Which type of applicator must always be licensed?

The requirement for commercial not-for-hire applicators to always be licensed stems from the nature of their work, which typically involves applying pesticides for compensation. This category includes individuals or companies that provide pest control services to clients but do not charge a fee specifically for pesticide services. Licensing ensures that these applicators have received proper training and understand the safe handling, application guidelines, and regulatory requirements associated with pesticide use.

Being licensed helps to promote public safety, environmental protection, and effective pest management practices. In contrast, private applicators often use pesticides on their own property and may not need the same level of oversight, while general pesticide users may only need to follow specific guidelines rather than hold a license. Government employees are usually governed by different regulations depending on their employment and the agency they work for. Therefore, the requirement for commercial not-for-hire applicators to be licensed reflects the need for accountability and expertise in the application of pesticides to minimize risks to human health and the environment.