Pesticide Applicator Technology & Safety

Updated: November 5, 2024

Understanding Glyphosate and Other Pesticides (FS-1193)

Recent concerns about the widespread use of glyphosate and its potential impacts have propelled this herbicide into the national spotlight. This article provides an overview of the regulatory processes glyphosate and other pesticides must undergo to ensure they do not pose unreasonable risks to human health or the environment. Author: Kurt Vollmer; Title: Understanding Glyphosate and Other Pesticides (FS-1193)

Updated: October 23, 2024

What is a Maryland Pesticide Applicator's License and how do I get one?

Anyone who purchases or uses Restricted Use Pesticides must be a Certified Pesticide Applicator. A farmer who uses Restricted Use Pesticides on their own farm would need a Certified Private Pesticide Applicator License, while a professional contractor who uses pesticides on other people's farms would need a Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator License.

Updated: October 23, 2024

Certifications in agriculture and natural resources

I get a lot of questions about certifications. What certifications should a farmer or landscaper or food entrepreneur get? What professional development certifications can UMD Extension help you work towards? If you ask me that question, I’ll likely ask you to take a moment to think about why you want certification. Do you want to make sure your business is complying with relevant regulations? Do you want to go above and beyond what is required to set your business apart from your competition? Is one of your customers asking for a specific certification? Are you looking for a job and hoping a certification on your resume will help you find one?

Updated: October 23, 2024

Appropriate and Allowable PPE for Pesticide Applicators in the Covid19 Era

Pesticide applicators may have trouble obtaining the label-listed (and thus required) PPE while safety supplies are in short supply due to new and expanded needs as individuals seek to minimize their potential exposure to sources of the Covid19 virus. In many cases, pesticide labels call for the same PPE that is currently needed to protect front-line workers such as first responders and medical professionals. It is important to understand that label-listed PPE for working with pesticides has been required because of demonstrated or scientifically-based necessity to protect the applicator’s health. It is acceptable to choose PPE that is more, but not less, protective. When possible, the best alternative is to choose a product that simply does not require the hard-to-obtain PPE.

Updated: October 23, 2024

Pesticide Safety Educ. Private Applicator Recert Workbook

A team of Extension agents from University of Maryland, University of Delaware, Penn State have produced a workbook for applicators that do not have access to virtual training materials. This workbook is intended to give Maryland Private Pesticide Applicators the re certification training (4 credits) needed to renew the applicator’s license. Topics covered in this workbook are MDA-approved and are equivalent to two hours of in-person training needed every three years to renew your private applicator’s license. This workbook is also approved for three (3) Delaware credits and two (2) Pennsylvania core credits. In order to receive credit you must complete the entire workbook. At the end of the workbook you will answer a 30-question quiz and return it for grading. To order your free workbook, please complete this form: https://go.umd.edu/pesticideworkbook or call the Harford County Extension Office at (410) 638-3255.

Updated: October 23, 2024