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Pesticide Safety Education Program

Ohio State University Extension

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COVID-19 Updates

NOTE: This page was last updated in 2020.

When will pesticide exams resume?
How long is OSU in-person programming postponed?
Is my extension office closed?
Will private pesticide and fertilizer deadlines be extended?
I have not received my new pesticide/fertilizer applicator card – what do I do?
I am a pest control professional. Am I consisdered an essential employee?
Which trainings are now available as an online webinar?
Can I still obtain commerical study materials?
What are Ohio's Current COVID numbers?
Other Resources

 

 

How long is OSU in-person programming postponed?

All Ohio State in-person programming is currently postponed through July 6.
Agricultural and Natural Resources March Madness Virtual Trainings
Master Gardener Lunch and Learns

 

Is my extension office closed?

All extension offices are closed until further notice. Educators are still remotely serving the counties.
“While our physical offices will be closed, we are committed to continuing to conduct our work as fully as possible,” said Jackie Kirby Wilkins, interim director of OSU Extension. “Our employees are prepared to telework and are ready to serve their local clients and communities.”
News on extension office closures.

 

Will private pesticide and fertilizer deadlines be extended?

With the signing of House Bill 197, Ohio’s COVID-19 emergency response legislation, the March 31, 2020 deadline for private pesticide applicators (farmers) and the May 31, 2020 deadline for agricultural fertilizer certificate holders to renew their license and get training has been extended. 

The deadline is now 90 days after the state of emergency Executive Order ends or December 1, 2020, whichever comes first.

All in-person OSUE events are cancelled or postponed through at least July 6. We will continue to update you as meetings are scheduled.

 

I have not received my new pesticide/fertilizer applicator card – what do I do?

ODA is working diligently with a reduced on-site staff to get cards out. Your pink (or yellow) copy of the recertification sheet (the triplicate from the recertification class or conference that you attended) is your temporary certification until you get your card. Remember, category 15 is fertilizer

 

I am a pest control professional. Am I consisdered an essential employee?

Structural Pest Control is considered essential
Food related pest control is essential
Lawncare and other categories - It is a business owner's responsiblity to use the Homeland Security Document to determine if his or her operation is considered essential. 

ADVISORY MEMORANDUM ON IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE
ONLA Essential Business Guideline
Ohio's Coronavirus-19 Stay at Home Order and agricultural businesses

 

Which trainings are now available as an online webinar?

Commercial New Applicator Trainining:
May 13

Agricultural and Natural Resources Virtual Trainings
Master Gardener Lunch and Learns

 

When will pesticide exams resume?

Limited Pesticide and Fertilizer Testing to Resume at ODA June 2

The Ohio Department of Agriculture will resume testing for pesticide and fertilizer applicators on June 2.

Exam sessions will meet Ohio’s current standards for both meeting size and social distancing and will be held in the Bromfield Administration Building on ODA’s campus in Reynoldsburg. 

Details:

  • 3-hour testing sessions will be scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
  • Exams begin promptly at 9 AM and 1 PM. 
  • Pre-registration is required at https://agri.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/oda/divisions/plant-health/pesticides/exam-registration.
  • Absolutely no walk-ins will be permitted.
  • Masks and photo IDs will be required. Masks must be worn during the entire exam session.
  • Pencils and calculators will be provided and sanitized between sessions.
  • Tables will be properly distanced in a large auditorium and sanitized between sessions.
  • No more than 9 people per session, plus a proctor.
  • Per OAC 901:5-11-08(A)(7), applicants must wait five (5) business days between testing sessions.

Due to high demand, registration limited to one exam session per week

 

 

Can I still obtain commerical study materials?

Yes, you can still apply for a license and receive study materials. Study guides may take a bit longer to arrive at this time.
Click here for application form

 

Other COVID Resources:
 

Council for Agricultural Science and Technology
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Press Releases
Farm Bureau Updates
FDA:Use of Respirators, Facemasks, and Cloth Face Coverings in the Food and Agriculture Sector During Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Pandemic 
National Pest Management Association (NPMA) Updates
Ohio Department of Health
Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) Resources 
OSHA announcement on fit testing for N95 facepieces
Respirator Fit Testing Locations in Ohio
Respiratory Protection During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Agricultural Best Practices
University of Wisconsin Extension Stay at Home Tips
USDA Rural Development

 

Disinfectant Resources

CDC Cleaning and Disinfection Home Page
FDA Sanitizer Safety
NPIC Disinfectant

Essential Business Guidelines

ADVISORY MEMORANDUM ON IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE
ONLA Essential Business Guideline