Pest Management FAQs

General

What is the Pest Management Division (PMD) and what is its function?

The Pest Management Division (PMD) is the Arizona regulatory body that regulates the use, disposal and storage of pesticides (which includes herbicides, etc.) used in “structural” settings.  The Environmental Protection Agency regulations, State Statutes and Rules guide the PMD.

 

What is meant by "structural" pesticide use?

Structural pest control is the control of pests in and around structures for the management of:

  • Health-related pest such as mosquitos, bed bugs, ticks, etc.
  • Aquatic pests in standing or running water
  • Household pests
  • Wood-destroying organisms
  • Weeds near or around structures, along rights-of way areas, in lawns, cemeteries and on golf courses.
  • Pests that exist in Ornamental shrubs and trees near or around structures, in lawns, cemeteries and on golf courses
  • Structural fumigation

 

The PMD does not regulate agricultural pest control, which is under the authority of the Environmental Services Section (ESS) of the Arizona Department of Agriculture.

 

How does the PMD help consumers?

Below are just a few ways that the PMD helps consumers:

  • Consumers may obtain (online or in writing) information about the license status of any business and/or individual licensees, including a history of complaints filed against them.
  • The PMD will investigate complaints that are within its jurisdiction.
  • The PMD will provide general information regarding pests and the use of pesticides.
  • The PMD maintains a searchable database for all Termite related actions (TARFs) performed on a property within the state of Arizona. You can access this information online through the eTARF system to research the termite history on any property that has had an action reported to the PMD.
  • If you are interested in engaging in the business of structural pest control, the PMD will inform you of the licensing procedure needed to start a business.

 

What is the definition of a "pest"?

"Pest" means a vertebrate or invertebrate insect, bird, mammal, organism or a weed or plant pathogen that is in an undesirable location.

 

What is the definition of a "pesticide"?

A "pesticide" is any substance or mixture of substances intended to be used for preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating insects, fungi, microbes, weeds, rodents, predatory animals or any form of plant or animal life that is, or that the director may declare to be, a pest and that may infest or be detrimental to vegetation, humans, animals or households or be present in any environment. In addition to Insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides, termiticides, fumigants, larvicides, adulticides, herbicides, avicides or molluscicides, all-natural or organic substances such as essential oils or even mixtures of soap and water may be considered a pesticide.

 

I'm currently licensed in another state, does the PMD have a reciprocation policy?

Notwithstanding the examination requirements in A.A.C. R3-8-203(C), R3-8-204(G), and R3-8-211, the Director may waive the examination requirements in whole or in part for an individual who is certified as an applicator pursuant to A.R.S. Title 3, Chapter 2 or by another state.

 

Is there a list of ALL of PMD fees?

Yes. PMD fees can be found here.

 

How can I be notified of PMD meetings, and other events?

You can check our calendar of events. 

To sign-up for the ESD and/or PMAC Newsletters visit http://listsrv.azda.gov/

 

Licensing

What pest control categories does the PMD license and what will each allow me to do?

 

Ornamental and turf pest control. This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides to control pests in the maintenance and production of ornamental plants and turf.

 

Aquatic pest control. This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of any restricted use pesticide purposefully applied to standing or running water, excluding applicators engaged in public health related activities included in as specified in paragraph (h)of this section.

 

Right-of-way pest control. This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in the maintenance of roadsides, powerlines, pipelines, and railway rights-of-way, and similar areas.

 

Industrial, institutional, and structural pest control. This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in, on, or around the following: Food handling establishments, packing houses, and food-processing facilities; human dwellings; institutions, such as schools, hospitals and prisons; and industrial establishments, including manufacturing facilities, warehouses, grain elevators, and any other structures and adjacent areas, public or private, for the protection of stored, processed, or manufactured products.

 

Public health pest control. This category applies to State, Tribal, Federal or other governmental employees and contractors who use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides in government-sponsored public health programs for the management and control of pests having medical and public health importance.

 

Non-soil fumigation. This category applies to commercial applicators who use or supervise the use of a restricted use pesticide to fumigate anything other than soil.

 

Wood-Destroying Organism Management:

 

Wood-destroying organism treatment: inspecting for the presence or absence of wood-destroying organisms and treating for wood-destroying organisms in or about a residential or other structure by a means other than use of a fumigant.

 

Wood-destroying insect inspection: inspecting for the presence or absence of wood-destroying insects only and excluding preparing treatment proposals.

 

Wood Preservation: Application of pesticides labeled for use on utility poles or railroad ties, directly to structural components of wood or wood products, to prevent or manage wood degradation by wood destroying organisms including fungi and bacteria, which are not part of an existing structure. This includes drilling a cavity into a structural timber, inserting a methylisothiocyanate or other similar product into the cavity, and sealing the cavity.

 

What is a "Certified Applicator" and what can they do?

A Certified Applicator is an individual who is licensed by the PMD to provide pest management services, including a QA (Qualified Applicator). Certified Applicators may apply general or restricted-use pesticides while employed by an PMD licensed business or a political subdivision according to label directions.

 

What are the requirements to become a Certified Applicator?

To become a Certified Applicator, an individual must submit a completed application, the application fee ($55.00), submission of the statement and evidence of lawful presence, a background investigation conducted through fingerprints or submission of an AZDPS Fingerprint Clearance Card issued pursuant to 41-1758.03 or an AZDPS Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card issued pursuant to 412-17458.07; and pass the Core and at least one category-specific examination with a score of 75% or higher to become certified in that specific category.

 

Can I apply for my Certified Applicator license online?

Yes. There is an easy one-step process to apply for your Applicator license online. However, you will need a credit card or bank account to pay for the application fee. Begin the application process now.

 

What is a Qualified Applicator?

In addition to the privileges of a Certified Applicator, a Qualified Applicator may be registered as a Qualifying Party of a PMD Business Licensee.

 

What is a Qualifying Party (QP) and what do they do?

A Qualifying Party is a Qualified Applicator who has been registered with the PMD as the individual responsible for ensuring the training, equipping and supervision of all applicators of a business licensee or school district. Additionally, they are charged with ensuring the Business Licensee maintains the proper proof of financial security and is submitted to the PMD.

 

What are the requirements to become a Qualified Applicator?

To become a Qualified Applicator an individual must submit a completed application, the application fee ($75.00), the statement and evidence of lawful presence, possess the required experience or qualification, a background investigation conducted through fingerprints or submission of an AZDPS Fingerprint Clearance Card issued pursuant to 41-1758.03 or an AZDPS Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card issued pursuant to 412-17458.07; and pass the Core and at least one category-specific examination with a score of 75% or higher to become certified in that specific category.

 

You must also meet the following experience requirements. 

 

  1. Certification as an applicator for 24 months within 10 years immediately preceding the application in the category applied for.
  2. Certification as an applicator for 12 months within 10 years immediately preceding the application in the category applied for and either:

  • Successful completion of 12 semester hours or its equivalent
  • Successful completion of 12 semester hours or its equivalent within the 10 years preceding the application in pest management courses directly related to each category applied for
  • A Bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, biological sciences, or pest management with 12 semester hours or its equivalent in pest management courses directly related to each category applied for
  • Twenty-four months of verifiable experience in the business of pest management, in another State where licensure was not required, within the ten years preceding application directly related to the category applied for.

    •  

    What is a Business License and who needs one?

    A Business License is a license that is issued person that entitles that person and the person's employees to engage in the business of pest management. Notwithstanding the exemptions in A.R.S.  3-3611, 3-3612, & 3-3613; anyone that is engaging in, offering to engage in, advertising for, soliciting or performing pest management, including any of the following: (a) Identifying infestations or making inspections for the purpose of identifying or attempting to identify infestations. (b) Making written or oral inspection reports, recommendations, estimates or bids with respect to infestations. (c) The application of pesticides or the making of contracts or submitting of bids for the application of pesticides or the use of devices for the purpose of eliminating, exterminating, controlling or preventing infestations needs a business license.

     

    What are the requirements for a Business License?

    A Business License applicant must submit a complete business license and QP registration application, the application fee ($185), a copy of the tradename certificate, articles of organization or incorporation and proof of financial security.

     

    I have a PMD issued business license, yet I no longer have a QP. What are my options?

    Option 1: Register a QP by submitting a complete “Qualifying Party Registration for an existing business license” application and the application fee ($35).

    Option 2: Register a temporary QP. This is a non-transferrable registration that is valid for 90-days and issued to a certified applicator who is employed by a business licensee or school district.

     

    What are the requirements for a Temporary QP?

    A Temporary QP registration applicant must be a certified or qualified applicator, submit a complete Temporary QP Registration application and application fee ($75), a written confirmation signed by the business licensee, school district, or former QP indicating that the former QP has become disassociated with the business licensee or school district, and a written statement signed by the business licensee or school district that:

    • The business licensee or school district has not operated in the business of pest management for more than five business days since the disassociation in the categories for which the disassociated QP was registered and
    • The business licensee or school district wants the certified applicator to act as a temporary QP.

    Where can I get a list of approved continuing education courses for structural and agricultural certified applicators?

    Complete course listings can be found here.

     

    eTARF

    What is “eTARF?”

    eTARF, or the PMD’s electronic Termite Action Report Form, is a form that PMD licensed businesses electronically submit to the PMD within 30 days of completing a pretreatment, new-construction treatment, final grade treatment, initial corrective treatment (including some fumigation services), and a Wood Destroying Insect Inspection Report. 

     

    How do I get setup to use eTARF?

    If you are the registered Qualifying Party for a current business license, please call Kellie Smith M-Thursday 7-4PM at 928-300-7846.  If she is unavailable, call Brian Kennedy M-F 8-5PM at 520-730-0220. 

    See the eTARF User Manual.

     

    I have 3 email verification codes. Which is the correct one?

    Probably none of them. The correct steps for the first login to eTARF are:

    1. Open the email account you provided to us when we setup the account.
    2. Login into eTARF https://etarf.azda.gov/ with user ID and password provided to you.
    3. Wait for the email verification code to arrive in your inbox, and open it.
    4. Copy the verification code from the email to the text field on the eTARF login page.
    5. If you entered the correct code you will be put back to the login prompt. You are now good to go.

     

    I forgot my user-id and/or password.

    The business license’s registered Qualifying Party should contact the PMD to recover the lost information:  Please contact Kellie Smith M-Thursday 7-4PM at 928-300-7846.  If she is unavailable, please contact Brian Kennedy M-F 8-5PM at 520-730-0220.

     

    How do I pay for my TARFs?

    • Select "Manage New TARFs" from the left menu.
    • Click on the "Search" button
    • Select the TARFs that you want to pay for (left hand check box). Not more than 100 at a time.
    • Click the Submit button
    • You can also use steps 1 and 2 to correct TARFs prior to submitting them by clicking the word EDIT on the right side of the screen.

     

    Can I correct a TARF entry?

    Yes, if you have not submitted it yet, see prior question.

     

    I entered the same TARF action twice. Now what?

    If you have not yet submitted both of them, use the "Manage New TARFs" search process to select the one to be deleted. There is a "Delete Selected" button at the bottom of the screen.

     

    How do I enter a "Supplemental" TARF?

    Please talk to the Inspector of the Day at 602-542-4373 option #3. 

     

    My QP did the application and he does not show in the Applicator drop down list.

    As of the May 2014 renewal period CQAs/QPs were not required to renew their CA certifications. Therefore, they do not appear in the list of Certified Applicators, use the "DONE BY QP WITHOUT APPL. LIC!" item in those cases.

     

    What if the Applicator is not in the dropdown list?

    All business employees should be "Registered" with the company. To register a new employee:

    • Go to MyPMD for Business
    • Log in with the business login information (see most current renewal letter)
    • "Manage Employee(s)"
    • "Register"
    • Employee - You need correct SSN, and Date of Birth

     

    What if an Applicator in the dropdown list is no longer an employee?

    All business employees should be "Registered" with the company. To deregister a new employee:

    • Go to MyPMD for Business
    • Log in with the business login information (see most current renewal letter)
    • "Manage Employee(s)"
    • "Remove"
    • "Select employee(s) to remove
    • Click the Red "Delete Checked" button

     

    The chemical we used does not appear in the drop-down for chemical used. How can I get it added?

    If you can't find the chemical in the list and you think it should be there, please send us a copy of the label that includes the "Product Name" and "EPA Number" (first page of the label) by mail (1802 W Jackson St., # 78, Phoenix, AZ, 85007), fax (602-542-0466) or email ([email protected]).

    After a check of AZ registered chemicals, it will be added if authorized. 

     

    Compliance/Enforcement

    What happens to consumer complaints?

    Once the PMD receives a complaint and determines it has jurisdiction in the matter, it is assigned to an inspector as an “inquiry”, which is a threshold investigation to determine if violations exist.  

     

    If the investigation determines law violations, an agency Citation is drafted for the licensee(s). The Citation will outline a brief description of the violations as well as the agency's findings and will outline the discipline.  The Citation is reviewed by agency's Director who may accept or reject the terms of discipline.  Once accepted, the citation is signed and mailed to the respondent, who has 30 days from receipt to comply with the terms of the citation.   Appeal rights are set forth in the document and can be exercised before the end of the 30-day Order, if the respondent does not agree to the terms and wants the agency to hold a settlement conference or have it referred to be heard before an administrative law judge.  In a settlement conference, PMD staff presents the inspector's findings and attempts to negotiate a resolution.  The report is reviewed by the agency's Director, who may accept or reject the terms of settlement.  If a resolution cannot be reached, the case may be forwarded to the Office of Administrative Hearings for a hearing, or it may be dismissed.  

     

    Environmental

     

    Where can I get a list of the chemicals on Arizona's groundwater protection list?

    List of active ingredients on Arizona's 2024 groundwater protection list

     

    Who do I call to report a pesticide related illness or incident?

    Call the Arizona Pesticide Hotline at 1-800-423-8876.