Federal and State certifications necessary for a weed control company in Arizona
Sometimes, clients ask us if it is legal in Arizona to spray pesticides and herbicides over their yard. This is a very valid question. We live in a fragile ecosystem where water is relatively rare and vegetation is not abundant. With the increasing encroachment of planned communities into our Sonoran desert, how do we protect the heritage we have been entrusted with? How do we fulfill our role as good stewards of our environment?
Weed Control is Regulated
These certifications ensure that professional applicators possess the necessary knowledge and expertise to perform their duties safely and effectively. That safety factor extends obviously to the safety of humans and their pets, but also to that of protected species and to the survival of our vegetation and of flora and animal species find around our pockets of water (e.g. the San Pedro Valley). And let’s not forget the absolute necessity to protect what’s left of Tucson’s water table.
What are the certifications?
Note: You can check almost everything described in this article on the website
The primary certifications that professional weed control applicators include:
1. The Certified Applicator (CA) License
This certification authorizes individuals to apply both “restricted-use” and “general-use” pesticides under the employment of a licensed pest control business. Already, we understand that no one can act outside of a licensure. Anyone doing weed control in Arizona must be covered by a proper license. That’s on top of the Certified Applicator License.
The CA license is issues by the Arizona Department of Agriculture – Pest Management Division (
There are requirements to obtain and maintain this license:
- Pass a certification exam covering pesticide safety, application techniques, and relevant regulations (
azlca.com) - Provide proof of lawful presence in the United States (your immigration status must be clearly established).
- Pay an application fee ($75 at the time we publish this article).
To maintain a valid CA license, you must complete 6 hours of continuing education annually (more details here:
2. The Certified Qualified Applicator (QA) License
Also issues by the Arizona Department of Agriculture – Pest Management Division (PMD), this license grants all the privileges of a Certified Applicator and also permits the certified individual to serve as the Qualifying Party for a pest control business. That means this individual can oversee the operations of a pest control business, and is entrusted with ensuring the regulatory compliance of the business operations.
This is a much larger responsibility, and therefore the CQA license comes with more conditions.
The person wanting to obtain this license must meet at least one of the following experience criteria:
- Certification as an applicator for 24 months within the preceding 10 years in the relevant category.
- Certification as an applicator for 12 months within the preceding 10 years, plus:
- Completion of 12 semester hours (or equivalent) in pest management courses related to the certification category, or
- A bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences, biological sciences, or pest management, including 12 semester hours in pest management courses related to the certification category.
Additionally, this person will have to:
- Submit a full set of fingerprints for a background check (
opm.azda.gov) - Pass the relevant certification exam. (
fieldroutes.com) - Pay the application fee ($100 at the time we publish this article).
There are also continuous education requirements to maintain a valid CQA license: the person must complete 12 hours of continuing education annually.
With greater power come greater responsibilities. And no one can fulfill their responsibilities very well if they are not thoroughly educated in the subject matter. CQA licensees are entrusted with the long-term protection of every piece of land where their employer (licensed weed control or pest control companies) operate and spray chemicals. They are responsible for the safety of the human beings and pets living on that land, as well as the survival of the animal species and vegetation gracing that land with their presence.
3. Pest Control Business License
As noted earlier, any pest control company in Arizona must be properly licensed. Their license is issues by the Arizona Department of Agriculture – Pest Management Division (PMD).
The license authorizes the company to legally offer pest control services within Arizona. it comes with conditions and requirements:
- Employ a Certified Qualified Applicator who will act as the Qualifying Party responsible for the company’s pest control operation
- Provide proof of financial security, such as liability insurance, to cover potential damages resulting from pesticide applications.
- Submit organizational documents, including articles of incorporation or organization, and a trade name certificate if operating under a fictitious name.
- Pay the application fee ($250 at the time we publish this article).
We see that the existence and operation of the pest control (and weed control) company depends on the employment of a qualified individual with a valid and current CQA license.
A pest control company who can’t present evidence of employing a CQA is in danger of being closed down by the State.
We have to recommend Tucsonans to NOT trust their weed control or pest control business to a company that can’t show proper licensure and proper employment of a CQA. If an unlicensed pest/weed control operator does something wrong on your property, it is not certain that your insurance will cover any financial liability that may result from damages to your property or your neighbors’ properties.
4. Federal Protection
Additionally, at the federal level, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires certification for applicators using restricted-use pesticides (RUPs) under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). In Arizona, this certification is integrated into the state’s applicator licensing process. This integration ensures compliance with both state and federal regulations.
But this shows that the federal government is also entrusted with the protection of our Sonoran desert, and it acts in conjunction with the State of Arizona to enforce regulations.
We hope this answer any question you may have about spraying pesticides or herbicides over your land. Keep our Sonoran desert alive. Protect its indigenous species. Respect its integrity. Nature takes time to grow and it is subject to many sources of danger. By working only with properly licensed pest control/weed control companies like Rigo Pest Precention, you are doing your share of the work necessary to keep Arizona beautiful and lively.
Common Questions About Licensed Pest Control
Why is it important to hire a licensed pest control company in Arizona?
Licensed providers meet strict standards and carry the required certifications to safely apply pesticides and herbicides in compliance with Arizona law.
What is the Certified Applicator (CA) license?
The CA license allows individuals to legally apply pesticides under the employment of a licensed pest control company. It requires passing an exam and maintaining continuing education.
What is the Qualified Applicator (QA) license?
The QA license grants authority to oversee pest control business operations and regulatory compliance. It has additional experience, education, and renewal requirements compared to the CA license.
Can anyone apply herbicides on their own property?
No. In Arizona, individuals must hold valid certifications and be affiliated with a licensed pest control business to apply herbicides legally on a large scale.
What risks do unlicensed weed control operators pose?
Unlicensed operators may misuse chemicals, harm protected species, contaminate groundwater, and damage native vegetation. They also lack oversight or legal accountability.
