What kind of pesticides can individuals with appropriate certification apply in California?

In California, individuals with appropriate certification have the authority to apply Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs). These pesticides are classified as restricted due to their potential risks to human health and the environment if used improperly. The restrictions on their use necessitate that applicators have specific training and certification to ensure they understand the risks and the proper application techniques.

Those who are certified are trained to handle these more dangerous substances responsibly, ensuring they follow safety protocols and comply with regulatory requirements. While there are other types of pesticides, including general use pesticides, the certification explicitly covers and emphasizes the handling of Restricted Use Pesticides, which require additional knowledge and expertise.

General use pesticides can be applied by untrained individuals, which highlights the importance of certification when handling more toxic substances. As a result, certified individuals are legally allowed to use a wider array of pesticides, extending their competence to include all types of pesticides but specifically affirming their responsibility to use RUPs properly.