DATE: 9/20/07

CONTACT: Joseph Krausz, Department of Pesticide Regulations Department Head, (864) 646-2150

WRITER: Tracy Outlaw, Public Information Director, (864) 646-2144

License now required for turf, ornamental pest control

CLEMSON—The Clemson University Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is sending out a reminder to all landscaping and turf professionals in South Carolina who use pesticides -- get your pesticide license.

If you own a landscaping business, work for a golf course, or if you are a government employee and get paid to apply pesticides, herbicides, or insecticides to turf or ornamental trees and shrubs on someone else’s property, you are required to be licensed.

“Even if you ‘only spray a little Round-Up®,’” said Cam Lay, assistant department head for DPR. “The laws passed in 2006 require you to be licensed.”

If you only perform lawn manicuring services such as mowing, trimming, hedge cutting, raking, or leaf blowing, you do not have to be licensed. In fact, if you only apply pesticides, insecticides, or herbicides every now and then, you may want to consider dropping this service from your business.

To get a pesticide license in S.C., you must be at least 18 years old and pass a two-part exam. You must also maintain insurance coverage at all times.

Once you have obtained your license and insurance, compliance with the remainder of the Regulations is relatively straightforward.

The Department of Pesticide Regulation conducts pesticide license exams. You must pre-register at least two weeks in advance of the test date. Training materials are available through the Clemson University Bulletin Room. Exam and licensing information can be found on the DPR web site at http://dpr.clemson.edu.

The Department of Pesticide Regulation is committed to education, compliance assistance, and a firm but fair enforcement of their licensing and pest control regulations. Please contact the main office in Pendleton at (864) 646-2150 for assistance.

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