What should a pest control business do in case of an emergency or accidental pesticide release?

In the event of an emergency or accidental pesticide release, reporting to the County Agricultural Commissioner is a critical step. This authority plays a key role in managing pest control regulations and ensuring public safety in California. The County Agricultural Commissioner is tasked with overseeing pesticide use in their jurisdiction and is responsible for investigating pesticide-related incidents, assessing risks, and coordinating responses to protect human health and the environment.

Notifying the pesticide manufacturer, while potentially useful, does not fulfill the immediate regulatory reporting requirements and may not directly address the local implications of the incident. Contacting local law enforcement is appropriate in certain emergencies, especially if there is a threat to public safety, but it may not specifically address pesticide regulations. Informing affected property owners is an important step for transparency and to protect community members, but it does not meet the regulatory obligation to report the incident to the appropriate government authority.

For these reasons, the correct course of action in this situation emphasizes compliance with state and local regulations, which is why reporting to the County Agricultural Commissioner is the most appropriate response.