Pesticides
The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is intended to protect and promote the recovery of animals and plants that are in danger of becoming extinct. Threats to a species from habitat destruction, pollution, over-harvesting, disease, predation, and other natural or man-made factors must be reviewed and evaluated before an animal or plant can be placed on the federal endangered or threatened species list. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries Service (collectively, the Services) administer the ESA. However, all federal agencies must ensure that their actions will not jeopardize the existence of listed species or adversely modify designated critical habitat. Therefore, EPA must ensure that use of pesticides it registers will not result in harm to listed species or their critical habitat.
The goal of the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry’s Endangered Species Program (ESP) is to work with the U.S. EPA to carry out its responsibilities under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and in compliance with the Endangered Species Act, without placing unnecessary burden on agriculture and other pesticide users.
All pesticide products that EPA determines may affect a listed species that occurs in Oklahoma or its designated critical habitat may be subject to the ESP.
Publications
Links
Examinations
Test Sessions are regularly scheduled at various locations around Oklahoma. Appointments must be made at through PSI Services LLC. Applicants are required to provide some type of photo identification (e.g., a valid driver’s license) showing their name and identification number. All exam handouts and other necessary materials will be provided at the testing site. Study materials may be obtained from the Oklahoma State University Central Mailing Service; order forms are available from Consumer Protection Services, or call (405) 744-9037.
An applicant must attain a satisfactory score (70% or above) to pass any written exam.
After all the necessary examinations have been successfully completed, the certified applicator will be issued a certification card. This certification card is not a license to do pesticide applicator work; a pesticide applicator license must be obtained by any certified applicator wishing to do pesticide applicator work (commercial, non-commercial or consultant) or must be obtained by his/her employer.
A service technician shall be issued an identification card upon satisfactory completion of the service technician examination. The application for the ID card must be submitted to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry by his/her licensed employer, along with the required fee of $20.00 per card.
Reciprocal Certification
If an individual is a certified applicator in another state, he/she may be able to attain certification in Oklahoma under a reciprocal agreement.
Licensing
A pesticide applicator license is required for anyone to act, operate, do business, or advertise commercially or non-commercially. The licensing period is annual; October 1 thru September 30 for company names beginning with #, A-L and January 1 thru December 31 for company names beginning with M-Z. All currently licensed commercial and non-commercial applicators must apply for license renewal annually.
Commercial Applicator – Any person who engages in commercial application of pesticides or commercial employment of devices. “Commercial application” means advertising of services, recommendation for use, the preparation for application, and physical act of applying pesticide for hire or compensation. A commercial applicator must provide proof of financial responsibility— Amount required, with the exception of Aerial applicators: Not less than $50,000 bodily injury, $100,000 bodily injury per occurrence and $50,000 property damage.
Non-commercial Applicator – Any person, other than a commercial or private applicator, who uses or supervises the use of a restricted use pesticide under the supervision of a person who owns or manages the property, and who has been certified to be competent by the Board with respect to the use and handling of restricted use pesticides in the same manner as required for a commercial applicator. Includes government employees in the discharge of their official duties.
Consultant – Any person who makes a pesticide recommendation for hire or compensation, but does not purchase or apply the pesticide, shall be licensed as a consultant in the category in which the recommendation is made.
License applications and certificate of insurance forms may be obtained from the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry.
Testing & Licensing Fees
- Commercial Business License: $100 per category; not more than $500 per year
- Noncommercial Business License: $50 per category; not more than $250 per year
- Examinations: $95 (this includes initial certification (core test), categories, service technicians)
- Issuance or Renewal of Service Technician identification: $20
- Issuance of duplicate licenses, certificates or transfer of a service technician identification: $10
- Each recertification procedure (recertification by continuing education units: $50 or retest: $95)
- Reciprocal certification: $100 per category
- Private Applicator Exam: $65
- Private Applicator License Renewal: $20
Questions or comments, please email or write Debbie Mandrell
Debbie Mandrell
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry
Consumer Protection Services
PO Box 528804
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-8804
Private Applicator License
Private applicators are issued a license after successful completion of the Private Applicator exam. Testing is now through PSI Services LLC. Appointments must be made by going to https://test-takers.psiexams.com/okpest or calling (855) 579-4643. The cost for a Private Applicator exam is now $65. The Private Applicator study packet is available from OSU Central Mailing Service and from many County Extension offices. An order form may be obtained from Consumer Protection Services.
Applicants send the completed application form to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry once they successfully pass the Private Applicator exam. A pre-addressed envelope is provided in the study packet. A score of 70% or better is required to pass the test. If applicant fails, they must retest and pay the $65 fee.
The Private Applicator license does not qualify the license holder to perform commercial or non-commercial pesticide application, nor does it allow the private applicator to purchase and/or use restricted use pesticides in, on, or around a residence. The showing of this card may be necessary to purchase any restricted use pesticides.
CEU Recertification Guide
How long is the certification good for? Each category recertifies on a five (5) year schedule – not based on the date the individual was certified. This means all certified applicators in any given category are on the same five (5) year schedule, e.g. 2020 through 2024, 2022 through 2026, etc. For example, an individual who initially certifies in Ag Plant in 2019 will need to recertify in 2023, because that’s the year the category recertifies.
How can a certified applicator recertify? Recertification for certified applicators is possible through two channels: a) Applicator takes the written test for each category of his/her certification; b) Applicator collects enough Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to recertify in a category.
For information concerning CEU meetings, and to be placed on a mailing list to receive promotional notices of meetings awarding CEUs, contact the Pesticide Coordinator at Oklahoma State University:
Pesticide Coordinator
Oklahoma State University
127 Noble Research Center
Stillwater, OK 74078-0285
Telephone: (405) 744-5531
When meetings are approved for CEUs, we post them on our website: CEU meeting schedule
For information concerning recertification periods, CEU accrual and to submit programs for CEU assignment, contact:
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry
Consumer Protection Services
2800 N. Lincoln Blvd.
PO Box 528804
Oklahoma City, OK 73152-8804
Telephone: 405.522.5972
Note: When calculating the number of CEUs required for recertification, do not count the year the applicator most recently became certified. CEUs accrued during the year of certification do not count toward recertification.
How are the number of CEUs and the categories determined to be awarded for participation in educational events? When a meeting is submitted for CEU evaluation, the Program Administrator in charge of certification reviews it and sends a copy to the Pesticide Coordinator, County Extension Service, for his review. The program is evaluated on topics, speakers and their qualifications, and approaches to be used to verify attendance and/or evaluate the progress of participants.
Procedures for earning credits in other states when a reciprocal agreement is in effect: Applicators certified in both reciprocating states and who successfully complete a recertification course accredited by either of the reciprocating states, may request that proof of completion be provided to the other state. Credits earned in accredited courses may be recognized by the reciprocating states to the extent that such credits meet the recertification requirements of the particular state.
Recording CEUs:
When an applicator attends a meeting he/she is usually asked to sign an attendance sheet. To make sure your CEUs are properly credited, do the following:
- PRINT your name clearly.
- Include certified applicator number.
- Keep a record of all meetings attended, noting the date, the place and the number of CEUs.
The Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law and Rules require that all pesticides marketed in Oklahoma must be properly labeled and registered with the Department. The term “pesticide” includes insecticides, herbicides, termiticides, rodenticides, and devices. The Department utilizes Kelly Registration Systems for pesticide product registrations. Information on which pesticides (and manufacturers) are registered in Oklahoma can be accessed online through Kelly Registered Pesticides.
Pesticide Registration
- Online Pesticide Product Initial Registrations and Renewals (existing users)
- Online Pesticide Product Initial Registrations (New Users)
- Printable Pesticide Product Registration
Section 24(c) Products
Section 18 Products
Section 3 Label
Additional Links
Damardray Williams
Oklahoma Department of Ag., Food, & Forestry
Pesticide Complaint Program Administrator
2800 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Phone: 405-522-5981
Fax: 405-522-0625
damardray.williams@ag.ok.gov
Pesticide / Herbicide Complaint Procedure
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry is the lead state agency for regulating pesticides. This responsibility includes investigating complaints of alleged pesticide/herbicide misuse. Typical complaints concern termite treatments, drift from lawns or crops, right-of-way or agricultural applications.
How to File a Complaint
Anyone wishing to file a complaint needs to complete the PESTICIDE COMPLAINT STATEMENT and submit it to the program administrator. Once the complaint is received it will be given a complaint number and assigned to a field inspector. You will receive confirmation that the complaint was received with the name of the inspector and the complaint number.
The Investigation
The inspector will contact you within the next three to four days to schedule the inspection. The inspection will include a narrative report, photos and samples as needed to document a misuse or violation. The inspector does not estimate monetary losses that may have occurred as a result of the incident. The inspector will also try to identify any possible source or cause.
All possible sources will be contacted to determine if they were involved or not. Once the investigation is completed by the program administrator you will be notified of the final action taken.
Copies of the Report
The investigation report is subject to the Oklahoma Open Records Act. A copy of the report will be provided upon written request. Requests should reference the complaint number and be submitted through the Public Records Center or:
Office of General Council
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry
Pesticide Complaint Program Administrator
2800 N. Lincoln Blvd.
Oklahoma City, OK 73105
Links
The term “pesticide” includes insecticides, herbicides, termiticides, rodenticides, etc. The use of pesticides in Oklahoma is governed by the Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law and Rules. This includes both agricultural applications such as crop spraying, the fumigating of grain bins, etc., and also regulation of the urban pest control industry in Oklahoma. The Law requires that any person who applies pesticides commercially must be certified to do so, and that any company (including one-man operations) must be licensed for the type of work being done. Non-commercial operations such as golf courses and government agencies must be licensed and their applicators must be certified in order to legally use restricted-use pesticides.
The Consumer Protection Services Division oversees licensing and certification, continuing education of applicators, and investigation of complaints alleging substandard and/or fraudulent work. Including investigations of unlicensed companies and other internally-generated cases.
Certified Applicators and Licenses
- Pesticide Safety Education Program-OSU
- Printable Application & Instructions for Pesticide Applicators License
- Online Renewal Pesticide Applicator License
- Online Renewal Pesticide Applicator Certification
- Online Renewal Pesticide Producer License Application
- Service Technician Identification
- Temporary Service Technician Identification
- Certificate of Insurance for Pesticide Applicators
- Change of Address
- Private Applicators License
- Request to Add or Remove Certified Applicators
Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) for Certified Applicators
- CEU Sign in Sheet
- Submitting CEU’s
- CEU Online Status Check
- Search for available CEU Courses
- Change of Address
Testing
Additional Links
- Oklahoma Offical Termite & Wood Destroying Organisms Report
- Oklahoma Offical Termite & Wood Destroying Organisms Report Addendum Page
- CFATS Help Desk: Critical Infrastructure: Chemical Security | CFATS FAQ
- Restricted Area Herbicide Application
- Pesticide Applicators List
Termite Consumer Information Fact Sheets
- Advance Compressed Termite Bait (Whitmire Micro-Gen, 499-488)
- Advance Compressed Termite Bait II (Whitmire Micro-Gen 499-500)
- Bayer Home Health Outpost Termite Baiting System Fact Sheet (Bayer Corp.)
- Exterra Termite Interception and Baiting System Fact Sheet (Ensystex, Inc.)
- Firstline Termite Defense System Fact Sheet (FMC Corporation)
- Hex-Pro Termite Baiting System containing Shatter Fact Sheet (Dow AgroSciences 62719-272)
- Isopthor Termite Interception and Baiting System Fact Sheet (Ensystex, Inc 68850-2)
- Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System Containing Recruit AG
Recruit II, Recruit III, Recruit III AG Fact Sheet (Dow Agro Sciences) - Sentricon Termite Colony Elimination System Containing Recruit IV Fact Sheet (Dow Agro Sciences)
- Subterfuge Termite Bait Fact Sheet (BASF, 241-371-241)
- T-Max Termite Colony Elimination System (Terminix)
- Terminix T-Max II (Terminix, 499-500-81370)
- Trelona Compressed Termite Bait (EPA registration No. 499-557)
- Truth Termite Bait (HomeGuard, 75313-2)
The following summary is offered as a general guide to the pesticide applicator certification program in Oklahoma. This guide is a summary and should not be used as a replacement for, nor construed as a substitute of, the Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law and Rules.
- Go To Pesticide Applicator Classifications
- Go To Certified Applicator Categories
- Go To Testing & Certification
- Go To Examinations
- Go To Reciprocal Certification
- Go To Licensing
- Go To Testing & Licensing Fees
- Go To Private Applicator License
Pesticide Applicator Classifications
CERTIFIED APPLICATOR – any person who has met the certification standards established by the Oklahoma Board of Agriculture with respect to pesticides. Certification standards shall be in the form of written and/or practical examinations.
SERVICE TECHNICIAN – any person employed by a licensed commercial or non-commercial applicator who applies the pesticide or employs a device, but is not the certified applicator. A service technician or certified applicator shall be present at each application performed.
Certified Applicator Categories
| 1a | Agricultural Plant- the application of pesticides to agricultural crops, agricultural grassland, and non-crop agricultural land. This category does not include the production of trees for any purpose. |
| 1b | Agricultural Animal- the application of pesticides to animals, including those in feedlots, sales barns, egg production facilities, and the animal holding facilities themselves. This excludes Doctors of Veterinary Medicine applying pesticides as drugs or medication during the course of their normal practice. |
| 2 | Forest- the application of pesticides in forest nurseries, forest seed production areas, trees grown for the production of forestry products, and other forest areas. |
| 3a | Ornamental and Turf Outdoor- the application of pesticides within residential or business areas to lawns, ornamental trees and shrubs, including park areas, golf courses, other recreational areas, except as defined under licensed categories 2, 3b, 3c, 7, and 8. |
| 3b | Interiorscape- the application of pesticides to interior plantings inside structures (i.e. hospitals, buildings, shopping malls etc.) excluding residential structures (i.e. foyers, atriums, indoor swimming pools, management offices, meeting rooms, etc.) with the exception of common use areas of multiple residential structures except as defined under licensed categories 3c, 7 and 8. |
| 3c | Nursery/Greenhouse- the application of pesticides in nursery and greenhouse facilities and to fields except as defined under licensed category 2 (Forest Pest Control). |
| 4 | Seed Treatment- the application of pesticides to seed for any purpose. |
| 5 | Aquatic- the application of pesticides to standing or running water in man-made and/or natural impoundments, streams, etc. This excludes public health activities (e.g. mosquito control) and water in totally closed systems |
| 6 | Right-of-Way- the application of pesticides for public road maintenance, power line maintenance, railroad right-of-way, storage tank areas, and other similar areas. |
| 7a | General Pest- the application of pesticides within and immediately adjacent to a structure (except for fumigation activities, control of termites and other wood destroying organisms in or on a structure, control of birds or predatory animals). “Immediately adjacent to a structure” means not further than three (3) feet from the structure. Applications to restaurants are permitted in this category. |
| 7b | Structural Pest- the application of pesticides for the purpose of controlling termites and other wood destroying organisms, such as wood borers and/or fungus, in or on a structure. |
| 7c | Fumigation- the use of liberated gas within a structure or storage area, to include railcars, ships, etc. |
| 8 | Public Health- the application of pesticides by local, state, federal or other governmental employees or commercial pesticide applicators in public health programs, to include municipal and area wide mosquito control programs. |
| 9 | Regulatory Pest Control- the application of pesticides by state, federal or other government employees for the control of designated regulated pests. |
| 10 | Demonstration and Research- includes persons engaged in the application of pesticides for scientific research or for the purpose of demonstrating pesticide products or methods of application. |
| 11a | Bird and Vertebrate Animal Pests- the application of pesticides for the control of birds or vertebrate animals pests and subject to the rules of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Wildlife Services Division of the Board. |
| 11b | Predatory Animal- the application of pesticides for the control of predatory animals and subject to the rules of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Wildlife Services Division of the Board. |
| 12a | Pressure Facility Timber Treating- the treatment of wood in a pressure treating facility by the impregnation or application of chemical solutions for the purpose of retarding or preventing deterioration or destruction by insects, fungi, bacteria, or other wood destroying organisms. |
| 12b | Ground Line Utility Pole Timber Treating- the ground line treatment of utility poles with chemical solutions for the purpose of retarding or preventing deterioration or destruction by insects, fungi, bacteria, or other wood destroying organisms. |
| 12c | Construction Industry Timber Treating- the application of chemical solutions to wood members of structure which will be covered by paint, varnish, or similar covering for the purpose of retarding or preventing deterioration or destruction by insects, fungi, bacteria, or other wood destroying organisms. |
| 12d | Home Owner Timber Treating- the application of chemical solutions to wood constructions, such as decks, around the home, or for the purpose of retarding or preventing deterioration or destruction by insects, fungi, bacteria, or other wood destroying organisms. |
| 13 | Antimicrobial- includes applications of an antimicrobial pesticide intended to disinfect, sanitize, reduce or mitigate growth or development of microbiological organisms or protect inanimate objects, industrial processes or systems, surfaces, water or other chemical substances from contamination, fouling or deterioration caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae or slime. |
| 14a | Sewer Root- the application of metam sodium to sewers for the control of tree roots. |
| 14b | Cooling Towers- this subcategory includes commercial pesticide applicators using or supervising the use of pesticides to control microbial and other pests of cooling waters in cooling towers or other related areas. |
| 14c | Specialty- includes any area of pesticide application not defined in Category 1 thru 13 when the pesticide to be used is classified as restricted. |
PRIVATE APPLICATOR – any person who uses or supervises the use of any restricted use pesticide for purposes of producing any agricultural commodity on property owned or rented by the person or his employer. Private applicators are farmers, ranchers, growers, etc.
The Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law and Rules require that all pesticide producing establishments in Oklahoma obtain a permit from the Department. This includes the manufacture, preparation, propagation, compounding or processing of any pesticide, active ingredient or device. It also includes the packaging, re-packaging, labeling, relabel or otherwise changing the container of any pesticide or device
- Online First-Time Producer/Device Establishment Application
- Online Producer/Device Establishment Renewal
- Printable Producer/Device Establishment Permit Application
- Pesticide Producer Establishment List
- Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law & Rules
Pesticide Registration
The Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law and Rules require that all pesticides marketed in Oklahoma must be properly labeled and registered with the Department. The term “pesticide” includes insecticides, herbicides, termiticides, rodenticides, and devices. The Department utilizes Kelly Registration Systems for pesticide product registrations. Information on which pesticides (and manufacturers) are registered in Oklahoma can be accessed online through Kelly Registered Pesticides.
Pesticide Registration
- Online First-Time Pesticide Product Registration
- Online Renewal Pesticide Product Registration
- Printable Pesticide Product Registration
Section 24(c) Products
Section 18 Products
Section 3 Label
Additional Links
The Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law and Rules require that every farmer engaged in the application of a restricted use pesticide on their crop(s) shall obtain a private applicator license from the Department.
- Current Private Applicator CEUs
- Printable Private Applicator License Application
- Online Renewal Private Applicator License
- Private Applicator List
- Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law & Rules
- Pesticide Applicator Study Guide-OSU
- OK State Private Applicator Training and CEU
- Testing-PSI Services LLC link
- Webinar Recording over CEUs
As of May 25, 2006, a new rule went into effect concerning the use of certain herbicides in Greer, Harmon, Kiowa, Jackson, and Tillman Counties. The rule lists specific herbicides by their active ingredient. A copy of the rule is included with the Restricted Area Herbicide Application form. You will need to look closely at the herbicides you use to determine if they apply. Your pesticide dealer or County Extension Educator can help if you are not sure. This rule does not prohibit the use of these herbicides. However, if you need to apply the regulated herbicides from May 1 through October 15th, you will need to notify the Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry of your intent to make the application on the approved notification form. After the application is made a copy of the application records will also need to be sent to the Department.
The Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law and Rules require that each business location engaged in the sale or distribution of restricted use pesticides shall in Oklahoma must obtain a permit from the Department.
- Online First-Time Restricted Use Pesticide Dealer License Application
- Online Renewal Restricted Use Pesticide Dealer License Application
- Restricted Use Pesticide Dealer License Application (Fillable and Printable)
- Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law & Rules
Restricted Pesticides
Please select ‘approved’ from the drop down box and then click ‘Search for RUP’s’. You will be given a list of all currently registered Restricted Use Pesticides
Sensitive Crop Viewer
Applicator certification requires the successful completion of at least two examinations: The “Core” exam, consisting of knowledge required in all categories of certification; and the category exam itself. A few of the categories require completion of a practical examination in conjunction with the Core and category exams for certification in that particular category.
Core exam – Focuses on equipment, safety, laws, and other knowledge pertaining to all categories. All persons wishing to become a Certified Applicator must pass this exam in addition to at least one category exam. Please Note: If you are a Service Technician and want to become a Certified Applicator, the Core exam is still required.
Category exam – Written exam to be taken (along with the Core exam) by those wishing to become certified in that particular category.
Practical exam- The following categories require a practical examination in addition to the Core and the written exam. These exams are performed at OSU in Stillwater:
(7A)- General Pest
(7B)- Structural Pest/Termite
(7C)- Fumigation
The practical exam must be taken within twelve (12) months of passing the written examination. Failure to pass the practical within this period of time will require retaking the written exam.
Service Technician exam – To be taken by anyone wishing to qualify as a service technician. The Core exam is not required to become a service technician.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry (ODAFF) has been given environmental authority for pesticides, fertilizer and other ag products in Oklahoma. The Department works to provide education, prevention and remediation over these products in order to protect the land, air and waters of the state.
Publications
- Protecting Groundwater From Pesticides
- Pesticide Leachability Chart
- Oklahoma Combined Pesticide Law & Rules
Web Links
Federal
- Environmental Protection Agency
- EPA-Region 6
- EPA-Office of Water
- EPA-Pesticides Information
- EPA-Maximum Contaminate Levels
- United States Department of Agriculture-Water Quality
- United States Geological Service-NAWQA Pesticide National Synthesis Project
State
- Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality-Water Division
- Oklahoma Water Resources Board
- Oklahoma Conservation Commission Water Quality
Other
Worker Protection Standards (WPS)
The WPS are a federal regulation designed to protect agricultural workers (people employed in the production of agricultural plants) and pesticide handlers (people mixing, loading, or applying pesticides or doing certain tasks involving direct contact with pesticides). WPS can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR Part 170) for more information on the revised WPS go to the EPA link below.
The WPS are a federal regulation designed to protect agricultural workers (people employed in the production of agricultural plants) and pesticide handlers (people mixing, loading, or applying pesticides or doing certain tasks involving direct contact with pesticides). WPS can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (40 CFR Part 170) for more information on the revised WPS go to the EPA link below.