Georgia Pesticide Use and Records

About 5 of every 50 questions on a Georgia General Standards practice exam come from this topic.

Sources checked November 6, 2026

What to know

Georgia law declares it unlawful to make a pesticide recommendation or use inconsistent with the labeling, to apply pesticides known to be ineffective or improper, to operate faulty or unsafe equipment, or to act or advertise as a pesticide contractor without a license. Licensed contractors record every application in their business, while commercial applicators not working for a contractor record restricted use and State restricted uses. Records show, among other items, the target pest, any unexpected occurrence such as spills or drift and the corrective action taken, and the names, concentrations and quantities of pesticides disposed of and how; they are kept two years and may be inspected during normal business hours where they are kept. Uncertified persons apply restricted use pesticides only under direct supervision: they follow specific written or oral instructions, the certified applicator is responsible for their actions and, unless the label says otherwise, need not be present but must be reachable within a reasonable time. No uncertified person may apply a product whose label requires a certified applicator, and commercial applicators supervise only in their own categories. Pesticides and containers may not be stored, moved or disposed of in ways that injure people, plants, animals or beneficial insects or pollute waterways. Damage claims go to the Commissioner within 60 days, and for growing crops before 25 percent is harvested; a claimant who refuses inspection loses the claim against the licensee, but a missed report is not a violation and does not bar a lawsuit. Landscape applications, except a homeowner's own single-family yard, are posted at the primary entry points at application until the next day, with signs 8 to 12 inches off the ground; golf courses may post one sign in the golf shop, clubhouse or first tee, and statements for apartment complexes go to the property manager. Interior plants treated two hours or more before public access need no posting, and rights-of-way are not landscapes. Local governments may not regulate pesticide use, the Commissioner may require equipment repairs and seek search warrants, following the rules does not remove liability for damage, and contractors need no dealer license for sales that are part of their service.

Where it comes from

• O.C.G.A. §§ 2-7-102, 2-7-103, 2-7-104
• O.C.G.A. §§ 2-7-105, 2-7-106, 2-7-107
• O.C.G.A. §§ 2-7-110, 2-7-113.1
• Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 40-21-5-.01 to 40-21-5-.04
• Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 40-21-6-.01 to 40-21-6-.03
• Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 40-21-9-.01 to 40-21-9-.03
• Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 40-11-12-.01

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