District 1 Fall Newsletter

Dear District 1 Private Applicators,

Be aware private pesticide applicators in Region 1 need to obtain six recertification credits by 12/31/2018 to keep their license active. If you need just a few credits you can obtain two credits through online courses. There are also limited onsite recertification events from now until the end of the year or you can travel to your local County Extension office and take a closed book exam.

If you do not recertify in time you have two options 1) attend a 7-hour Initial Private Applicator Training in your area in the spring (dates to be announced) or 2) take a closed book exam at your local county Extension office. For more information on PAT please visit our Private Applicator Training Program webpage or contact your Extension office.

Keep an eye out for our winter newsletter in January for 2019 Initial Training dates!

Winter Pesticide and Equipment Storage

Summer is over and many parts of the state are already experiencing winter weather! To wrap up your 2018 spray season you need to consider storing your pesticide spray equipment. Proper storage of spray equipment will extend the life of the sprayer and also make spring tasks easier and cheaper as there will be less damage. After your last pesticide application clean your sprayer to remove pesticide residue following label directions and inspect your sprayer for worn or broken parts. To store your sprayer you will want to consider removing parts easily damaged in storage like strainers, nozzles and nozzle bodies and pressure gauges. Circulate RV antifreeze throughout the sprayer including booms – this will push out any remaining water in the system and prevent breakage of hoses and lines. Store your sprayer indoors away from fertilizers which can corrode sprayer parts. For more detailed information read our MontGuide: Maintenance, Cleaning and Storage of Ground Sprayers.

Any pesticides you have left over from summer applications will also need to be stored properly to ensure their usefulness for the next year. Pesticide product labels explain whether or not a pesticide can be frozen without adverse effects to the product under the Storage and Disposal section. Some products can be frozen and still be used the next year. Others will need to be discarded if frozen or may need special steps to reactivate the product. Read our MontGuide: Cold Weather Storage and Handling of Pesticides for more information on pesticide winter storage. Pesticides should always be stored with secondary containment in case of burst containers in a locked storage area away from humans and animals.

Upcoming Events in Private Applicator District 1 (Northwest Montana)

The following list of private applicator events are hosted by various organizations in your district. Please use the provided contact information for each event to register and obtain more information. This list is not comprehensive and only represents a few currently approved courses. Courses are added as they are sent to the MDA for approval. Use the MDA Course Locator to search for more events.

  • 10/30/2018, Kalispell, Fall Pesticide Safety Recert Training, 406-444-3732 (4 credits)
  • 10/31/2018, Missoula, Fall Pesticide Safety Recert Training, 406-444-3732

Recent Publications and News Updates

News: Fumigant Training Offered Across Montana

IPM Bulletin: Fall IPM Bulletin 

Private applicator District 1 recertification dates 2018