Registration is nearly full for this in-depth, hands-on technical session. Space is limited to 24 attendees, and only 5 seats remain.

Course Description

Explore the fascinating world of spiders in this interactive and informative workshop designed for pest management professionals and spider enthusiasts alike. This hands-on Spider Identification Lab provides participants with a practical understanding of spider biology, behavior, and identification techniques through instruction, discussion, and microscope-based identification.

Featured Speakers

• Kacie Hargett, BCE – Spider taxonomy, morphology, medically significant spiders, and myth-busting
• Chaz Estrada, Nisus – Structural and perimeter spiders of the PNW, IPM & control decision-making

What You’ll Learn

• General spider anatomy, biology, and behavior
• Differences between spiders and related arthropods, including insects
• The relationship between spiders and public health, including common misconceptions
• Identification of common “pest” species such as brown recluse, cellar spiders, and black widows
• Myths and realities surrounding hobo and recluse spiders
• Proper specimen collection and storage techniques
• Spider management strategies and IPM-based control decision-making

Hands-On Identification Lab

Participants will work through microscope stations to identify spider specimens with guidance from all instructors and WSU Extension (Brittny Jones). This lab emphasizes practical identification skills that can be applied immediately in the field.

CEUs: Credits will be requested in Washington State.

Investment:
Members: $145
Non-Members: $195

Thank You to Our Supporters

This program is made possible with support from BASF, Nisus, and Washington State University Extension. We appreciate their continued commitment to education and professional development within the pest management industry.

Registration will close once the remaining seats are filled.