KDA's Environmental Services Staff Helps Pesticide Industry Follow the Law.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, August 17, 2009

For more information contact:
Bill Clary

(502) 564-1137

FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky Department of Agriculture can help pesticide applicators and dealers comply with state laws on licensing and certification, avoiding costly fines and giving consumers peace of mind.

“State laws and regulations spell out requirements for licensing, certification, application, record-keeping and all other aspects of the pesticide industry in Kentucky,” Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer said. “It’s just good business for applicators and dealers to follow the law. And consumers benefit as well. Our Division of Environmental Services is available to help applicators and dealers stay in compliance with the law.”

Patrick Gilbert, director of the KDA’s Division of Environmental Services, urged Kentucky pesticide applicators and dealers to follow label directions while applying pesticides or making pesticide recommendations; keep proper records; store pesticides properly; obtain and maintain all required licenses and certifications, and follow all other state laws and regulations that pertain to pesticide applicators and dealers.

Gilbert said state law requires a person to pass a certification examination for each category in which he or she requests certification in order to be certified to make pesticide applications in that category or categories. A person cannot be licensed to sell or apply pesticides until he or she is certified. A person must attend at least 12 continuing education units in three years in a category to maintain certification.

A person must have a commercial pesticide operator’s license to engage in the business of applying pesticides on other peoples’ lands in Kentucky. A person must be certified and be registered as a dealer or employed by someone who is registered as a dealer in order to get a license. Dealers must register with the Department and must post a surety bond or carry liability insurance of at least $1 million.

To get a structural pest control license, a person must have two years of verified employment experience with a licensed structural pest control applicator, submit an application before the state Pest Control Advisory Board and pass a written exam.

For more information about state requirements and fees for pesticide applicators and dealers, go towww.kyagr.com, click on Programs and click on Pesticide Regulation or call 1-800-205-6543.