Sustainable Pest Management | University of Maryland Extension

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

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

Avoiding Injury to Grapes From Off Target Herbicide Exposure

Over the past few years there have been quite few cases in Maryland of injury to grapevines from herbicides that were sprayed to control weeds before planting crops on adjacent or nearby fields. Damage has ranged from some minimal leaf distortion through severe damage, crop loss, and vine death.

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