ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) announced it has updated the Antimicrobial Pesticide Use category of Commercial and Noncommercial Pesticide Applicator Licenses to include indoor mold mitigation and remediation.  The Antimicrobial Pesticide category has been in place since 2001, when it was established for applicators treating HVAC systems and cooling towers with antimicrobial pesticides. 

Examples of pesticide applications requiring an Antimicrobial Pesticide Applicator License include the for-hire application of antimicrobial pesticides during moisture and mold remediation due to flooding, long-term indoor water leaks, or below-ground water infiltration; maintenance and cleaning of HVAC systems to control bacteria and mold; and maintenance and cleaning of cooling towers to control bacteria, fungi, algae and mollusks. 

The Minnesota Pesticide Control Law requires that any person in Minnesota applying a pesticide for-hire must obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicator License from MDA.  To receive this license, an applicator must complete an application and pass certification examinations in both the Antimicrobial Pesticide and Core categories.  By passing the exams, the applicator shows they have met the minimum qualifications to apply antimicrobial pesticides in a legal, effective, safe and environmentally sound manner.  Licenses are issued for the calendar year and must be renewed annually.

Exam study materials are available from the University of Minnesota Bookstore.  For the Antimicrobial Pesticide Exam, study “Pesticide Applicator Safety Education Manual, Category I: Antimicrobial Pesticides, Indoor Mold, HVAC, and Cooling Towers” (2010).  This and other required manuals can be ordered by calling 612-627-0108 or on the Internet at www.bookstores.umn.edu/genref, under “Extension Publications.”

For more information on all pesticide licensing, please call MDA’s Licensing and Certification Unit at 651-201-6615 or check out the MDA website at www.mda.state.mn.us.  For questions and comments specific to antimicrobial pesticides and licensing, contact Kay Sargent at 651-201-6548 or kay.sargent@state.mn.us or Joe Spitzmueller at 651-201-6546 or joe.spitmueller@state.mn.us.