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Frequently Asked Questions: Applicators
Emergency Information
Poison Control Center
- 1-800-222-1222
National Pesticide Information Center 
- 1-800-858-7378
General | Consumers
| Applicators | Farm and
Agricultural Workers
Mosquito
Control
- How do I become certified as an applicator?
- What do I do if I am exposed to a pesticide?
- How do I know how to apply a pesticide?
- Is it necessary to get a license to apply pesticides?
- How much does it cost to become certified as a private applicator?
How do I become certified as an applicator?
For information on how to become a certified pesticide applicator, contact your pesticide state lead agency or your Cooperative Extension Service.
What do I do if I am exposed to a pesticide?
Pesticide exposure may or may not cause a problem. Irritation or even burns can occur when a caustic or an acidic pesticide is spilled on the skin or splashed in the eyes. Effects on internal organs can occur if a sufficient amount of pesticide is absorbed from the lungs, mouth or across the skin, and it may be possible to have long-term effects from repeated small exposures that by themselves do not cause obvious harm.
There are situations where pesticide exposure does not cause problems. For example, some pesticides cannot be absorbed across the skin. Or, the body may be able to metabolize and excrete small amounts of pesticides without adverse effect. Additionally, some pesticides have relatively low toxicity for humans.
Unless the pesticide exposure is massive (as when a child eats rat poison) or causes immediate serious symptoms, predicting the likelihood of future effects requires professional judgment. When in doubt, consult with any one of these sources:
National Poison Control Center
1-800-222-1222 (emergency only), 202-362-3867 (for administrative and
materials requests), 202-362-8563 (TDD)
National Pesticide Information
Center
1-800-858-7378, 541-737-0761 (fax)
The EPA regional office where you live.
How do I know how to apply a pesticide?
The label on the pesticide container provides instructions for use of the pesticide. It also includes warnings that are intended to let the user know how to prevent harmful exposures, such as by wearing protective clothing, keeping children and pets out of the treated area for certain periods, and so on. It is very important to Read the Label First before using a pesticide. Safely using pesticides depends on using the appropriate pesticide and using it correctly.
How much does it cost to become certified as a private applicator?
Contact your state agency as prices may vary from state to state.