News & Updates from the SC Department of Pesticide Regulation
April 2026 – Issue 3
Welcome to the Third Edition of DPR Highlights!
Welcome to the SC Department of Pesticide Regulation’s Stakeholder Update! Thank you for joining us for the third edition of DPR Highlights, our external newsletter designed to keep pesticide applicators, businesses, and stakeholders informed about important updates from the SC Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) at Clemson University.
This issue includes compliance reminders following the recent license renewal deadline, upcoming training opportunities, technician retraining updates, and a regulated pest alert to help keep South Carolina’s regulated community informed and prepared for the months ahead.
Compliance Reminders
License Renewal Deadline Has Passed
The deadline to renew Commercial Applicator, Business, and Dealer licenses for the 2026 licensing year was March 31, 2026.
Licenses expired on December 31, 2025, and a 25% late fee went into effect January 1, 2026. License holders were permitted to renew through March 31 with the applicable late fee.
Individuals or businesses that did not renew by March 31 must now:
- Retake the required pesticide certification exams
- Submit a new license application and applicable paperwork
You can view license status online on the DPR website.
For questions about licensing status, please contact a DPR Licensing Coordinator at dprca@clemson.edu.
Recertification Credit Reminder
Commercial and Non-Commercial pesticide applicators should stay aware of recertification credit requirements within the current certification block.
Commercial Applicators:
- Recertification Block: Began January 1, 2024 – will end December 31, 2028
- Requirement: At least half of required credits must be earned before the final year of the block
- This means 50% of required credits must be completed by December 31, 2027.
Non-Commercial Applicators:
- Recertification Block: Began January 1, 2024 – will end December 31, 2028
- Must obtain 10 recertification credits by December 31, 2028
Earning credits early helps avoid last-minute scheduling challenges and ensures continued compliance with recertification requirements.
Important 2026 Pest Control Training Opportunities
Applicators looking to earn recertification credits can take advantage of several training opportunities.
Clemson University’s Urban Entomology Program will host several pest management training workshops throughout 2026. These programs provide valuable continuing education and help applicators stay informed on the latest pest management practices.
Upcoming training opportunities include:
Termite Control Basics (TCB)
📅 August 19
📍 Virtual
A 3.5-hour introductory program designed for individuals new to termite control. Topics include termite biology, treatment standards, common entry points into structures, and proper liquid termiticide application techniques. Participants who pass the exam receive 3.5 recertification credits.
Wood Infestation Report (WIR) Training
📅 September 15
📍 Sandhill Research & Education Center, Columbia, SC
Provides training on properly completing South Carolina Wood Infestation Reports (CL-100) in accordance with state regulations. Participants may earn 6 recertification credits.
Apprentice Termite Technician (ATT) Training
📅 September 16
📍 Sandhill Research & Education Center, Columbia, SC
A one-day hands-on training program focused on termite inspection techniques, structural construction features, treatment methods, and calculations. Participants earn 5 recertification credits.
Master Termite Technician (MTT) Training
📅 October 13–14
📍 Sandhill Research & Education Center, Columbia, SC
An advanced two-day program designed for experienced termite technicians, combining classroom instruction with field exercises to improve treatment quality. Participants earn 9 recertification credits.
13th Annual Clemson University Fall Forum
📅 October 28, 2026
📍 Virtual
This annual one-day educational program provides updates on industry topics and offers 5 recertification credits for South Carolina applicators.
For registration information or questions, contact Jackie Ellis at (864) 656-5048 or jells@clemson.edu.
Door-to-Door Pest Control Sales in South Carolina
DPR continues to receive reports of door-to-door pest control sales activity across South Carolina. While this is a legitimate business practice for many licensed businesses, it also presents risks related to misrepresentation, unlicensed activity, and consumer confusion.
Licensed structural pest control businesses are strongly encouraged to ensure that all sales and service personnel are properly trained, identifiable, and operating in compliance with DPR regulations, particularly when engaging in door-to-door solicitation.
Identification & Verification
Proper Identification plays a critical role in maintaining public trust and demonstrating compliance.
Verifiable Technician Identification
Technicians must carry a valid SC Verifiable Technician (VT) ID card while performing pesticide-related work. This card confirms that the individual has completed required training and is working under the supervision of a DCA of a licensed business.
Example of a SC Verifiable Technician ID Card:
Online Verification
A technician’s status, as well as business licensure, can be verified online through DPR’s website. Businesses are encouraged to direct customers to this resource as an additional step to confirm credentials and build confidence prior to services being performed.
Pesticide Vehicle Identification
Company vehicles may display an official SC Pesticide Applicator Vehicle Decal, which helps identify licensed applicators operating in the field. Example of SC Pesticide Applicator Vehicle Decal:
Guidance for Licensed Businesses
- Ensure all technicians have completed the Verifiable Technician (VT) Training and carry a valid VT ID card while in the field
- Confirm all personnel are operating under a properly licensed business with a qualified DCA
- Clearly identify your company during solicitation and service visits
- Encourage customers to verify credentials through DPR’s website
- Maintain professionalism to reduce complaints and enforcement risk
Information to Share with Customers
Businesses may also wish to remind customers to:
- Request the company name and license number
- Ask to see a valid Technician ID card
- Verify technician and business status through DPR’s website
- Review contracts carefully before signing
Maintaining transparency and proper identification during door-to-door activities helps protect consumers, supports compliant businesses, and reduces the risk of enforcement actions.
Technician Retraining Reminder
Technicians trained under the updated Verifiable Technician Training (VTT) program must complete annual retraining within one year of their initial training date.
Retraining is completed online through the technician’s existing Metro Institute account and requires reviewing the VTT training modules.
Additional guidance for accessing the retraining program is available on the DPR website.
Regulated Pest Alert: Yellow-Legged Hornet
The Yellow-Legged Hornet (Vespa velutina) is an invasive species that has been detected in parts of South Carolina. This hornet can threaten honey bees and other pollinators, which play a critical role in agriculture and natural ecosystems.
Identification Features
- Dark body with distinct yellow legs
- Single yellow band on the abdomen
- Nests often located high in trees or structures
If you believe you have seen a Yellow-Legged Hornet or nest, report the sighting to DPI.
Early detection is critical to preventing the establishment of invasive species.
Stay Connected with DPR
Thank you for reading DPR Highlights. We appreciate your continued cooperation and commitment to responsible pesticide use in South Carolina.
For additional information, visit the SC Department of Pesticide Regulation website.
