10/30/2026

Spanish-Language Training Helps Pest Technicians Build Skills

Providing technicians with quality training in a language they understand helps build their knowledge, strengthen safety practices, and support professional development. For pest management companies with Spanish-speaking employees, access to training in Spanish can make an important difference.

On October 15, MSPCA joined educational institutions, regulatory agencies, and industry partners to present a Spanish-Language Pesticide Certification and Recertification Training program. Conducted entirely in Spanish through a live Zoom webinar, the program gave participants an opportunity to develop their technical skills and work toward pesticide certification or recertification requirements.

Practical Training for Technicians

The program covered topics that pest management professionals encounter in their daily work, including pesticide labeling, formulations, environmental considerations, personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper pesticide handling and application procedures.

Participants also received training on common turf and ornamental pests and diseases.

Three university experts shared their knowledge during the program:

• Dr. Carlos Quesada, West Virginia University

• Dr. Alejandro Del Pozo, Virginia Tech

• Dr. Ana Fulladolsa, University of Maryland

Their presentations provided technical instruction designed to help participants better understand pest management practices and apply that knowledge in the field.

Supporting Certification and Regulatory Compliance

The training also brought together pesticide regulatory representatives from three states.

Alexander Lehmann of the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA), Mike Jennings of the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, and Marlene Larios of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) participated in the program, providing regulatory information and guidance.

Recertification credits were offered in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The program also provided instruction to support individuals pursuing initial Registered Technician certification in Maryland and West Virginia.

For pest management companies, these opportunities can help employees work toward their professional credentials while strengthening their understanding of safe and responsible pesticide use.

Opening Doors to Professional Development

As pest management companies recruit, train, and develop their employees, access to education remains an important part of building a skilled workforce.

Spanish-language programs can help companies provide more meaningful training opportunities for employees who are more comfortable learning technical material in Spanish. They also create opportunities for technicians to expand their knowledge and pursue additional professional qualifications.

MSPCA appreciates the instructors, regulatory representatives, educational institutions, and industry partners who contributed their expertise to this program.

By working together to make pesticide education more accessible, MSPCA and its partners are helping more professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform their work safely and effectively.

MSPCA looks forward to continuing efforts that support technician education and professional development throughout Maryland's pest management industry.