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. Please note that today's forest fire danger report remains at an 'extreme' level. More information about the current fire danger, burn ban and recommended safety measures can be found here

Mosquito and Biting Fly Pest Control Certification

All persons using pesticides professionally in Connecticut must possess an up-to-date certificate issued by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

An applicant for a mosquito and biting fly pest control certificate is expected to possess a working knowledge of the operations performed by a pest control operator and the reasons for performing them. Outlined below are areas in which an applicant should be proficient.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is of primary importance and an applicant should:

  1. be able to identify a variety of mosquitoes and biting flies found in the region to include:

    Mosquitoes Biting Flies
    Aedes Black Flies
    Anopheles Deer Flies
    Culex  Midges
    Culiseta
    Mansonia (Coquillettidia)
    Psorophora
    Uranotaenia
    Wyeomia
    2.    know the biology and habits of the species listed;
    3.    recognize evidence of infestation;
    4.    be aware of conditions which favor infestation;
    5.    recognize harborages which favor infestation; and 
    6.    know diseases spread by mosquitoes and which species vector which diseases.

Treatment

Having determined the needs of a given situation, the applicant should be able to prescribe and apply the proper treatment. This requires knowledge of:

  • whether or not pesticides should be applied;
  • the pesticides to be used and their properties, such as effectiveness against the pests and their toxicity to man and other warm-blooded animals. These pesticides should include, but not be limited to:
B.T. i (Bacillus Thuringiensis var. israelensis) Resmethrin
B.S. (Bacillus spaericus) Sumithrin
cyfluthrin  carbaryl (Sevin) 
methoprene (Altosid)  Agnique MMF
permethrin  pyrethrum (synergized)
malathion Bifenthrin (Talstar)
  • the dosages and timing involved;
  • how the pesticides are to be mixed;
  • the calibration of equipment;
  • methods of application and various types of equipment;
  • the proper storage and transportation of pesticides; and 
  • state and federal pesticide laws and regulations.

Operational Practice

The applicant should know:

  1. basic safety and handling rules for pesticide use;
  2. how and when to use common types of protective equipment;
  3. early signs and symptoms of pesticide poisonings;
  4. first aid which can be used in the event of pesticide poisonings;
  5. precautions to be taken to protect workers, the public and the environment; and
  6. the proper disposal of pesticide containers and surplus pesticides.

Reference Material

  1. Required and Additional Study Materials for Pesticide Supervisors

  2. Pesticide Applicator Training Manual -  Aquatic Pest Control, Category 5, Chapters X and XI; Cornell University Cooperative Extension

  3. Scientific Guide to Pest Control Operations
    Continuing Education Business Office, Stewart Center, Room 110, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907

  4. Mosquito Information Packet

  5. CT Mosquito Management Program website:  https://portal.ct.gov/mosquito

For more information, please contact deep.pesticideprogram@ct.gov or call the Pesticide Management Program at (860) 424-3369 or write to:

Department of Energy and Environmental Protection
Bureau of Materials Management and Compliance Assurance
Pesticide Management Program
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106-5127

Pesticide Certification

Content Last Updated on May 13, 2019