New York Pesticide Use, Notification and Records

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

Sources checked November 6, 2026

What to know

Under 6 NYCRR § 325.2, pesticides are used by label directions or as DEC approves, under conditions that keep them off adjacent people, waters and property, with an anti-siphon device on equipment that draws water and each label on hand. Termite work follows the stricter of label or rule, keeps nozzle pressure at 25 psi or less, puts one of two employees inside for basement and slab work, and bars subsurface treatment within 10 feet of a well. Empty containers are triple rinsed, returnables go back to the supplier, no container holds food or water, and large amounts of unwanted pesticide go to the supplier, an approved hazardous waste facility or a clean-up day. Home occupants, or a tenant who hires the work, get the label information first. Commercial lawn work needs a written contract with dates, number of applications and cost, owner acceptance of any new date, and copies kept three years after expiration; yellow, black-lettered markers at least 4 by 5 inches stand 12 inches high for 24 hours, at least two per area or one for a lone tree. Where a county or city has adopted ECL § 33-1004, abutting neighbors within 150 feet get 48 hours' notice, granular applications are exempt, and apartment owners pass notices on 24 hours ahead. Commercial applicators record each product's EPA registration number, keep records three years and report by February 1; private applicators keep restricted use records three years. Clothianidin and dinotefuran have been banned on outdoor ornamentals and turf since December 31, 2024, outside near-foundation structural and invasive-species work, which needs a yearly course. Chlorpyrifos is banned, aquatic products need a permit or card, business decals go on opposite sides of each vehicle, and uncertified people apply only under direct supervision.

Where it comes from

• 6 NYCRR §§ 325.2, 325.3, 325.4, 325.5
• ECL §§ 33-0905(5), 33-1001, 33-1003
• 6 NYCRR §§ 325.40, 325.41
• ECL § 33-1004; DEC, Neighbor Notification
• ECL § 33-1205
• ECL § 33-1301(8), (13)
• 6 NYCRR §§ 325.26, 326.2(c), (h)
• DEC, Business/Agency Pesticide Information

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