Individuals in the Illinois commercial pesticide industry are reminded that December 31 is the expiration date for Commercial, Commercial Not-for-Hire, Dealer, and Public licenses.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture sends out both license retest and renewal letters, typically in November. These letters indicate the status of an individual's license. However, persons can check the status of the license anytime by searching the Illinois Department of Agriculture's Kelly Registration Pesticide Applicator Database at http://www.kellysolutions.com/IL/Applicators/index.asp

If you are new to the Illinois commercial pesticide industry, you may need information on license requirements and testing and training options. The Pesticide Safety Education Program at the University of Illinois has released its training and testing clinic dates for the 2007–2008 season. You can view the schedule and find related information at http://www.pesticidesafety.uiuc.edu/training/training.html Schedule booklets can also be picked up at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office or ordered by calling 800-644-2123 or 217-244-3469. The booklets contain information on ordering study materials, and an up-to-date list of study materials can also be found online at http://www.pesticidesafety.uiuc.edu/publications/publications.htm

In 2007, the following commercial pesticide publications were revised: General Standards Workbook, Plant Management Manual, Plant Management Workbook, and Field Crops Workbook. Study materials are revised from time to time, so checking the publications list at the above-mentioned Website prior to training or testing is recommended.

Adapted from the November 2007 Illinois Pesticide Review newsletter.