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This Division is responsible for regulating the registration, sale, distribution, proper use, storage, disposal, and application of pesticides in Kentucky.  We strive to educate the pest control industry and the consumer about the proper use of pesticides through education and training programs conducted across the state. We provide training materials, conduct exams, and issue either certifications or licenses to qualified citizens who wish to sell or apply pesticides.

Environmental Services is split into four branches: Agricultural, Structural, Technical Support and Pest & Weed. All but Pest & Weed are federally funded by an EPA Performance Partnership Grant.

Agricultural Branch

The Agricultural Branch is funded by a USDA Cooperative Pesticide Record keeping Program. Field Inspectors from both branches continuously review records and inspect facilities of the businesses which sell and/or apply pesticides within the state. They have the authority to impose fines on businesses and/or individuals who neglect to follow federal and state laws concerning the proper storage, containment, sale, distribution, application, record keeping, or disposal of federally registered pesticides.

Structural Branch

The Structural Branch is responsible for the licensing of pest control companies and individuals applying pesticides on or within a structure in the state.

Structural pesticide inspectors investigate consumer complaints or situations involving pesticides applied by, or services provided by, licensed or unlicensed individuals.

Technical Support Branch

The Technical Support Branch is additionally funded by 319 Grants. The 319 grant's purpose is to educate those who use pesticides agriculturally of the precautions they need to take to prevent pesticides from contaminating surface & ground water in order to preserve water quality. This branch also reviews the safety and effectiveness of all pesticides allowed to be sold and used in Kentucky. They also spend a great amount of effort to educate the public on Best Management Practices (BMP's). BMP's increase the water quality and decrease the amount of pesticides in our environment. The Rinse & Return Program is actively collecting old pesticide containers for recycling and educating the public on proper disposal of containers on the farm. Members of the team are also called upon in the Collection and Disposal Program to do just that; collect and dispose of potentially hazardous pesticides which have been abandoned by their owners or are no longer allowed to be used.

Pest & Weed Branch

Pest & Weed Branch is mandated by Kentucky Revised Statutes to provide pest control services to combat major pest of the Commonwealth. The pests targeted by this branch include: Mosquitoes, Black Flies, Buffalo Gnats, Bull and Musk Thistles, and Rats. WIthout the services of our Pest & Weed Field Staff, the population of these pests would be unmanageable. These pests are not only a terrible nuisance to people, cattle and other livestock, but also pose a serious health risk with the possibility of diseases such as the West Nile Virus.

HOT TOPICS:

Kentucky Pesticide Safety Education Program

US EPA Website

Consumer Tips

National Pesticide Information Center

Laws & Regulations

Farm Dumps (EPPC)