General Colorado Commercial Pesticide Application Practice Exam

Who is allowed to purchase and use general use pesticides?

1. Only licensed applicators

2. Commercial users

3. The general public without special permits

4. Only agricultural users

The correct answer is: The general public without special permits

The general public is allowed to purchase and use general use pesticides without needing special permits. This category of pesticides is designed to be safe enough for non-professionals to handle, making them accessible for use in residential settings, for home gardening, and for non-commercial applications. These products generally have lower toxicity and are subject to regulatory guidelines that ensure they can be used safely by individuals who may not have formal training in pesticide application. In contrast, licensed applicators require additional training and certification to handle more restricted or specialized pesticides, which often pose greater risks and are meant for professional use. Commercial users, who may be operating businesses that involve pest control, also need to follow strict guidelines when using pesticides. Agricultural users, while they can use general use pesticides, typically deal with a broader range of products, including those that are not available to the general public.