Dept. of Agriculture: Residents should check for pesticide applicator licenses

Delaware residents should ask pesticide contractors for their state pesticide business license information before hiring them, state agricultural officials advise.

"Spring and summer are a busy season for pesticide applicators, as many people get their lawns spruced up," said Dave Pyne, pesticides administrator for the Department of Agriculture. "We want homeowners to know that all pesticide applicators in Delaware should be licensed and certified, which ensures everyone is working by approved standards."

Under Delaware law, anyone applying either restricted-use or general pesticides to someone else's land or property must be certified and licensed by the Department of Agriculture.

Pesticide business license holders must submit a surety bond or liability insurance policy and hold commercial applicator certification, which includes passing an exam. All employees applying pesticides must be registered with the department and complete a training program.

"Applicator licensing can provide peace of mind to residents that the company they have hired is abiding by state law and that its employees are trained," Pyne said. "If you encounter a company that does not hold a pesticide license, please contact our office."

Businesses licensed for application for ornamental and turf, health-related, industrial, general pest control, fumigation and other categories must identify their service vehicles with the company name and license number in bold and readable numbers.

Residents with questions can call the Pesticide Management Section at 302-698-4571 and can also look up pesticide business licenses at www.kellysolutions.com/de/Business/index.htm.