Maine Pesticide Use and Records

About 5 of every 50 questions on a Maine Commercial Core practice exam come from this topic.

Sources checked November 10, 2026

What to know

Under 7 M.R.S. § 606 no one may use a pesticide inconsistently with its labeling, deface labels, or dispose of pesticides in ways that may cause injury. Chlorpyrifos and PFAS-contaminated products may not be distributed, and glyphosate or dicamba may not be applied within 75 feet of school grounds such as athletic fields, except on residential or commercial farm land. Chapter 50 records are made the same day, include the customer's name and address and outdoor weather, and are kept two years at the primary place of business for Board inspection. Annual summaries of quantity, EPA registration number and area are filed electronically by January 31 or the license may be suspended, and significant misapplications or spills are phoned in once emergency care and containment begin. Chapter 28 signs show CAUTION in 72-point type and the company's name and phone and stay up two days after the job; marked outdoor bait stations are exempt. Registry members within 250 feet of outdoor non-agricultural work get notice 6 hours to 14 days ahead, or posted at the principal entry after two failed calls; tree injections are exempt. Chapter 22 bars powered spraying above 15 mph, requires a two-year map of Sensitive Areas within 500 feet, and stopping when unprotected people appear. Chapter 29 sets a 50-foot mixing setback, a 25-foot broadcast buffer and secured loads. School work needs written IPM Coordinator approval no more than 10 days ahead and a record within a business day. Inspectors may seek warrants, and each day of violation is a separate offense.

Where it comes from

• 7 M.R.S. §§ 606, 616-A; 22 M.R.S. § 1471-H
• 01-026 C.M.R. ch. 50, §§ 1-2
• 01-026 C.M.R. ch. 28, §§ 2-3
• 01-026 C.M.R. ch. 22, § 2
• 01-026 C.M.R. ch. 27, § 6; ch. 29, §§ 1, 2, 6

Try a practice question