Who must supervise the use of Restricted Use Pesticides?

The use of Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) is regulated due to their potential to cause harm to the environment, human health, and non-target organisms. Therefore, only certified applicators are authorized to supervise their use. These individuals have undergone specific training and have demonstrated knowledge of pesticide safety, application techniques, and applicable laws and regulations.

Certified applicators possess the necessary credentials to ensure that RUPs are applied properly and in compliance with all safety requirements. Their expertise helps mitigate risks associated with the handling and application of these potentially hazardous substances. This supervision is critical in protecting the ecosystem and reducing the likelihood of accidents or misuse.

In contrast, sales representatives, licensed agriculture workers, and state regulatory officials do not have the same level of training or certification that is required to supervise the application of restricted use pesticides. Thus, only certified applicators are deemed qualified to oversee their safe application.