Page 1
Page 1
Started By
Message

Who has an LA applicator’s license?

Posted on 4/7/24 at 7:46 am
Posted by bayoubengals88
LA
Member since Sep 2007
18936 posts
Posted on 4/7/24 at 7:46 am
Is it just me or do the prep materials seem extremely general, almost bordering on irrelevant when it comes to everyday herbicides?

Or, are there separate licenses for pesticides, herbicides, commercial crops, etc.?

All I’d like to do is spray a few lawns near my house…
This post was edited on 4/7/24 at 7:57 am
Posted by WHATASHAME
Louisiana
Member since Sep 2009
618 posts
Posted on 4/7/24 at 9:17 am to
An applicator needs to work under a license holder if he is applying products for money or for a neighbor. If you are just needing credentials to purchase restricted use pesticides the applicator license will do. It does not give you the credentials to apply products for anyone other than yourself. A herbicide is a pesticide.
Posted by Spankum
Miss-sippi
Member since Jan 2007
56034 posts
Posted on 4/7/24 at 10:58 am to
quote:

A herbicide is a pesticide.


Wut?
Posted by WHATASHAME
Louisiana
Member since Sep 2009
618 posts
Posted on 4/7/24 at 11:16 am to
A pest can be an insect, weed, fungus, rodent…..
Posted by tigermaniac
On the right side of the Red River
Member since Jun 2007
93 posts
Posted on 4/7/24 at 10:00 pm to
I promise you this isn’t meant to be sarcastic, and if comes across that way, I apologize….but there is a “general standards” section of the test and then a second part of the test in which you pick the “category” (Ag Pest Control, Forest Pest Control, Turf and Ornamental, Right-of-Way, etc) in order to get a Commercial Pesticide Applicators license. You would need this is if you planned to charge somebody a fee for applying pesticides (which by the way is a broad term that includes insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, miticides, nematicides, defoliants, disinfectants, etc). If you were to charge a fee, then there are other business licensing issues that you would have to address.

If you’re looking to be able to buy Restricted Use Pesticides, then a Commercial Pesticide Applicators license would allow you to do so. But then again, you would have to make sure of the legal ramifications of spraying someone else’s property other than your own, even without charging a fee.

If you’re planning on simply spraying ready-to-use products off the shelf(everyday herbicides) from a big box store that are not RUP, then a license wouldn’t be necessary.

Louisiana does have a private applicators license which would allow you to purchase RUP products and apply them to your property. However, there is still a lot of responsibility when it comes to applying pesticides and understanding what it is you’re applying them for.

Don’t gloss over the materials that are supplied by the LSU Ag Center. They do ask some pretty pointed questions on the test and you might find yourself re-taking it multiple times if you’re not careful. Above all else, whatever the label says on the package is the LAW. An inappropriate application or applying in a manner that is inconsistent with the labeling could land you a fine or worse.

Wish you much luck in your endeavor. As boring as the study materials may seem, you would do yourself a favor to be as well versed as you possibly can.
Posted by ronk
Member since Jan 2015
6205 posts
Posted on 4/7/24 at 10:37 pm to
I had commercial, structural, right of way when I was in Louisiana but I’m too far removed to be specific. I now have the same license in Texas. Yes, general standards and laws and regs can be boring but those are the ones that will get you in trouble.
Posted by bayoubengals88
LA
Member since Sep 2007
18936 posts
Posted on 4/8/24 at 1:18 pm to
I appreciate it gentlemen.

So, to review:
1. I do need to read this...then pass two exams.
2. I will need a Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification.
3. I will need a Ground Owner Operator License.

I'm seeing this too: LDAF Certified applicator (covered above?) + Proof of bond/insurance + registration of equipment.

Anything else?
This would be a one man show and strictly part time. Think 4 to 6 yards total.
[[in reality, perhaps not worth the trouble to spray some ferts, talstar, pre and post emergents]]

Probably better off just cutting, trimming, raking, blowing, and leveling.
This post was edited on 4/8/24 at 1:26 pm
Posted by WHATASHAME
Louisiana
Member since Sep 2009
618 posts
Posted on 4/8/24 at 1:28 pm to
I’m not sure if you can qualify to take the licensee exam without prior experience working under a qualified licensee.
Posted by tigermaniac
On the right side of the Red River
Member since Jun 2007
93 posts
Posted on 4/8/24 at 8:33 pm to
I don’t think you necessarily have to prior experience under a qualified licensee. It may help as often times having some “on-the-job” training can go a long way in helping remember what labels mean, application methods and as to when/why certain pesticides should be applied or not.

The State of Louisiana is not looking for prior experience. They’re looking to make sure you pass the exam/s and pay the fees associated with whatever category you’re trying to attain. However, they do a good job with maintaining federal regulations and making sure applicators are up to date with their licenses.
Posted by tigermaniac
On the right side of the Red River
Member since Jun 2007
93 posts
Posted on 4/8/24 at 8:43 pm to
bayoubengals….

Taking a Quick Look at that link, that appears to be a lot of the info in the general standards part of the test. I can’t recall if the study guide that the LSU Ag Center has is more specific to LA or if it’s pretty much that guide…but regardless, the principles are the same. And the Ag Center would also have the supplemental study guide for whatever classification you’re attempting to obtain (in your case, more than likely, a Category 3-Turf and Ornamental).

All of the other items you listed would be necessary too…but don’t let that keep you from moving forward. You never know what kind of possibilities that could be opened up for you in the future.
Posted by bayoubengals88
LA
Member since Sep 2007
18936 posts
Posted on 4/8/24 at 9:02 pm to
first pageprev pagePage 1 of 1Next pagelast page
refresh

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram