Policy Assistant, Pesticide Management Division
If you’re in the business of controlling pests by applying pesticides, you may be interested in some new rules that WSDA is proposing. A new limited specialty classification will be created for pest control operations that are so specialized only a small number of individuals across the state would fall into the category.
In Washington, licensed applicators must pass exams and get endorsements on their license for all the different types (classifications) of pest control they do. For example, someone who treats residential landscapes for insect and disease pests must have an “ornamental insect and disease” classification endorsement.
Currently, WSDA must go through the rulemaking process to create any new license classification, which takes significant time and resources. To speed and streamline the process of establishing specialized licensing classifications, we propose to create the “limited specialty” classification that can accommodate unique types of pest control that require certification. This rule change will help WSDA to certify applicators more quickly, while providing prospective licensees with exams that are more focused on their particular area of specialization.
Under this proposed change, where 250 or fewer individuals are performing a unique type of pest control, they would move to this limited specialty classification. Those who get moved into the limited-specialty classification will not need to take any new exams.
Some of the existing classifications that would fall under limited specialty include:
- Aquatic anti-fouling
- Interior plantscaping
- Livestock pest control
- Potato sprout inhibitor
WSDA also proposes to create two new limited-specialty classifications to address sulfur dioxide fumigations of wine barrels and corks, and post-harvest treatment of fruits and vegetables.
Hearings on this proposal are scheduled for Nov. 9 in Yakima and Nov. 10 in Olympia.
You can visit our Pesticide License Classifications rulemaking web page to learn more about the proposed changes, which fall under WAC chapter 16-228.