Restricted Use Pesticide: getting a private pesticide applicator license

The term "pesticide" can include herbicides, fungicides, or insecticides for home gardening, common agriculture, or right of ways. Some pesticides are labeled as "Restricted use Pesticides" or RUP.

In 2008, there were over 10,131 products registered for use in Kansas, with over 316 of those classified as Restricted Use. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) determines if a product is a RUP based on potiental hazards to the applicator and the environment.

In order to purchase RUP's, one must present their private applicators license or have that information on file at the local business.

To receive a private pesticide applicator license you must complete the application procedure prescribed by the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA).

First pick up a "Private Pesticide Applicator Manual." The Extension Office has them on hand; they can either borrowed or purchased.

Once you have read over the book call the Bourbon County Extension Office at (620) 223-3720 to make an appointment to take the test. The test is open book, has 95 multiple choice questions, and takes approximately two to three hours. When the test is completed, there is acost of $25 to be sent to the KSDA. If you pass, you should receive your applicators license within seven to 10 days.

If you should need a license immediately, your test can be graded at the Extension Office; if you pass, you will be given an emergency license to use until you receive your permanent one.

Prior to your birth date on the fifth year of your certification period, the KSDA will mail you a packet with a renewal examination, which you can take at home. Certification may be renewed for a succeeding five-year period by paying the fee of $25, passing the examination and submitting the application for renewal.

All requirements must be met prior to the expiration date to maintain your certification. The renewal materials mailed to you may be used for reentry for one year after your expiration date. If your certification has been expired for longer than one year, you must take the test again at an Extension Office.

In accordance with the 1990 Farm Bill, all private applicators are required by law to keep records of their use of federally RUPs for a period of two years. No standard Federal form is required, so that pesticide recordkeeping can be integrated into the applicator's current recordkeeping schemes.

Under the Kansas Pesticide Law, private certification would authorize you to use or supervise the use of a RUP only to produce an agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by you or your employer, or on the property of another for no compensation other than trading of personal services between producer, or for controlling ornamental shrubbery or turf pests at your own residence. Private applicator certification does not authorize you to apply pesticides on someone else's property and charge a fee for the service. If you wish to apply pesticides commercially, you must first obtain commercial applicator certification and a business license.

The EPA is continually adding new products to the Restricted Use list and companies register products throughout the year. For current lists of EPA registered products for Kansas visit http://state.ceris.purdue.edu/htm/ks.htm or http://www.kellysolutions.com/ks/.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.