions.
On completion, Candidates will receive an Ofqual Level 3 RSPH Qualification.
STAGE 3
Field Biologist Course and Exam (It is mandatory to complete stages 1-2 before being accepted on the Field Biologist Course)
On completion of the Field Biologist Course and Exam alongside submission of a portfolio of 3 Reports the Candidate will be issued a Pest NI- Certified Field Biologist Certificate.
You can reserve your place on the Field Biologist Programme here
Price £ 1,995 (NPTA Members get 10% Off this programme)
On successful completion of this Programme, it will allow Candidates to conduct Professional Independent Field Biologist Audit Inspections & Reports, satisfying client customer service requirements.
Contact Owl Pest Control
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Unit 19, Tallaght Business Centre, Whitestown Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24. D24 TD42
