Rhode Island Pesticide Use and Records

About 5 of every 50 questions on a Rhode Island Commercial Licensing practice exam come from this topic.

Sources checked November 10, 2026

What to know

Rhode Island commercial applicators record each application's brand name, formulation and quantity per site, EPA registration number, purpose, target pests, exact locations and date, keep records two years from application and make them promptly available to the Director on reasonable demand. After each job the applicator leaves a detailed invoice, and termiticide application records add a treatment diagram and the location of known wells and water bodies nearby. Private applicators record restricted use applications within 14 days. Acetochlor, alachlor, metolachlor and simazine are state limited use because they can contaminate ground water, and their use is reported annually. Since January 1, 2024, outdoor neonicotinoid products are state limited use, sold only to certified applicators, never applied to linden or basswood or to plants in bloom outside research; pet flea products are exempt. Direct supervision means on-site supervision; for-hire general use work by unlicensed workers needs a certified or licensed commercial applicator's direct supervision, and sub-surface use of listed termiticides needs a Category 7B applicator present. Lawn signs are at least 20 square inches and stay up 48 hours or longer if the label says so; neighbors may ask for 48 hours' notice except for immediate service calls, and the post-application notice gives DEM's phone number. Applications are barred within 400 feet of gravel-packed public wells, in wind that causes drift, and on surface waters or by aircraft without Director approval. Fill equipment needs an approved anti-siphon device, and empty containers store only pesticides. At schools only commercial applicators apply, outside school hours, with 24 hours' notice to registered parents and written approval for restricted products; during business hours, child care centers allow only commercial applicators. Storage is locked and holds 100% of the largest container; transport is in labeled original containers apart from food; stop-use orders hold until written release.

Where it comes from

• R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 23-25-4, 23-25-21, 23-25-23
• R.I. Gen. Laws §§ 23-25-37, 23-25-38, 23-25-40
• 250-RICR-40-15-2.5, 2.6
• 250-RICR-40-15-2.19, 2.22, 2.23
• 250-RICR-40-15-2.24, 2.25

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