What type of pesticide requires a special license for application?

Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs) are classified as substances that may pose a higher risk to human health and the environment if not used properly. Due to their potential for causing adverse effects, the application of these pesticides is regulated more strictly than general or non-restricted use pesticides. To apply RUPs, individuals must hold a specific certification and license that demonstrates they have received the necessary training on the safe handling, application, and disposal of these substances.

This regulatory framework is in place to ensure that only qualified individuals handle products that could pose significant risks to public health and ecological balance, thus facilitating safer practices within the industry. In contrast, general use pesticides do not require such stringent oversight, and similarly, organic pesticides, while regulated, do not fall under the same category as RUPs when it comes to licensing requirements. Non-restricted pesticides also do not have such rigorous application criteria, allowing for broader use without specific licensing.