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What are thr chances of being caught without a pesticide license

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#44 ·
In Illinois, fat chance of getting hit up whilst applying lawns. They've got farmers to deal with on a massive scale in this state and good on them to regulate that.

I liken this type of enforcement by lco's to calling the police when you see the jimmy johns driver go past you on a delivery while you're obeying the speed limit delivering pizzas. For what? Because you're so bothered by the JJ taking your business ?

THat being said the course is not a walk in the park, but can easily be done remotely and it's pretty dang cheap so why not just get the license. It's 100 multiple choice questions and you've got to do better than an F to pass.
 
#47 ·
I want to remind you that it's always better to be safe than sorry. Applying pesticides without the proper license can be risky not only for your own health, but also for the environment and anyone else who might come into contact with them. Plus, getting caught without a license can result in some pretty hefty fines.
That being said, I'm not exactly sure what the chances of getting caught are. But why take the risk when you can easily obtain the proper license and ensure that you're following all regulations and safety measures? Plus, having a license can actually make you more marketable and give you an edge in the industry.
 
#48 ·
I totally get where you're coming from, but using pesticides without a license can be a pretty risky move. Even if you're just using stuff from Home Depot or Lowes, you gotta be careful and know what you're doing.

Not only can pesticides be super dangerous for the environment and human health if they're not used properly, but you could also get into some serious legal trouble if you get caught without a license. Depending on where you live, there might be some strict regulations and laws about using pesticides, it can result in fines, legal fees, and other penalties and this data could go on your records, so it's not something you want to mess around with.

Bottom line is, if you're not sure about whether you need a license or how to safely use a pesticide, it's best to do your research or consult with a professional. Better safe than sorry.
 
#49 ·
I think in WI those licenses are a money grab, after your initial license is issued.

I took the course in person, and then the exam immediately after. I think I needed a 70 percent to pass, but if someone looks it up and tells me different, I'd defer to him/her. Once I passed the exam, the applicator AND the company needs a license. That means as a solo, I had to buy a license for my company, and another one for me (the applicator) to be considered legal. Then every year, it has to be re-upped (for both) at the end of the season, and my eligibility to be licensed expired in 5 years. Which meant I needed to retest, and then pay for both licenses again. It was 10 years ago, but I want to say each license was a little north of $150.

I had/have no problem with the initial education and licensing. But after each year, why does one need to pay again if it's not a money grab? There's no test to pass again. I could see if they said, "You have to be tested every year to insure you didn't forget everything, and if you pass again, we'll let you keep spraying." But it's just a simple "pay your fee and you can spray another year."

I let my license expire, and have no plans to become licensed again.
 
#53 ·
It's 5 grand in AL if you get caught without it, unless you are working for someone that has the license. The licensed applicator has to be within an hour's drive from the team applicator. Personally, I enjoyed the challenge of the test and you have to score a 70 or better in AL.
 
#55 ·
kebrowns said:
I was just wondering (no point intended) what are the chances of being caught with out a pesticide applicator license. If I "on the side apply pesticide" even the ones form home Depot or Lowes.
Click to expand...
Depends on what State you live in.
In Michigan the Dept of Ag, Pesticide Division use to have Field Inspectors that did "Road Checks" randomly stopping when they saw applicators applying.

But thru State budget cuts, they don't do that any more.
 
#56 ·
3 guys in the ag department covering half of my state. And they are tied up most of the time doing annual audits like I went though relatively recently. Today I passed no less than three mow crews just spraying away what I’m guess is roundup based on where they were spraying. Illegal as heck. Here in order to “report” we must have the following 2 things 1 a pic of someone spraying near the said unmarked truck and 2 a picture of the license plate of said truck. I value my life a litte more than this. Here you literally may get shot/murdered for honking at someone getting too close to you while driving. Yeah a big no on that one.
 
#57 ·
Derwood said:
I think in WI those licenses are a money grab, after your initial license is issued.

I took the course in person, and then the exam immediately after. I think I needed a 70 percent to pass, but if someone looks it up and tells me different, I'd defer to him/her. Once I passed the exam, the applicator AND the company needs a license. That means as a solo, I had to buy a license for my company, and another one for me (the applicator) to be considered legal. Then every year, it has to be re-upped (for both) at the end of the season, and my eligibility to be licensed expired in 5 years. Which meant I needed to retest, and then pay for both licenses again. It was 10 years ago, but I want to say each license was a little north of $150.

I had/have no problem with the initial education and licensing. But after each year, why does one need to pay again if it's not a money grab? There's no test to pass again. I could see if they said, "You have to be tested every year to insure you didn't forget everything, and if you pass again, we'll let you keep spraying." But it's just a simple "pay your fee and you can spray another year."

I let my license expire, and have no plans to become licensed again.
Click to expand...
You have to pay an annual fee for your drivers license.
In most States you are required to take a certain number of educational courses to keep your pesticide license.
It's for your and your clients safety.
It's really no big deal.
 
#59 ·
Well, at some point it will matter. Just like having a business license, insurance, gc license. They all require work and having them is more rewarding. Seems that none of the hispanics bother getting their spray license so that's where license holder benefit over them. They ask folks like me to handle their spraying cause they don't want to bring attention to themselves.
 
#60 ·
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