Emily C. Kraus
0000-0003-3744-4249

external

former Extension assistant scientist, Ph.D., UF/IFAS Pesticide Information Office

UF/IFAS Blog Profile

Publications

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.

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.

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide: Quick Reference Guide to the Worker Protection Standard (WPS)

Emily C. Kraus and Brett W. Bultemeier

2024–2025 Florida Citrus Production Guide

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.

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.

Pets and Pesticides: Benefits and Potential Risks