Department of Pesticide Regulation Announces New Restrictions to Protect Water Quality in Urban Area

Department of Pesticide Regulation Director Brian R. Leahy announced that tomorrow new restrictions will take effect to limit where structural pest control businesses can apply pesticides in an effort to protect water quality in urban areas.

“These are the first regulations of their kind in California to protect water quality from structural pest control applications for ants, spiders and other pests around homes, other buildings and landscaped areas,” Leahy said.

“They significantly limit the amount of pesticides applied outdoors, especially to concrete and other hard surfaces more susceptible to runoff,” he continued. 

“The regulations also prohibit outdoor pest control applicators and maintenance gardeners from spraying when it rains or to standing water due to rainfall or watering. Applications over drains and natural drainage areas are also prohibited.”
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