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Pesticide Sensitivity Registry

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Pesticide Sensitivity List

What is the Pesticide Sensitivity List?


Washington state law established the Pesticide Sensitivity List (PSL) to alert pesticide-sensitive people of certain pesticide applications. You can become eligible to join the PSL by obtaining a doctor's note certifying your sensitivity to pesticides. Certain types of WSDA licensed applicators are required to notify you when applying pesticides to landscaping, highway, or right of-way next to your residence. Notification is not required for agricultural applications.

To be added to the list:

  • Complete WSDA's Application and Renewal Form. Include all the information on this form, have your doctor sign it, and return the form to WSDA.
  • Be sure to let WSDA know as soon as possible if your address, telephone number(s), or ownership of property changes.
  • Complete renewal forms yearly. Renewal forms are sent out on October 15th of each year.

What to expect when you are on the list 

Being on the Pesticide Sensitivity List does not stop the spraying of pesticides near where you live. It means that pesticide applicators must notify you when certain types of spraying will occur next to your primary residence. 

How and when do you get notified?

  • WSDA-certified pesticide applicators will contact you in writing, with a phone call, or in person.
  • They will tell you the date and approximate time they will apply pesticides.
  • They must notify you at least two hours before applying pesticides.
  • If the applicator is responding to an emergency customer request, they may notify you at the time the pesticides are applied.
  • If you are not at home or unable to be contacted, they may leave a written notice at the home address listed on your application form.
  • If you live in a multi-family building, such as an apartment complex or condominium, applicators will notify you (as the person on the list) or ask your property manager or representative to notify you.

Information for pesticide applicators

WSDA sends the Pesticide Sensitivity List by January 1st and June 15th of each year to certified applicators who are likely to make landscape or right-of-way applications.
 

How and when do I notify?

  • Contact people on the list in writing, by phone call, or in person.
  • ​Provide the date and approximate time you will apply pesticides.
  • You must notify at least two hours before applying pesticides.
  • You may notify at the time of pesticide application if you are responding to an emergency customer request.  
  • If the person is not home or unavailable, you may leave a written notice at the listed home address.
  • If the person lives in a multi-family building, such as an apartment complex or condominium, you may contact the property manager or representative and ask them to notify the person.

What requires a notification?

  • Highway or road rights-of-way within one-half mile of residence.
  • ​Property landscaping that is next to the residence.

What does not require a notification?

  • Applications made by private applicators.
  • Mosquito abatement.
  • Spongy moth (formerly gypsy moth) eradication, or similar wide-area pest control programs sponsored by governmental entities.
  • Commercial pesticide applicators making structural applications.