Extension offers help to pesticide-application industry during pandemic

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — With in-person training not currently available due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the pesticide-application industry still is receiving relevant information through Penn State Extension, which has ramped up online educational offerings.

“In light of the pandemic, Penn State Extension quickly has been able to help organize several recertification webinars to meet applicator needs, to guide applicators to existing online credit opportunities, to disseminate information through a toll-free phone number and to help promote a new pre-exam training webinar,” said Sharon Gripp, extension associate in pesticide education. 

The Penn State Extension website features several pages of information to guide pesticide applicators. The first, “Pesticide Licensing Program Changes Due to COVID-19 Pandemic,” offers up-to-date changes from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, including exam cancellations and license renewal extensions for private applicators.

The “COVID-19 Resources for Pesticide Applicators” page offers information geared toward pesticide applicators and related businesses, including links to resources and updates that may help applicators continue working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The third, “So, You Need to Find Online Recertification Credits? We Can Help,” highlights where to look for online courses offering recertification credits.

Penn State Extension has created several webinars to help all pesticide applicators — but especially private applicators — earn recertification credits to renew their licenses before the extended deadline date of June 1, 2020.

In addition, Penn State is offering a new webinar to assist those wanting to prepare for the CORE and Category 23: Park and School Pest Control certification examinations.

Penn State Extension also provides pertinent information on the 800-Penn-IPM telephone system to update private applicators who may not have access to internet resources on licensing extensions.

For more information, contact Gripp at sic100@psu.edu.

About Penn State Extension 

Penn State Extension is dedicated to translating scientific research into real-world applications to drive progress. In support of Penn State's land-grant mission, extension programs serve individuals, businesses and communities, while promoting a vibrant food and fiber system, a clean environment, and a healthier population in Pennsylvania and beyond. With support from federal, state and county governments, the organization has a tradition of bringing unbiased information and support to the citizens of Pennsylvania for more than 100 years.