Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection

Emergency Burn Ban In Effect 10/26/24 - An emergency burn ban is now in effect for all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas, prohibiting the use of all outdoor grills, firepits, and campfires, and the kindling and use of flame outdoors. DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. Please avoid all affected State Parks and Forests, as well as the blue-blazed Mattabesett Trail. The Enduro Trail in Voluntown and portions of North Stonington within the Pachaug State Forest are closed at this time. Rocky Neck State Park is also closed until further notice due to a brush fire. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at a 'very high' or 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Certification to Engage in Use of Pesticides

There are two classes of commercial certification - supervisory and operational.  In addition, farmers and other growers are classified as private applicators.

A commercial junior operator certificate is required for commercial applicators who actively use pesticides in a non-supervisory capacity. The operator certification only allows the holder to use pesticides under the direction of a certified supervisor; receiving written instructions for every pesticide application they make. The operational certificate does not allow the holder to purchase restricted pesticides or to run their own pesticide business.  

A commercial supervisory certificate is required for commercial applicators who are responsible for deciding whether or not pesticides are to be applied, how they are to be mixed, where they are to be applied, what pesticides are to be used, the dosage and timing involved in the pesticide use and the methods of application and precautions to be taken in the use of such pesticides. The supervisory certificate allows the certificate holder to purchase restricted-use pesticides, directly pertaining to their category(ies), from a registered dealer. 

An arborist license is required for people who are advertising, soliciting or contracting to do arboriculture (tree care) in Connecticut.

A private applicator certificate must be obtained by a farmer in order to purchase and use restricted-use pesticides on agricultural crops.  It is also needed in order to be in compliance with Worker Protection Standard. Only one certificate per farm is needed.

Report emergencies to DEEP Emergency Response Unit 24 hours a day at 860-424-3338.

Useful Phone Contacts: Poison Control Center:  1-800-222-1222

Contact the Pesticide Program: 

Phone:  (860) 424-3369
E-mail:   deep.pesticideprogram@ct.gov
Postal mail:

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Bureau of Materials Management and Compliance Assurance
Pesticide Program
79 Elm Street  
Hartford, CT  06106-5127
Content Last Updated April 8th, 2022