Over the counter pesticides sold directly to homeowners such as the ones you buy in retail neighborhood hardware stores do not require a permit or any special licensing to purchase or use. A restricted materials permit from the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures is required to purchase, use, and store restricted pesticides. Certification is required to use these pesticides. You can be certified either by obtaining the Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or the Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) which are issued by the
Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) or by examination at the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures Office for a Private Applicator Certificate (PAC). The PAC is only for people that apply restricted pesticides to their own property. Information on the PAC license and a list of restricted use pesticides can be obtained by calling the County of San Luis Obispo Department of Agriculture/Weights and Measures at (805) 781-5910, or by visiting the
California Department of Pesticide Regulation’s website. Restricted use pesticides and pesticides that only give per acre instructions are not intended for homeowner use. Special licensing is required to perform pest control as part of your business on properties other that your own.