University of Illinois Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (PSEP)

08/18/2026

The handbooks are ready!!! You have been patiently asking for them for a while now. The long-awaited revision of two pest management handbooks has finally happened! University of Illinois Extension specialists have been working hard to update these popular reference guides and we are excited to make them available. Learn more at:

You have been patiently asking for them for a while now. The long-awaited revision of two pest management handbooks has finally happened!

08/12/2026

👀Have you seen the July/August 2026 Illinois Pesticide Review?
In this issue:
📌Newly revised pest management handbooks now available
📌 Online training and testing closed for maintenance during September 2026
📌Starting a lawn care business? Here's how to get licensed for pesticide application
📌The Illinois Lawn Care Application Notice Act, communication is key
📌EPA seeks comments on the ESA draft fungicide strategy
There's a lot in this issue that you won't want to miss out on!

Newly revised pest management handbooks now available | You have been patiently asking for them for a while now. The long-awaited revision of two pest management

08/10/2026

In Illinois, there are some very specific requirements for communicating to clients when a lawn care product is applied. The Illinois Lawn Care Application Notice Act is in place to assist with communication. Learn more in the full article.
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/pesticide-news/2026-08-06-illinois-lawn-care-application-notice-act-communication-key

08/03/2026

Online training and testing for pesticide licensing will be closed for maintenance during September 2026. Now is the time to act if you need a 2026 pesticide license. But if you need a 2027 license, plan accordingly. See the article for details. https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/pesticide-news/2026-08-03-online-training-and-testing-closed-maintenance-during-september-2026

07/17/2026

Starting a lawn care business? Here's how to get licensed for pesticide application. See the full article at https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/pesticide-news/2026-07-16-starting-lawn-care-business-heres-how-get-licensed-pesticide-application.

07/16/2026

Only a few more days left to submit comments to EPA on their draft ESA Fungicide Strategy! See the full article to learn more https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/pesticide-news/2026-07-06-epa-seeks-comments-esa-draft-fungicide-strategy

06/15/2026

Have you seen the newest issue of the Illinois Pesticide Review?👀
📌Understanding new ESA label requirements for the 2026 Illinois spraying season
📌When using pesticides, watch for wells
📌2026 Agrichemical container recycling program schedule
📌2026 Illinois bills concerning pesticides
Check out these articles so that you are informed and applying pesticides safely.

Understanding new ESA label requirements for the 2026 Illinois spraying season | Spraying season has officially begun in Illinois agriculture, and this year, additional

06/04/2026

Pesticide applicators, be sure to watch for wells when planning applications.
💧How can pesticides contaminate water?
💧What can pesticide applicators do to protect water?
Check out the article to learn more!

If you apply pesticides, good environmental safety practices can help protect sensitive areas that influence drinking water quality. Be aware of wells and geographic

06/03/2026

The 2026 Agrichemical container recycling program schedule is available!
☑📆Check the full article to determine your recycling options.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has announced the single-day collection sites and dates for the 2026 Pesticide Container Recycling Program.

04/24/2026

Curious about what’s being debated in Springfield this spring? State legislators are considering several bills related to pesticide use and regulation. Get an overview of the proposals and what they could mean here:

https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/pesticide-news/2026-04-24-2026-illinois-bills-concerning-pesticides