Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Pest Control Training

Pest Control Training in Ireland

Statutory Training:

DAFM-logo

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 so a Pest Management Trained Professional User  (PMU) is necessary.

A PMU No. is associated with an individual, and it is not connected to the company they are employed by. Therefore, a Pest Control company cannot obtain a PMU No.

The only qualifications 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 in Ireland (there is also the “RSPH Level 3 in Pest Management + CRRU Wildlife Aware course” available in Northern Ireland).

It is a 5-day course divided into 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 several restrictions, so trainee pest controllers can gain experience before undertaking the Lantra course. For this, you will need to apply for a “Temporary PMU”, by selecting in the drop-down menu “Pest Management Trainee“.

Since the Covid pandemic started, the Irish Pest Control Association has run an online version of the Lantra Level 3 Award in Pest Management Services course.

The course is running every month or two.

The IPCA also include the certification “CRRU-IASIS Wildlife Aware” Training Course, Certification and Accreditation” for anyone that passes unit 1.

The learners get a login into the modules and have access to all modules which they can view in their own time. They can review any sections they wish.

There are also some live online sessions with a tutor to answer any questions and carry out a review of materials and exam techniques. The exam take place online.

Upon receipt of an application, the IPCA can provide more details on the process.

  • The first online training Tutorial workshop will be covering the first 11 modules with an online exam – Paper 1 & Paper 2.
  • The second tutorial Workshop will cover the rest of the modules, with exam Paper 3 and Online Practical.

All dates and times are confirmed before the course commences.

Below are the topics that will be covered in each section.

 Section A

  • Module 1            Rodent Behaviour Damage
  • Module 2            Rodenticides
  • Module 3            Rodent Biology
  • Module 4            Rodent control – an IPM approach
  • Module 5            Rodenticides & Environment
  • Module 6            Wildlife Species & Rodenticides
  • Module 7            Sewer Rodent Control
  • Module 8            Rodent Site Survey & Risk Assessment

  Section B                              

  • Module 9             Other Vertebrates – Mammals                           
  • Module 10           Other Vertebrates – Birds                              
  • Module 11           Other Vertebrates Control

 Section C

  • Module 12            Introduction to Invertebrates
  • Module 13            Flying Insects – Diptera 1
  • Module 14            Flying Insects – Diptera 2
  • Module 15            Ants, Wasps and Bees
  • Module 16            Arthropods non-chemical control 1
  • Module 17           Arthropods non-chemical control 2
  • Module 18           Cockroaches
  • Module 19          Arthropods Chemical Control
  • Module 20           Parasites
  • Module 21         Ambient Arthropods
  • Module 22           Stored product and structural insects 1
  • Module 23            Stored product and structural insects 2
  • Module 24           Stored product and structural insects 3
  • Codes of Practice and Standards
  • Report Writing & PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT 1 (Rodents)
  • Report Writing & PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT 2 ( Vertebrates & Invertebrates)

You must confirm your expression of interest for any course/repeat exam by email: info@ipca.ie so the IPCA can get you the necessary paperwork and online login details, etc.

For next course dates please check the IPCA website

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.

Large groups will be accommodated at The Pilo Hotel in Ashbourne, with large conference rooms.
 
For course contents, dates and booking forms – Click on the following links: 
 
  1. LANTRA PEST MANAGEMENT DIPLOMA (Level 3 Basic Entry Trained Professional User) PMU
  2. ADVANCED TECHNICIAN /Technical Inspector in Pest Management ROI” (3 Month Programme)
  3. CERTIFIED FIELD BIOLOGIST Programme
pest control student

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 to allow time for “on-the-job” training and completion of the Lantra course.

There are several 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 not an easy qualification for a complete beginner.

If you have no pest control experience and want to join the Lantra course directly, we recommend you to opt for the classroom training (with PestNI) instead of Online training, as you will get more personal 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 and uploading the Lantra Cert.

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.

The DAFM maintains a two PMU lists:

  1. Approved Pest Management Trained Professional Users (PMUs) and
  2. Trainee Pest Management Users.

You can check both lists HERE.

Advanced Training:

PestNI logo

Ready to take on a new challenge?

We are regularly running the Advanced Technician/Technical Inspector in Pest Management course in our training rooms.
 
It is a 3-month programme that includes classroom and projects work.
 

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

 Expert Training includes:

  • 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)

NPTA MEMBERS: £799

To reserve your place you must submit a booking form

NPTA Ireland Logo

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

Pest Control Field Biologist audit

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.

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 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)

Written Exam 3.5 hours consisting of Pest Identification (1 hour) followed by a number of realistic scenarios with 10 questions (2.5 hours).

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.

PHONE, EMAIL OR BOOK

Contact Owl Pest Control

Do you need training advice?

Do you work in Pest Control and need pest control supplies? Get advice or request a trade catalogue today!

NEED HELP? ASK PEST CONTROL TRAINING EXPERT

phone-icon-Owl pest Control Dublin

Unit 19, Tallaght Business Centre, Whitestown Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24. D24 TD42

email-icon-Owl Pest Control Dublin

For All Queries
Monday – Friday
09:00-17:00

book-service-icon-Owl Pest Control Dublin

Email us for a quick response
&
Outside Office Hours

Shopping Basket
Scroll to Top