Pesticides can be helpful in controlling insects and diseases, but there are chemicals that should be handled with care. To educate pesticide users, University of Georgia Extension has planned pesticide safety and handling classes in Albany, Savannah and Perry this February and March.
The Albany class is set for Thursday, Feb. 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Dougherty County Extension Office, 125 Pine Avenue, Suite 100. The registration fee is $50 and increases to $60 after Jan. 29.
The Savannah class is set for Thursday, Feb. 19, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Coastal Georgia Botanical Gardens on Canebrake Road in Savannah. The registration fee is $50 and increases to $60 after Feb. 11.
The Perry class is set for Thursday, March 5, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Houston County Extension Office, 801 Main Street. The registration fee is $50 and increases to $60 after Feb. 25.
Course topics will include protecting pollinators, pesticide label interpretation, pesticide formulations, delusory parasitosis and recent changes in pesticide regulations.
Certified applicators can earn five hours of Georgia Commercial Pesticide Credit for attending a class. This credit can be divided over categories 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, 32, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 41. Five hours credit from the International Society of Arboriculture can also be earned for attendance.
Experts from UGA Extension, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Georgia Department of Agriculture and Arrow Exterminators will lead the classes.
For a complete schedule or to register online, visit