Pest control

Keeping pesticides over winter

G6010, Fruit Spray Schedules for the Homeowner reccommends a not purchasing any more pesticide than can be used in a single season. If the pesticide has not been opened, will it lose some of it's pest prevention capabilities over the winter?

The main reason we recommend that a person purchase only the amount of pesticides they need is that they are poisons and therefore, can pose long-term storage problem if not handled properly. I understand this is often hard to do, so there are a couple of rules of thumb to follow when keeping pesticides over time.

Keep all pesticides secure and away from areas where children and pets cannot get to it.
If you are using a liquid pesticide, be sure to keep it in an area where it will not freeze. If you are using dry formulations, keep it in a secure area where it will remain dry.

All pesticides (both wet and dry formulations) should be stored in there original containers inside some sort of secondary-confinement apparatus to protect the environment from any spills. This could be as simple as a plastic bucket, or plastic tub.

Most over-the-counter pesticides will last for an extended period of time if they are stored properly according to label recommendations.

Steven D. Kirk
Extension Associate
Pesticide Applicator Training

Fertilizer license

How I can be certified to fertilize lawns commercially?

You do not have to be licensed to apply lawn fertilizer in Missouri. However, if you plan to use aweed and feed product for your commercial customers, you will have to be licensed under Category 3. See M89, Ornamental and Turf Pest Control (Category 3.) This would be good training for a person planning to start a small lawn care business.

Steven D. Kirk
Extension Associate
Pesticide Applicator Training