The Monte Mucho Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD), the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Texas AgriLife Extension Service will be sponsoring private pesticide applicator’s license training in Hebbronville in late February or early March.

The Texas Pesticide Law requires that a person may not use a restricted-use or state-limited-use pesticides or regulated herbicides unless licensed or certified by TDA. Additionally, applicators are to keep records of pesticide applications for two years. All applicators must obtain continuing education units (CEUs) to renew their license. Private applicator licenses are valid for five years, and the applicator must obtain 15 CEUs during that time to renew.

“We had quite a bit of interest from people wanting to get their pesticide applicator’s license when we held our workshop in November, so as a result of that interest we are have going to hold a training in the area,” said Erasmo Montemayor, District Conservationist with the NRCS office. “We need at least four or more people for the workshop, so if you are interested in obtaining your pesticide license, be sure to call so we can notify you of the date when it is set.”

The training will be coordinated through the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) who will be responsible for issuing the continuing education units (CEUs) that are required to obtain the license.

Some information to know about pesticide classifications:

• General-use -- can be purchased and used by the general public. Does not require a license to distribute or use.

• Restricted-use -- for purchase and use only by certified pesticide applicators or persons under their direct supervision. Designation is placed on the product by EPA, and the label will state restricted-use.

• State-limited-use -- pesticides containing certain active ingredients, with the potential to cause adverse effects to non-targeted vegetation, are classified as SLU when distributed in containers larger than one quart liquid or 2 pounds dry or solid. Also includes pesticides or devices for predation control.

• Regulated Herbicide -- herbicides the department determines, if used as directed or in accordance with widespread and commonly recognized practice, require additional restrictions to prevent a hazard to desirable vegetation caused by drift or an uncontrolled application.

For more information or to reserve your spot, call Erika Melo at (361) 527-3253 ext. 3.