CLEMSON — Beware: The bugs are back, ready to wage war on your home, lawn and garden.
But when you enlist troops to fight back this summer, be sure they’re licensed to kill.
“Most homeowners probably aren’t aware that any commercial turf and landscape-maintenance professional who applies any weed killer, insecticide or fungicide as part of his business must possess an approved South Carolina pesticide applicator’s license,” said Joe Krausz, head of the Department of Pesticide Regulation at Clemson University.
“If used improperly, pesticides can be dangerous to humans, pets and the environment. Children can be especially sensitive to certain pesticides if precautions are not followed,” Krausz said.
“The pesticide licensing process ensures that the pest-control professional has passed a qualifying examination evaluating the applicator’s knowledge about using pesticides safely, and that the applicator carries adequate liability insurance to cover mishaps that may occur due to the pest-control activities,” he said.
Identifying a properly licensed applicator is easy: Look for a bright yellow decal in the shape of the state of South Carolina on both sides of the vehicle stamped with the words “South Carolina Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator.”
Applicators who transport pesticides are required to display the decals.
“Before you sign a contract for lawn and landscape care, ask to see the lawn-care professional’s license,” Krausz said. “The licensed individual may supervise an unlicensed applicator, but someone in the company must be properly licensed.”
Krausz’s department oversees licensing and education programs for pesticide applicators, as well as pesticide container recycling, integrated pest management in schools, endangered species protection and a pesticide worker protection program.
If you have questions concerning the law, call the Department of Pesticide Regulation at 864-646-2150.
