Private Applicators 

Private Applicator means a person certified to use Restricted Use pesticides for purposes of producing any agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by him(her) or an employer, or to the lands of a farmer-neighbor, if applied without compensation other than trading or personal services between producers of agricultural commodities. 

The private applicator licenses requirement does not apply to any farmer owner of ground equipment applying non-restricted use pesticides for himself or his farmer neighbors if he applies the pesticides for his farmer neighbors without compensation other than trading of personal services.

Minimum Standards for Certified Private Applicators

The applicant must possess adequate knowledge concerning the proper use and application of pesticides. The applicant shall also demonstrate a knowledge of the proper use of and calibration of the various equipment including any pressurized, hand-sized devices. The applicant shall have a working knowledge of:

• The proper use of the equipment;
• The hazards that may be involved in applying pesticides, including:
  • The effect of drift of the pesticides on adjacent and nearby lands and other nontarget organisms;
  • The proper meteorological conditions for the application of pesticides and the precautions to be taken;
  • The effect of the pesticides on plants or animals in the area, including the possibility of damage to plants or animals or the possibility of illegal pesticide residues resulting on them;
  • The effect of the application of pesticides to wildlife in the area, including aquatic life;
  • The identity and classification of pesticides used and the effects of their application in particular circumstances; and
  • The likelihood of contamination of water or injury to persons, plants, livestock, pollinating insects, and vegetation;
• Calculating the concentration of pesticides to be used in particular circumstances;
• Identification of pests to be controlled by common name only and the damages caused by the pests;
• Protective clothing and respiratory equipment required during the handling and application of pesticides;
• General precautions to be followed in the disposal of containers as well as the cleaning and decontamination of the equipment that the applicant proposes to use; and
• Applicable state and federal pesticide laws and regulations. 

The Cooperative Extension Service is responsible for the training and licensing of private pesticide applicators in each of Kentucky's 120 counties. Contact your local extension office for more information.

Info for Certified Private Applicators

• Certified Private Applicator Lists by County
• Information for County Offices (PATIM, supplies, etc.)
• Recordkeeping Manual for Private Pesticide Applicators  (PDF)