DATE: 9/9/2005

CONTACT: Cam Lay, (864) 646-2150

WRITER: Tracy Outlaw, (864) 646-2144

Jan. 1 is deadline for certain pesticide applicators in S.C.

CLEMSON — The Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) has seen a tremendous response to the upcoming mandatory licensing requirement for aquatic pest control, turf and ornamental pest control, and public health pest control.

“However, if you are an applicator who works in one of these areas and you have not gotten your license, you need to do so as soon as you can,” said Cam Lay, assistant department head for DPR. “Only four months are left before changes to the S.C. Pesticide Control Act go into effect.”

As of Jan. 1, 2006, anyone who applies pesticides on another person’s private or rental property for compensation will be required to be licensed or work under the direct supervision of someone who is licensed.

“Not only will licenses be required for applicators, working without a license can cost you,” said Lay.

Although each case is judged on its own merits and circumstances, if you are caught working without a license, you may receive a fine. Each application is a separate violation, according to the Department of Pesticide Regulation. The DPR also has the option of prosecuting someone criminally, if the situation calls for it.

Aquatic pest control includes those individuals who apply pesticides for hire or as a government employee to bodies of water, such as lakes and ponds, to control aquatic weeds and plants. This includes people who apply pesticides or herbicides to golf course ponds and water attractions.

Turf and ornamental pest control includes those individuals and businesses who spray or apply any type of pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides for hire or as a government employee to a lawn, yard or turf.

Public health control primarily includes those individuals who apply mosquito-control products. Most of these applicators are government employees, although the Department has seen an increasing number of residential mosquito control systems. People who install and service those systems for hire will also need to get a Category 8 license.

To obtain a license, an applicant must be at least 18 years old and pass a two-part competency exam. He or she must have liability insurance, fill out an application, and mail the application package to DPR.

Complying with the regulations is relatively straightforward. Applicators must keep records, properly supervise their unlicensed employees, and meet certain storage, disposal, and disclosure requirements.

Various training sessions are being held around the state. Please contact your local Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service office for information in your area.

Further information on exam sessions and licensing requirements is available from the Department of Pesticide Regulation at 864-646-2150, or visit http://dpr.clemson.edu.

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