Maryland Pesticide Safety Education Program

The University of Maryland Extension runs the state’s Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP). The goal of the program is to provide pesticide applicators with education and training that address human and environmental safety while supporting effective management of pests

Pesticide Applicators

All applicators of restricted use pesticides have to be certified in accordance with EPA regulations and state and tribal laws. Maryland also requires all commercial pesticide applicators to be certified. The Maryland Department of Agriculture issues pesticide certification while the University of Maryland Extension assists with the training and education of applicators.

The Label is the Law

Pesticides include insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides, biocides, etc. Pesticide products are accompanied by labels that explain how to safely handle, use, and dispose of them. Labels are legally enforceable. Adhering to the label language ensures that pesticide products do not cause unreasonable adverse effects to human health or the environment.