In Indiana there are four main types of pesticide applicators – Commercial Applicators, Private Applicator, Registered Technicians, and those applying pesticides Under the Direct Supervision of a Certified Applicator. In addition, OISC also manages the certification requirements for Wood-Destroying Insect (WDI) Inspectors. The information below will help explain who each applicator is and any relevant requirements.
Commercial Applicators
These are professionals who apply pesticides for hire. They are employed by a company with an Indiana Pesticide Business License. In Indiana, you must have a commercial applicator license if you:
- Use general use pesticides or fertilizer materials for hire
- Use or supervise the use of restricted use pesticides (RUPs)
You are also considered a commercial applicator if you apply Restricted Use Pesticides:
- On the property of your employer as a function of your job (i.e. groundskeeper)
- As an employee of a state or local government agency
Private Applicators
These are individuals who apply pesticides on their own property or their employer’s property. These individuals are not for hire.
You must have a Private Applicator Permit if you:
- Apply pesticides to property you own, rent or otherwise control for the purpose of producing an agricultural commodity (i.e. farmers).
- Purchase or use Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs).
- Apply manure from a Confined Feeding Operation (CFO) to property you own, rent or otherwise control for purposes of producing an agricultural commodity.
- Use (apply, handle, transport) manure from a CFO.
Registered Technicians
A Registered Technician (RT) is an individual who works for a licensed pesticide company but is not fully certified themselves. You must have a Registered Technician license if you:
- Make applications of General Use Pesticides (GUPs) for-hire
A Registered Technician cannot purchase or apply restricted use pesticides (RUPs).
View Applicator Supervision Requirements.
Wood Destroying Insect Inspectors
A Wood Destroying Insect (WDI) Inspector in Indiana is a certified and licensed professional who inspects homes or buildings for insects that damage wood. These inspections look for various pests like termites, carpenter ants, carpenter bees, powderpost beetles, wood boring beetles, and signs of wood decay fungus.
WDI inspectors cannot apply pesticides unless they hold a separate applicator license. Their role is inspection and reporting only.