Private pesticide applicators needing to recertify have a few opportunities left for the 2020-2021 year with Washington County Extension.

Private pesticide applicators are certified to use restricted use pesticides on property that is owned or rented by the applicator or applicator’s employer. To be certified initially, applicators must pass the private pesticide applicator’s exam through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship Pesticide Bureau. Once certified, applicators must receive education annually to maintain their certification or take a test every three years. Washington County’s remaining private pesticide meetings are scheduled for this Thursday at 1:30 p.m. in a recorded DVD format, and at 6:30 p.m. that day for a live presentation by Extension Field Agronomist Rebecca Vittetoe. The final course will be a recorded DVD program on April 5th at 1 p.m. Pre-registration is required by calling the Washington County Extension Office at 319.653.4811. The cost for the course is $20.