State of Oregon: Pesticides and PARC - Current Issues, Newsletters and Advisories

Visit this page to stay current on the most recent pesticide-related issues, topics, and publications. See pesticide stories and news releases on the ODA news blog.

Frequently asked pesticide questions related to COVID-19

Are Controlling Pests also Agricultural Production Essential and Critical Functions?

Yes. I think we can all agree that controlling pests on food, feed, and other crops is essential and critical. We can also all agree that controlling pests such as rats, mice, and cockroaches in food warehouses, restaurants, homes, and other locations is essential and critical. Controlling disease vectors, such as mosquitos, is also essential and critical. See the linked resources below:

Are People Still Working in the Salem Building at ODA?

Because of COVID-19, the building is closed to the public. However, there is a skeleton crew working in the building, and others are working remotely. Please email, rather than call, the ODA Pesticides Program. The response time has been usually 24-48 hours.

Testing centers and related questions

Are There Testing Centers Open in Oregon Where You Can Take An Applicator or Consultant's Exam?

Yes. Unlike most states, we are fortunate to have 2 testing centers open, with more planning to open in May and June. You will need to plan ahead and will likely have to drive a bit. Please note there is a high demand; please reserve a spot soon.

Tip: If you do not see availability on your initial date of choice, please look for other possible available dates. We have received reports that people think a particular center is closed because there was not a spot available on the single date they wanted to test on.

For information on location and status of testing centers, and directions on how to schedule an exam visit our Taking Your Pesticide Exams webpage.

Will more testing centers re-open? It depends on the status of COVID-19, but we have been told that some centers may re-open in late April or early May. But this is a fluid and uncertain situation, therefore it is advisable to frequently check the status of testing centers. We have been keeping the ODA website updated — sometimes multiple times a day.
Could a testing center close down after I sign up for an exam at a testing center? Yes. In this unlikely event, you will be contacted by Metro, Inc., and they will work with you in an attempt to find a spot at another testing location. Remember, this is a difficult time period for us all, and everyone involved wants to help. We are grateful and, frankly, thrilled that we have any testing centers open.

Are Pesticide Licenses Still Being Issued and Pesticide Product Registrations Reviewed?

Yes. Our agency is still processing license applications and issuing licenses. We are also reviewing requests to register pesticide products. There may be small delays in certain instances, depending on staffing levels.

Does ODA Have Any License Types For Which An Applicator Does Not Need To Be Certified?

Yes. Oregon has two types of trainee license types. These are the: Immediately Supervised Pesticide Trainee License (no exam necessary) and Pesticide Apprentice License (only Laws and Safety is necessary). See our website for details.

Are There Any Live Recertification Courses Being Offered?

Yes. ODA has developed guidance in which class sponsors can provide Live Webinars. Classes will be listed on ODA's website. Search for “Live Webinar” and contact the listed sponsor for registration information.

Side note: We recently emailed a document to class sponsors titled, “ODA COVID-19 Pandemic Response: Temporary Guidance for Sponsors of Pesticide Recertification Events — Interactive Live Webinar Option.” This document is listed with the Licensing Information under "Sponsor a Pesticide Class."

Other important issues

Could There Be a Shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) For Applicators This Season?

Yes. We anticipate a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) this season, particularly N95 respirators. There is a national effort to identify and list the pesticide products that require the use of a respirator. Despite the shortage, keep the following in mind:

Pesticides may not be applied without the label-required PPE.
No exemption or relaxation of the requirements has been made by EPA.
Pesticide users may need to select alternative practices or products, if required PPE is unavailable.
Pesticide users can use gear that offers more protection than what is indicated by the label.
Full-face respirators with an organic vapor cartridge are not sufficient without the particulate filter.

Is the Chlorpyrifos Workgroup Still Meeting?

The meeting originally scheduled for March 30 was postponed. This meeting will be rescheduled. Please check ODA’s website for updates.

Are Pesticide Investigators Still Responding to Complaints?

Yes. Complaints are still being responded to and we will investigate potential incidents of pesticide misuse. The ODA Pesticides Enforcement Program is also enforcing applicator training, licensing and recordkeeping requirements. All staff are following social distancing guidelines during enforcement activities. Complaint forms may be found at on ODA's website or by emailing the Pesticides Program.

Does ODA Have A List of Disinfectants Which Can Be Used Against The Virus That Causes COVID-19?

Yes. The ODA Pesticides Program has lists of disinfectants, resources, and safety materials. Please share this information widely.

ODA also has an agency-wide COVID-19 webpage, which covers a broad number of ODA programs and topics.

Investigation updates

Soil/Compost and Clopyralid Issues: Pesticide Use Investigations Nos. 200405, 200408, 200481

On May 15, 2020, ODA initiated Non-agricultural Use Followup Investigation No. 200408, and on May 18, 2020, ODA initiated Non-agricultural Use Followup Investigation No. 200405 after reports of suspected pesticide contaminated soil/compost was delivered to homes. Best Buy in Town, Investigation No. 200481, was initiated June 19, 2020. Additional Non-agricultural Use Followup Investigations on other soil/compost distributors were initiated in June after reports with similar concerns came in to ODA. Below is an update as part of the ongoing communication throughout the investigative process. To file a formal complaint or complete a Report of Loss form, visit the Pesticide Complaints webpage. To receive updates, send a request to be added to the email list.

Milton-Freewater Aerial Rodenticide Application: Pesticide Use Investigation No. 200194

On November 8, 2019, ODA initiated Agricultural Use Followup Investigation #200194 after a citizen report that an aerial application was applied in a manner that impacted private properties. ODA has completed its investigation and shared the final determination with interested parties. The following letters have been provided as part of the communication throughout the investigation.

Pesticide advisories

6/20/19 (amended 6/24/19)

The six neem oil products currently under the statewide Stop Sale, Use, or Removal Orders (SSUROs) advisories, initially announced June 20, 2019, and amended June 24, 2019, are for specific lot numbers. See the amended advisories for details.

Bulletins and news

ODA Pesticide Bulletin

ODA Pesticide Bulletin — Fall Issue (2019)

In this issue: Pesticide Program Manager retiring and another elected as president of AAPCO; using PICOL for label information; new resources for school IPM; waste pesticide collection event; ODA adopts aminocyclopyrachlor rule; special local need registrations; EPA approves new uses of sulfoxaflor; pesticide and fertilizer violations; and new paraquat labeling and training. Pesticide fall newsletter

ODA Pesticide Bulletin — Spring Issue (2019)

Among the stories in this issue: Steps to take to reduce the risk of drift; new license category added for School Integrated Pest Management; how to file a complaint with the Pesticide Program; labeling rules for secondary and service containers; Oregon Bee Project adds new resources; and a look back at the regulatory work of ODA's Fertilizer Program. Pesticide spring newsletter

Pesticides and PARC

Current Issues, Newsletters and Advisories

Frequently asked pesticide questions related to COVID-19

​​Testing centers and related questions

​​Other important issues

​​Investigation updates

Soil/Compost and Clopyralid Issues: Pesticide Use Investigations Nos. 200405, 200408, 200481

Milton-Freewater Aerial Rodenticide Application: Pesticide Use Investigation No. ​200194