As the year nears its end, you may have recently noticed your certified private applicator license expires on Dec. 31.
A private applicator license is required for anyone applying a restricted-use pesticide to an agricultural commodity. Certification is good for three years.
Examples of restricted-use pesticides include atrazine, gramoxone, and warrior. Examples of non-restricted use pesticides that do not require certification include 2,4-D, crossbow, and Grazon Next. If you are unsure if you need a private applicator license, contact the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service.
Those who wish to renew their license or become newly certified should plan to attend a training on Jan. 24 at 10 a.m. at the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service.
Now is also a good time to think about pesticide storage during the winter months. Safety is the primary concern when storing pesticides during the winter months. It is important that products are kept out of the reach of those who should not come into contact with them and to guard against accidental contamination of the environment in case of a spill, flood, or fire.
Pesticides should be stored away from feed and seed in a secure, lighted building. The structure should be sound, dry, and airy, and it must be able to protect pesticides from extreme temperatures and moisture. A “pesticide storage” sign should be placed by the entrance to warn emergency personnel of the contents.
Always keep protective equipment on hand, like gloves and eye/body wash solutions, in case of emergencies. Keep sand, sawdust, or other absorbent material available to contain liquid spills.
In addition, you’re trying to protect your investment in the products you have. If they are stored properly, most can last for at least two years on the shelf and still function effectively. Check the product label for specific storage directions.
Winter is also a good time to take inventory of all the products in the storage area. Check products in storage for damaged packaging and make sure the label is still readable.
Homeowners may not have specific storage buildings for pesticides, and typically they don’t have significant quantities, but storage is still important. Homeowners should at least put products in the garage and get them out of the reach of children.
Know the dates on your products and use the oldest ones first. Follow the label instructions for disposal when the chemicals are out of date or no longer needed.
On the farm or in the home, pesticide users may occasionally see products with telltale signs of ineffectiveness. Powdery products may start to clump, and liquids may separate. Before disposing of the product, read the label to see if there are suggestions for correcting it. Sometimes rolling a bottle or shaking a product will help, but make sure the label allows these techniques before employing them.
In some situations, chemicals have been discontinued for use. Homeowners who have products containing phased-out chemicals can use the product according to label directions until it is gone. It is best to use them up because the longer you keep them, the longer they must become a disposal problem. Commercial products always have a list of active ingredients on the label. Check this list for the discontinued chemical.
For more information, contact the Adair County Cooperative Extension Service at 270-384-2317.
