Which situation does not require a Structural Pesticide Applicator Certificate to purchase and use the pesticide?

Which situation does not require a Structural Pesticide Applicator Certificate to purchase and use the pesticide?

• A. A tenant using a domestic class product to control bedbugs in their suite
• B. A licensed professional applying pesticides in the common areas
• C. A property manager hiring a contractor to apply pesticides in rented units
• D. A company using a structural pesticide in commercial building common areas

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that certification is required for applying structural pesticides to buildings, but consumer, household products used by residents don’t require that certificate. Using a domestic class product to control bedbugs in one’s own suite falls under consumer use in a private residence, so no Structural Pesticide Applicator Certificate is needed here. In contrast, applying pesticides in common areas by a licensed professional, having a property manager hire a contractor to treat rented units, or using a structural pesticide in commercial building common areas all involve professional application to structures and thus require the appropriate certificate to purchase and apply the product.

The key idea is that certification is required for applying structural pesticides to buildings, but consumer, household products used by residents don’t require that certificate. Using a domestic class product to control bedbugs in one’s own suite falls under consumer use in a private residence, so no Structural Pesticide Applicator Certificate is needed here. In contrast, applying pesticides in common areas by a licensed professional, having a property manager hire a contractor to treat rented units, or using a structural pesticide in commercial building common areas all involve professional application to structures and thus require the appropriate certificate to purchase and apply the product.