Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Wood Preservation Certification

All Persons using pesticides professionally in Connecticut must possess an up-to-date certificate issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. An applicant for the wood preservation certificate is expected to possess a working knowledge of the kinds of operators performed by the wood preservation applicator and the reasons for performing them. Outlined below are areas in which an applicant should be proficient.

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis is of primary importance and an applicant should:

(a) be able to identify all common wood destroying organisms found in the region including, but not limited to:

Wood Inhabiting Fungi

  • Brown rot
  • White rot
  • Soft rot

Wood Staining Fungi

  • Sapstaining fungi
  • Mold fungi

Insects

  • Subterranean termites
  • Drywood termites
  • Dampwood termites
  • Carpenter ants
  • Powderpost beetles (Lyctus, Anobiid)
  • Roundheaded borers
  • Flatheaded borers
  • Marine borers
  • Shipworms
  • Pholads
  • Crustacean borers

(b) know the biology and habits of the species listed;

(c) recognize evidence of infestation such as damage; and

(d) be aware of conditions such as temperature, moisture and wood/soil contact which favor infestation.

 

Treatment:

Having determined the needs of a given situation, the applicant should be able to prescribe and apply the proper treatment. This requires knowledge of:

(a) whether or not pesticides are to be applied;

(b) the pesticides used, their properties, such as effectiveness against certain pests and their toxicity to humans and other warm blooded animals. These pesticides should include, but not be limited to:

  • Creosote and Creosote solutions
  • Pentacholorophenol
  • Inorganic Arsenicals
  • Methylisothiocyanate
  • Sodium fluoride;

(c) for pesticides used:

  • (i) the dosage and timing involved;
  • (ii) how the pesticide is to be mixed;
  • (iii) methods of application and the various types of equipment;
  • (iv) how to calibrate equipment; and
  • (v) how to properly store and transport pesticides; and

(d) State of Connecticut and federal pesticide laws and regulations.

Operational Practice:

The applicant should know:
(a) basic safety and handling rules for pesticide use;
(b) how and when to use common types of protective equipment;
(c) early signs and symptoms of pesticide poisoning;
(d) first aid which can be used in the event of pesticide poisoning;
(e) precautions to be taken to protect workers, the public and the environment; and
(f) the proper disposal of pesticide containers and surplus pesticides.

 

Reference Material:

Core Certification Training Manual, Pesticide Applicators & Techs (cornellstore.com)

Study Materials for Supervisory License Exams

7d. Wood Preservation (lumber And Wood Products) (cornellstore.com)

Wood Preservation and Wood Products Treatment Manual

Last Updated April 7, 2022