Pesticide Information Office

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Interpreting PPE Statements on Pesticide Labels

Jason A. Ferrell and Frederick M. Fishel

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide

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

F. M. Fishel

Are Homemade "Pesticides" Legal?

Brett Bultemeier and Jason Ferrell

Avicides

Frederick M. Fishel

Boom Sprayer Nozzle Performance Test

Frederick M. Fishel

Broadcast Boom Sprayer Calibration

Thomas W. Dean and Frederick M. Fishel

Clasificación de las licencias para aplicadores dictadas por el Departamento de Agricultura y Servicios al Consumidor del estado de la Florida (FDACS), relacionadas con agricultura y control de plagas

Frederick M. Fishel y Tatiana Sanchez

Defoliants and Desiccants

Joseph E. Iboyi, Michael J. Mulvaney, Mahesh Bashyal, Pratap Devkota, and David L. Wright

This document discusses the meaning of the terms “defoliant” and “desiccant,” their uses, and factors that impact their performance, and also provides a list of registered products for use in Florida. Written by Joseph E. Iboyi, Michael J. Mulvaney, Mahesh Bashyal, Pratap Devkota, and David L. Wright, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, revised November 2021.

Delivering Secure CEU Training Utilizing Zoom

Brett W. Bultemeier and Michelle Atkinson

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.

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.

EPA Approval of Pesticide Labeling

Frederick Fishel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

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.

Experimental-Use Permits

Frederick M. Fishel

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Exposición de familias agricultoras al glifosato

Frederick M. Fishel y Tatiana Sánchez

Federal Regulations Affecting Use of Pesticides

Frederick M. Fishel

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 new 71-page 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.

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.

Florida Crop/Pest Management Profile: Cabbage

Wael M. Elwakil and Mark Mossler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

Florida Crop/Pest Management Profile: Watermelon

Wael M. Elwakil, Nicholas, S. Dufault, Joshua H. Freeman, and Mark A. Mossler

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet for Commercial audience(s). in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Animal Systems

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.

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

Frederick M. Fishel

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.

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.

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.

How to Obtain an Aldicarb Application Permit for Florida Cotton or Peanut

Zane J. Grabau, Ethan Carter, Libbie Johnson, Jay Ferrell, Dale Dubberly, and Tamara James

This publication is intended to guide growers through the process of applying for a free permit to use aldicarb, an insecticide/nematicide subject to particular restrictions because of its highly toxic nature and concerns about groundwater contamination when it is improperly applied. Aldicarb is currently labeled only for cotton and peanut in Florida. It is a restricted-use pesticide; thus applicators must have a current and valid private or commercial Florida pesticide applicator’s license with a row crop category designation and must obtain an aldicarb permit from Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before applying this product in Florida. This publication provides a guide to the permit application process for aldicarb.

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.

Licensing of Pesticide Dealers in Florida

Frederick M. Fishel

Managing Pesticide Drift

F. M. Fishel and J. A. Ferrell

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

Frederick M. Fishel y Tatiana Sanchez

Microsoft Teams for CEU and Training Delivery

Brett W. Bultemeier and Joe Gasper

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. 

Personal Protective Equipment for Handling Pesticides

Frederick Fishel

Pest Strips—You Have to Read the Fine Print

Fred Fishel

Pesticide and Container Disposal for Homeowners

O. Norman Nesheim and Frederick M. Fishel

Pesticide Characteristics

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.

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.

Pesticide Emergencies: Fires and Spills

Frederick M. Fishel

This document discusses emergencies which involve pesticide fires and spills.

Pesticide Fires

Frederick M. Fishel

Pesticide Formulations

Frederick M. Fishel

Pesticide Injection and Drenching

Frederick M. Fishel, Adam G. Dale, and Ryan W. Klein

A UF/IFAS Fact Sheet intended for Commercial audience(s). The purpose of this document is to inform the audience of Florida-registered pesticide options available for professional injection and drench applications to treat trees. This new revision by Ryan Klein and Adam Dale expands and updates the original 2018 version by Fred Fishel. 5 pp.

Pesticide Interactions

Frederick M. Fishel

Pesticide Labeling: Directions for Use

Frederick M. Fishel

This document describes the directions for use section of the pesticide label—usually the largest body of information found on most labels. Examples of typical directions for use statements are provided.

Pesticide Labeling: Environmental Hazards Statements

Frederick M. Fishel

This document explains environmental hazard statements seen on pesticide labels and discusses the toxicity criteria used in determining the manner in which they are presented on the pesticide label. Examples of typical statements regarding environmental hazards found on pesticide labels are provided.

Pesticide Labeling: First Aid Statements

Frederick M. Fishel

This document explains first aid statements seen on pesticide labels and discusses the toxicity criteria used in determining the manner in which they are presented on the pesticide label. Examples of typical statements regarding first aid found on pesticide labels are provided.

Pesticide Labeling: Identification Numbers

Frederick M. Fishel

This document describes identification numbers seen on the pesticide label. Examples of various identification numbers are provided and their meanings explained.

Pesticide Labeling: Ingredient Statements

Frederick M. Fishel

This guide explains how pesticide ingredient statements are presented on the pesticide label for products' active and inert ingredients. Examples of various types of pesticides are provided.

Pesticide Labeling: Labeling Claims

Frederick M. Fishel

This document describes the three basic types of claims made on pesticide labels—1) general claims; 2) claims associated with the product name, and 3) efficacy-related claims. Examples of typical claims are provided as well as claims which may mislead the user of the product.

Pesticide Labeling: Miscellaneous Label Parts

Frederick M. Fishel

This document describes some of the smaller, yet important pieces found on the pesticide label. Examples of these various components are provided and their meanings explained.

Pesticide Labeling: Physical or Chemical Hazards

Frederick M. Fishel

This document interprets physical or chemical hazards seen on pesticide labels and discusses criteria used in determining the appropriate hazards for the pesticide. Examples of typical statements found on pesticide labels which convey information to the handler of the product are provided.

Pesticide Labeling: Protection of Pollinators

Frederick M. Fishel, James Ellis, and Gene McAvoy

Pesticide Labeling: Signal Words

Frederick M. Fishel

This document interprets signal words seen on pesticide labels and discusses the toxicity criteria used in determining the appropriate signal word for the pesticide. Examples of typical statements found on pesticide labels which convey information to the handler of the product are provided.

Pesticide Labeling: Storage and Disposal

Frederick M. Fishel

This document describes criteria that pesticide manufacturers consider when determining the proper storage and disposal language on their products' labels. Examples of typical storage and disposal statements are provided.

Pesticide Labeling: Unique Product Labeling

Frederick M. Fishel

This document explains unique approaches taken by the EPA for how pesticide label information is conveyed for pesticide products that are contained in non-traditional packages. Several examples are provided.

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. 

Pesticide Provisions of the Florida Agricultural Worker Safety Act (FAWSA)

Frederick M. Fishel

Pesticide Recordkeeping

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

This document details the legal recordkeeping requirements for certified pesticide applicators.

Pesticide Recordkeeping Form for Florida Applicators

Frederick M. Fishel

Pesticide Spill Kits

Frederick M. Fishel

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

A UF/IFAS numbered Fact Sheet.

Protecting Your Pet from Pesticides

Frederick M. Fishel

Protective Eyewear for Pesticide Applicators

Brett Bultemeier

Refillable Containers and Secondary Containment Requirements for Agricultural Pesticides in Florida

Bonnie Wells and F.M. Fishel

Requirements of Aerial Applicators in Florida

Frederick M. Fishel

Respirators for Pesticide Applications

Frederick M. Fishel

Rodenticides

Frederick M. Fishel

Secure Pesticide Storage: General Features

Frederick M. Fishel

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.

Spray Gun Calibration

F. M. Fishel

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.

Storage Limitation Statements: Temperature—Fungicides

Frederick M. Fishel

Storage Limitation Statements: Temperature—Herbicides

Frederick M. Fishel

Surviving the FDACS Inspection: Walking through an Inspection

Frederick M. Fishel

The Facts about Mothballs

Brett W. Bultemeier

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

Frederick M. Fishel

The Importance of Keeping Pesticide Records

F. M. Fishel

Toxicity of Pesticides

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

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

Frederick M. Fishel

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

Frederick M. Fishel

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. 

Water pH and the Effectiveness of Pesticides

Frederick M. Fishel and J. A. Ferrell

Water Quality and the Effectiveness of Pesticides

F. M. Fishel

What Are Inert Ingredients?

Frederick M. Fishel

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.

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.

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.

Worker Protection Standard: Owner and Immediate Family Exemption

Frederick M. Fishel and Tatiana Sanchez