Commercial Applicator License FAQs:
Commercial Pesticide applicators are defined in C.R.S. 35-10-103 of the Pesticide Applicators’ Act.
"Commercial applicator" means any person, other than a private applicator, who engages in the business of applying pesticides for hire or operating a device for hire that is designated by the commissioner as requiring licensure for use under this article.
A person not engaged in the business of applying pesticides is not required to be licensed as a commercial applicator under the Act. For example, a person who evaluates and/or recommends pest controls while not engaging in the business of applying pesticides or working for a person who engages in the business of applying pesticides are not required to be licensed under the Act.
“Engaged in the business of applying pesticides for hire” is defined in Part 1 of the Rules associated with the Pesticide Applicators’ Act. Engaged in the business of applying pesticides for hire means:
“The evaluation of pest problems; the recommendation of pest controls and evaluation of results; the mixing, loading or application of pesticides; and/or the soliciting, advertising, offering or contracting to do any of the above, in return for money or anything of value, including goods or services. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, the rendering of consultation services by an individual in evaluating pest problems, recommending pest controls and/or evaluating results, shall not be deemed to constitute the application of pesticides for hire, if said individual is not affiliated with, or soliciting business for, any person or business entity which performs the mixing, loading or application of pesticides.”
- Who must obtain a commercial pesticide applicator business license?
Any person making pesticide applications “for hire” or any business selling services that include the application of pesticides must license as a commercial pesticide applicator business.
- How do I license as a commercial pesticide applicator business?
Licenses are issued for the calendar year; no fee proration is allowed for partial year licensing. The following information is required when applying for licensure as a Commercial Pesticide Applicator:
- A completed application must be submitted. Be sure to complete all applicable fields, and to sign your application.
- A licensed qualified supervisor must be “linked” to your business; the qualified supervisor must be licensed in each pest management category your business intends to make pesticide applications in.
- The applicant must obtain and show proof of liability insurance in the minimum amount of 400,000.
- Applicants who are incorporated (i.e.: corporations, partnerships, LLC, etc.) must submit a Certificate of Good Standing issued by the Colorado Secretary of State.
- Aerial applicators must submit their FAA Part 137 certificate.
- Pay the $350 annual licensure fee.
- What if I am an aerial applicator?
A commercial applicator may not apply pesticides aerially without an endorsement on its license by the Commissioner permitting such applications. In order to obtain such endorsement, the applicant or licensee shall present evidence that at least one pilot employed or to be employed by the said applicant, currently holds a commercial agricultural aircraft operator certificate issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation, pursuant to 14 CFR, part 137. This must be submitted with your Commercial Pesticide Applicator application.
If the employment of said pilot or pilots is terminated for any reason, the Licensee shall immediately cease aerial application of pesticides unless and until it is in compliance.
- What if I operate under more than one name?
Commercial applicators that work under more than one “doing business as” (DBA) name must list each additional DBA. An annual fee of $100 is required for each additional DBA name your company utilizes.
Separate pesticide application records must be maintained for each such business name in accordance with C.R.S. 35-10-111.
- Am I required to notify the department of licensed applicators working for my business?
Yes. Commercial applicators are required to notify the Department and link any employee holding an individual license (qualified supervisor or certified operator) within 15 days of their hire date or release from employment.
The form must be signed by both an authorized business representative and the individual licensee.
- How long does it take to process my application?
Processing normally takes up to five business days after receipt by CDA. To check on the status of your license you can contact Commercial Applicator Licensing Administrator at commercialapplicator@state.co.us.
- How long is my license good for?
A commercial applicator business license is good for the calendar year. Licenses issued in the middle of the calendar year are not pro-rated and expire on December 31st of each year.
- How do I renew my license?
It is the businesses responsibility to renew their license. As a courtesy, CDA generally mails a renewal application each November, but if this is not received, contact the Department at (303) 869-9066 or commercialapplicator@state.co.us to request a renewal application.
- Can I renew late?
Late renewal is allowed under the following circumstances:
- After Dec 31 and prior to Feb 1, a $35 late fee is due, along with the normal $350 fee; a renewal application may be used.
- Feb 1 or later, the business must submit a new application; renewal applications will not be accepted. If you have not renewed your commercial pesticide applicator license by February 1st and continue to advertise your services or make pesticide applications; you may be found in violation of the Pesticide Applicators’ Act under C.R.S. 35-10-117 and be subject to license denial and civil penalties.
Business Requirement FAQs:
- What about record-keeping?
Your business must comply with the record-keeping requirements outlined in C.R.S. 35-10-111 of the Colorado Pesticide Applicators’ Act (PAA), and Part 6 of the Rules associated with the Act.
- What if I employ non-licensed technicians?
Non-licensed technicians, or “Applicator Technicians” are required to be trained in accordance with the Technician Training requirements outlined in Part 5 of the Rules associated with the Pesticide Applicators’ Act.
“Applicator technician” means a technician whose job includes the use of pesticides. You are responsible for maintaining complete and accurate training records of all applicator technicians employed.
Applicator technician training must meet the minimum standards outlined in Part 5 of the Rules for the specific pest management category(s) they conduct pesticide applications in. An applicator technician, once trained, can only make General Use Pesticide (GUP) applications under the supervision of a licensed qualified supervisor (QS) that holds the specific licensure category; and restricted use pesticide (RUP) applications under the direct on-site supervision of a QS that holds the specific licensure category.
Technician training requirements and record-keeping forms can be found here.
- Does my business have an obligation to notify persons listed on the pesticide-sensitive registry (PSR) of my pesticide applications?
Commercial pesticide applicators licensed in the Turf, Ornamental and certain Structural Pest Control categories are required, pursuant to C.R.S. 35-10-112, to notify persons on the PSR when making applications to properties that abut the PSR person’s property or that they reside on.
Applicators must take reasonable actions to give notice of the date and approximate time of each pesticide application, prior to the application, to any person who resides on a property which abuts the property to be treated or resides on the property to be treated and whose name is on the published registry.
Notification must include the address or location of the property to be treated. An applicator may meet this requirement by making not less than two attempts to notify any owner or tenant who is in the registry. Such attempts shall be made as early as practicable but not later than twenty-four hours before the application.
Notice may be by any method, including telephone,mailor personal notification. If attempts at notification by the applicator fail, and a pesticide application are necessary, the commercial applicator shall attempt to notify the resident in person immediately prior to the application. Notice of the application and attempts at notification shall be placed on the door of the person requesting notification if all notification attempts fail.
The PSR notification requirements also apply to Registered Limited Commercial and Registered Public Applicators that hold these pest management categories.
For more information on the PSR.
- Are there requirements for marking my vehicles and service containers?
Yes, Part 7 of the Rules associated with the PAA outlines the requirements for equipment identification. Motor vehicles, trailers, mobile equipment and ATV’s are required to be identified with the company business name at a minimum. The city and state are required on all equipment carrying spray tanks larger than ten-gallons. The Rule also specifies the letter size required and durability.
Part 11 of the Rules associated with the PAA outlines the identification requirements for service containers. Service containers, which are defined as, “any container holding pesticide, whether in a concentrated or diluted form, other than the pesticide's original container, that is of a size and capacity that permits it to be carried or moved by only one individual, unaided by any tool or apparatus”, must be marked with the following information:
- The common name of each active ingredient, if there is such a common name or the chemical name of each active ingredient;
- The EPA Registration Number;
- Each and every human hazard signal word is shown on the label;
- The name of the commercial registered limited commercial or registered public applicator.
You can find the Rules here.
- Is my business subject to inspection by the Department?
Yes, C.R.S. 35-10-119 provides the Department the authority to conduct inspections of your business premises, equipment, and records. Each new licensee should expect an inspection during their first year of business. On-going licensees are inspected on a rotating basis, but on average about every three years.
Routine office inspections conducted at your business location include, but are not limited to; a review of your licensing credentials for the pest categories you are conducting business in, a review of your application records, training records, pesticide storage, and equipment.
The Department may also conduct field inspections. During these inspections, a CDA inspector will monitor a pesticide application, verify that all required PPE is being used, that all application equipment is in good working order and conduct a label review.
- Do I have to maintain my current address and contact information with the department?
Yes, in accordance with C.R.S. 35-10-106(6), each licensee must notify the Department of any change in the information provided in your commercial pesticide applicator application within fifteen days of such change.
You can update your Contact Information here.