What are the two types of certified pesticide applicators?

The two types of certified pesticide applicators are classified as commercial and private applicators. Commercial applicators are those who apply pesticides for hire or for commercial ventures, including businesses that provide pest management services. They typically require certification because they operate in a wide range of public settings, including agriculture, forestry, and urban environments, necessitating a thorough understanding of pesticide use regulations, safety practices, and environmental protection measures.

Private applicators, on the other hand, apply pesticides to their own property or for the property of others with whom they have a direct business relationship, typically in agricultural contexts. This classification underscores the distinction between those who apply pesticides primarily as a business and those who do so for personal or private use.

This classification is critical because it influences the training and certification requirements, which vary for commercial versus private applicators to ensure that appropriate safety and application standards are met within their respective roles.