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