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Sanitizing with Electrostatic Misters, Foggers, Sprayers? Pesticide Applicator Licenses are Required

Due to the potential risk of pesticide exposure to students and staff, pesticide application at all Maine schools is strictly regulated. With few exceptions, pesticides may only be applied by persons licensed by the Maine Board of Pesticides Control. This includes the use of powered equipment such as battery powered electrostatic sprayers, misters, or foggers used to disperse disinfectants and sanitizers in schools and buses. Non-powered application of disinfectants and sanitizers (routine hand cleaning) is exempted from this licensing requirement.

Schools wishing to use powered equipment to apply disinfectants and other pesticides must have a licensed Commercial Master Applicator (CMA) on staff. If a school district wants additional applicators to work outside of the direct sight and sound supervision of the CMA, those individuals must earn a Commercial Operator Applicator (COA) license. Both licenses are awarded upon obtaining passing grades on examinations.

For more information contact the Board of Pesticides Control at pesticides@maine.gov or 207-287-2731.

Pesticide Applicator Training for School Staff Announced

The Board of Pesticides Control is offering free training for school staff interested in becoming licensed. The trainings will be held via video conference on Thursday August 13, 2020. Session 1, 8:00 am - 10:00 am covers information needed to pass the Core Exam. Session 2, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm provides information needed to pass the ‘7C3 exam’ (microbial pest management). 

Register in advance to receive the materials needed to complete the training.

Click on the links below to participate (a few minutes before the start of each session):

Join Session 1 (Thursday August 13, 2020, 8:00 am - 10:00 am).  Core Exam Training.   

Join Session 2 (Thursday August 13, 2020, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm). Microbial Control ‘7C3’ Exam Training.

Both sessions are free and will be recorded for later viewing for those unable to attend the live events. In addition, self-study materials for these exams are available for purchase through the University of Maine Cooperative Extension Office. 

For more information contact the Board of Pesticides Control at pesticides@maine.gov or 207-287-2731.

Questions/Comments? Contact us! 
Email: kathy.murray@maine.gov
Phone: 207-287-7616

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