By Andi Anderson
Commercial pesticide applicators in Iowa have the opportunity to renew their certification this fall through an in-person course on forest, aquatic, and right-of-way pest control.
The session, approved by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship (IDALS), is designed to support applicators who need continuing instruction to maintain their licenses.
The course will be held Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. at the Polk County Extension Office, 1625 Adventureland Drive, Suite A, in Altoona. The cost of attendance is $45, with an additional $15 late fee applied to those registering within one week of the course date.
This certification opportunity covers categories 2, 5, and 6, focusing on forest, aquatic, and right-of-way pest control. It is part of the Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP), which provides educational information across Iowa on the safe and effective use of pesticides.
PSEP coordinates these Continuing Instruction Courses (CICs) in partnership with IDALS to ensure applicators meet training requirements and stay current with best practices.
Beyond CIC training, PSEP supports broader initiatives related to integrated pest management, worker protection standards, environmental quality, and agricultural health. These programs aim to promote safety, sustainability, and effective pest control strategies across Iowa’s agricultural and natural landscapes.
The upcoming course reflects the program’s mission of equipping applicators with the knowledge and skills needed to handle pesticides responsibly, protect the environment, and safeguard community health.
For more information, applicators can contact Wendy Wiggins at (515) 957-5760.
Photo Credit: istock-fotokostic
Categories: Iowa, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety