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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 Essential and Critical Functions to Agricultural Production?
​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:
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Are People Still Working in the Salem Building at ODA?
​​Because of COVID-19, the building is closed to the public. There is a skeleton crew working from the building, while 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. 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 this is a fluid and uncertain situation, therefore it is advisable to frequently check the status of testing centers. 
  • 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. ​​​​
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​​. 

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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."
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​​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.​
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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.​ ​​
What if I am a nonimmigrant foreign worker and can't get a Social Security number (or equivalent)?

​​​​ODA is implementing an interim temporary measure​ during the Covid-19 pandemic.

¿Qué pasa si soy un trabajador extranjero no inmigrante y no puedo obtener un número de Seguro Social (o equivalente) (What if I am a nonimmigrant foreign worker and can't get a Social Security number (or equivalent))?

​​ODA está implementando una medida temporal provisional durante la pandemia de Covid-19​.

​​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.

Resources​​​​​

Herbicide Residues in Compost Fact Sheet

Herbicide residues in compost information

Pesticide advisories 
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3/8/2022

7/28/2021

  • Reminder of label, licensing requirements when using wood treatment for wood-destroying pests,​ moss control products on roofs​

​7/6/2021

    6/10/2021

    6/1/2021

    5/27/2021

    Current n​ewsletters ​ 

    ODA Pesticide Newsletter — Fall Issue (2022)

    In this issue: Rose Kachadoorian retires after 26 years with ODA; Gilbert Uribe Valdez named Pesticides Program manager, product registration fee increase, and new license type coming soon. Pesticide fall newsletter

    ODA Pesticide Newsletter — Spring Issue (2022)

    Among the stories in this issue: Former pesticide investigator Isaak Stapleton named NRPA director; remember to safely store and dispose of pesticides to avoid issues; several free waste pesticide collection events planned; and is your pesticide application equipment properly calibrated? Pesticide spring newsletter

    Previous advisories and newsletters

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