Amy Solis

Pesticide Recordkeeping

Michael Aerts, O. Norman Nesheim, and Frederick M. Fishel

This document is about the legal requirements and best practices for pesticide recordkeeping by certified applicators. It outlines federal and state regulations, including the types of information that must be recorded, the benefits of maintaining accurate records, and the procedures for accessing and managing these records. It also discusses compliance expectations, potential violations, and available resources to support proper documentation. First publication: April, 1998.This document details the legal recordkeeping requirements for certified pesticide applicators.

Spray Gun Calibration

F. M. Fishel

Protective Eyewear for Pesticide Applicators

Brett Bultemeier

Pesticide Formulations

Frederick M. Fishel

Pest Strips—You Have to Read the Fine Print

Fred Fishel

Delivering Secure CEU Training Utilizing Zoom

Brett W. Bultemeier and Michelle Atkinson

As many began utilizing Zoom to continue training, it became clear that the security of online meetings must be maintained such that only the presenters had control of audio, visuals, and group interaction. For proper CEU administration, attendance must be confirmed throughout the event in a way that ensures participants are engaged in the material and present to meet the regulatory requirements. Due to these challenges and requirements, the following article discusses how to use Zoom and its many features, and how to host successful trainings that are also compliant with state regulatory requirements for CEU administration.

Florida's Pesticidal Substances Exempt from the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA-Section 25(b))

Frederick M. Fishel

Pesticide Fires

Frederick M. Fishel

Introduces the potential problems associated with pesticide fires, precautions to take, what to do if a fire occurs, and a table to decode the numbers on the diamond-shaped National Fire Protection Association warning symbol. Includes form for pre-fire plan and additional sources of information.

Personal Protective Equipment for Handling Pesticides

Frederick Fishel

Emergency Exemption Pesticide Registrations

Frederick M. Fishel

This document describes a unique type of pesticide registration—Emergency Exemption, also known as a Section 18 registration, and examples of situations where it is warranted.

Requirements of Aerial Applicators in Florida

Frederick M. Fishel

Are Homemade "Pesticides" Legal?

Brett Bultemeier and Jason Ferrell

Pests of all shapes and sizes have vexed humanity since our earliest days. From disease-carrying mosquitos, to weeds and insects that reduce crop yields, to disease in well-manicured rose gardens, pests often require some level of management. UF/IFAS recommends an integrated pest management (IPM) plan that seeks to utilize all available management tools to effectively mitigate pest problems.

Respirators for Pesticide Applications

Frederick M. Fishel

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) Continuing Education Unit (CEU) System for Certified Pesticide Applicators

Frederick M. Fishel

Water Quality and the Effectiveness of Pesticides

F. M. Fishel

Exposición de familias agricultoras al glifosato

Frederick M. Fishel y Tatiana Sánchez

Guía de gestión de plagas para cítricos en la Florida 2016: Interpretación de los enunciados de PPE en las etiquetas de pesticidas

O. Norman Nesheim, Frederick M. Fishel, y Tatiana Sanchez

Este documento le ayuda a comprender los enunciados revisados para Equipo de Protección Personal (PPE) que ahora hacen parte de las etiquetas de los productos pesticidas utilizados en las fincas, bosques, viveros e invernaderos.

Rodenticides

Frederick M. Fishel

Rodenticides are pesticides designed to kill rodents. However, rodents are not the only species that can be poisoned by rodenticides. Rodenticides vary widely in the hazard they present even though they are all designed to kill animals that are physiologically comparable to humans. This document will address those hazards for rodenticides that are currently registered in Florida.

Pesticide Spill Kits

Frederick M. Fishel

The Importance of Keeping Pesticide Records

F. M. Fishel

Pesticide Labeling: Protection of Pollinator

Frederick M. Fishel, James Ellis, and Gene McAvoy

The Facts about Mothballs

Brett W. Bultemeier

Although many people are familiar with the sight and smell of mothballs, very few give much thought on how they should and should not be used. Mothballs can be effective at repelling certain insects within the home, but it is important to use them properly. Because they are used within the home and commonly considered a household product, users often fail to read the directions or take these products seriously. The purpose of this document is to provide the public with definitions and instructions for proper usage of mothballs.

Pesticide Recordkeeping Form for Florida Applicators

Frederick M. Fishel

Toxicity of Pesticides

O. Norman Nesheim, Frederick M. Fishel, and Mark Mossler

Surviving the FDACS Inspection: Walking through an Inspection

Frederick M. Fishel

What Are Inert Ingredients?

Frederick M. Fishel

Storage Limitation Statements: Temperature—Fungicides

Frederick M. Fishel

Storage Limitation Statements: Temperature—Herbicides

Frederick M. Fishel

Managing Pesticide Drift

F. M. Fishel and J. A. Ferrell

Licensing of Pesticide Dealers in Florida

Frederick M. Fishel

Wood Preservatives

Frederick M. Fishel

This document describes the purpose of applying preservatives to various wood products. A description of wood preservatives registered for use in Florida is also provided.

Avicides

Frederick M. Fishel

By and large, birds are beneficial because they provide enjoyment and recreation to humans and are vital to ecosystem balance. However, occasionally some species can compete with human interests. When these situations occur, some forms of control may become necessary. Avicides are pesticides designed to kill or repel pest birds. This document addresses those avicides currently registered for use in Florida.

Why do we use pesticides?

Frederick M. Fishel

This guide explains the benefits of pesticide use and why they are important in our society. Examples are provided to illustrate the importance of pesticides and the living conditions that are not possible without their use.

Pesticide Emergencies: Fires and Spills

Frederick M. Fishel

This document discusses emergencies which involve pesticide fires and spills.

Pesticide Emergencies: Contingency Planning

Frederick M. Fishel

The purpose of contingency planning is to prevent an emergency situation from becoming a catastrophic event. This document provides insight on how to develop a contingency plan for addressing emergencies where pesticides are involved.

Microsoft Teams for CEU and Training Delivery

Brett W. Bultemeier and Joe Gasper

Applying Pesticides in Compliance with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

F. M. Fishel

First Aid for Pesticide Exposure

Frederick M. Fishel

This document describes how to recognize the early symptoms of pesticide exposure and provide basic first aid for the treatment of victims. Initial treatment is not intended as a replacement for care administered by professional medical personnel; rather, initial treatment details the immediate action to take should an accident occur.

Water pH and the Effectiveness of Pesticides

Frederick M. Fishel and J. A. Ferrell

Paraquat Training, Licensing, and Application Requirements

Brett W. Bultemeier

Paraquat is unique among pesticides in that it requires all who use it to be licensed. After a pesticide license is attained additional training is required on a 3 year basis. Furthermore, there are specific packaging and equipment requirements to legally use this product. This document serves to outline these requirements and explain how to fulfill them for pesticide applicators in Florida and around the country. 

Understanding FDACS Pesticide Inspections

Brett Wells Bultemeier, Emily Kraus, Tamara James, and Neil Richmond

Pesticide enforcement in Florida is performed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). As part of their enforcement duties, inspections of facilities, vehicles, and even people using pesticides falls under their authority. These inspections can be random or purpose driven, but all utilize the same forms to guide inspectors. Understanding the content on these forms, and purpose behind the inspections can better prepare those professionals who use pesticides to be compliant with the rules. This publication can be used to perform mock inspections and better understand the inspection process for all. 

Equipo de Protección Personal para la Manipulación de Pesticidas

Frederick Fishel

Este documento describe diversos artículos de equipo de protección personal (EPP) que se usan para proteger el cuerpo humano del contacto con pesticidas o residuos de pesticidas. El EPP incluye elementos tales como overoles o trajes protectores, calzado, guantes, delantales, mascarillas, gafas y sombreros.

Worker Protection Standard (WPS) Responsibilities and Compliance

Emily Kraus and Brett Bultemeier

The purpose of this new 10-page publication of the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office is to assist Extension agents and agricultural stakeholders themselves to understand what the Worker Protection Standard (WPS) is, what the individual requirements are for different roles, and overall, how to comply with the requirements of WPS. This document is a highly condensed version of the law and is intended to help agents and stakeholders find the full list of requirements in a much larger, more difficult-to-digest document from the EPA. Written by Emily Kraus and Brett Bultemeier.

EPA Approval of Pesticide Labeling

Frederick Fishel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Guía de seguridad para el uso de pesticidas en el hogar

Frederick M. Fishel

En este documento se describen las medidas que ayudarán en la toma de decisiones inteligentes y seguras sobre la utilización de plaguicidas en el hogar y césped/jardín.

Secure Pesticide Storage: General Features

Frederick M. Fishel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet. Published by ==Special Handling==

Pesticide Mode of Action Classification: Understanding Resistance Action Committees (RACs)

Emily C. Kraus and Brett Bultemeier

This publication defines the concept of a pesticide mode of action and provides several examples. It emphasizes the importance of identifying and differentiating modes of action for pesticide resistance management. To this end, it defines the development and goals of the three Resistance Action Committees for insecticides (IRAC), herbicides (HRAC), and fungicides (FRAC) and describes each group’s pesticide mode of action classification scheme. Finally, it provides an example of a pesticide label and instructs applicators on how to rotate pesticides to manage resistance. This publication presents the subject matter in a concise manner and directs pesticide applicators to the very useful RAC Mode of Action group numbers for rotation purposes. 

Gloves for Pesticide Applicators

Brett W. Bultemeier

The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as directed by pesticide labels is an important part of compliance with pesticide use and for reducing the risk of exposure. The primary risk for exposure to pesticides is the hands and forearms, and chemical-resistant gloves are the primary way to reduce that risk. This publication discusses the type of gloves available, how to select which glove, how to clean and maintain them, as well as other important considerations to most effectively utilize this important piece of PPE.

Florida Rules for Direct Supervision of Unlicensed Pesticide Applicators

Brett W. Bultemeier and Erin E. Harlow

In the state of Florida there are three statutory chapters that dictate the rules for pesticide applications. Each chapter, 388 (mosquito), 482 (structural pest control), and 487 (agriculture and other sites), differs on who needs a license to apply pesticides and what the rules are for those who oversee unlicensed applicators. This new 3-page publication will define those rules and give guidance on what is needed to supervise unlicensed applicators in the state of Florida.

Federal Regulations Affecting Use of Pesticides

Frederick M. Fishel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). Published by ==Special Handling==

Finding the Correct Pesticide Applicator License in Florida

Erin E. Harlow, Luke B. Harlow, Susan Haddock, and Brett W. Bultemeier

It can be difficult to determine which pesticide license is needed for an applicator's specific situation. Each license has unique study material, a different fee structure, and varied CEU requirements. This publication utilizes a "dichotomous key" for the pesticide license process to help guide users to the correct license. Each license category page will also provide all the relevant information needed to get and maintain a license in the state of Florida.

Pesticide Characteristics

Frederick M. Fishel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Pets and Pesticides: Benefits and Potential Risks

Emily C. Kraus

This publication is intended for pet owners of non-agricultural animals. It describes the benefits and risks associated with topical pesticides and collars intended to protect pets from parasites. It also describes how to protect pets from unintentional exposure to pesticides used in and around homes. Finally, it provides guidance on where to find assistance in case of an emergency.

Proper Disposal of Pesticide Waste

O. Norman Nesheim and Frederick M. Fishel

This document is about the proper disposal of pesticide waste, outlining safe, legal, and environmentally responsible methods for handling various types of pesticide residues. It covers disposal procedures for empty containers, excess mixtures and products, rinse water, spill cleanup materials, and contaminated clothing. The document also explains relevant federal and state regulations, including classifications of hazardous and solid waste, and provides practical guidance to minimize environmental contamination and legal liability. Published as Cir 840: March, 1989.

Special Local Needs Pesticide Registrations—24(c)

Frederick M. Fishel

This document describes a unique type of pesticide registration—Special Local Need, also known as a 24(c) registration, and examples of situations where it is warranted.

Transporting Pesticides and Understanding the Rules of the Road: Farmers, Ranchers, and Production Agricultural Operations

Frederick M. Fishel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s).

Integrated pest management goes hand-in-hand with safety

Emily C. Kraus

This publication is geared toward pest management specialists, certified pesticide applicators, and homeowners who are managing indoor and outdoor pests. It provides a broad definition of a pest and describes integrated pest management (IPM) and pest management strategies. As opposed to other EDIS which are specific to management areas (ex: landscape, turf, vegetable) this publication can be used as a basis for all sectors of pest management. The publication also emphasizes using IPM to reduce the development of pesticide resistance and emphasizes how each aspect of IPM contributes to personal and environmental safety.

Florida's Organo-Auxin Herbicide Rule—2021

B. Bultemeier, J. A. Ferrell, and G. E. MacDonald

Organo-auxin (phenoxy) herbicides have found a place in weed control schemes for peanut, corn, small grains, sugarcane, turf, pasture and forage crops, and many other areas. It is the intent of this publication to clarify and disseminate the Florida Organo-Auxin Herbicide Rule to interested growers and applicators. Major revision by B. Bultemeier, J. A. Ferrell, and G. E. MacDonald; 4 pages.

Experimental-Use Permits

Frederick M. Fishel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Pesticide Container Rinsing

Thomas W. Dean, O. Norman Nesheim, and Frederick Fishel

This document explains what procedures are involved in creating a legally empty container.

Ensuring Pesticide Compatibility in Tank Mixes

Brett Bultemeier, Ethan Carter, and Benjamin Sperry

This publication is intended to help pesticide applicators and county Extension faculty to better understand proper pesticide mixing and to reduce instances of incompatibility. After reading this publication, readers should understand the causes of pesticide incompatibility, how to avoid incompatibility, and how to maximize the benefits of tank mixing. Written by Brett Bultemeier, Ethan Carter, and Benjamin Sperry, and published by the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office, September 2024.

Transporting Pesticides and Understanding the Rules of the Road: Pest Control Businesses

Frederick M. Fishel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Sprayer Cleanout Procedures: Protect Equipment and Crops

Brett W. Bultemeier and Benjamin Sperry

Maintenance of any piece of equipment is vital for not only keeping it functional, but maximizing its efficacy. This is even more important when it comes to pesticide application equipment. A critical piece of this maintenance is properly cleaning the tank out after use. This new 3-page publication from the UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office will discuss the importance of and mechanisms for properly cleaning out pesticide application equipment. Written by Brett Bultemeier and Benjamin Sperry.

Mejorando la efectividad de un programa profesional para el manejo de plagas

Frederick M. Fishel y Tatiana Sanchez

El propósito de esta guía es proporcionar información que permita optimizar el control de plagas en el entorno del hogar cuando se trabaja con un operador profesional para el control de plagas.