10/31/2025

MDA Provides Key Updates on Pesticide Regulation, Certification, and Enforcement

News & Announcements

MDA Provides Key Updates on Pesticide Regulation, Certification, and Enforcement
The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Pesticide Regulation Section recently presented its 2026 Pesticide Regulation Update, highlighting several important changes that will affect licensed pest control professionals statewide. MDA outlined updates to certification procedures, new federal rules, enforcement priorities, and digital service improvements.

Certification and Testing
All pesticide certification exams are now available online for a $27.09 fee per exam. Applicators may register through Alexander Lehmann at MDA. The Department reminds applicators that continuing education units (CEUs) cannot be earned if a certification has expired.

• Commercial and Public Agency Applicators must earn 8 CEUs annually.
• Private Applicators require 4 CEUs every three years.

Renewals are completed through MDA’s expanded online portal, which now supports recertification tracking and provides access to lists of pesticide-sensitive individuals.

Federal Certification and Training (C&T) Rule Changes – Effective July 1, 2026
Maryland’s updated Certification and Training (C&T) Plan has been approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), introducing significant new federal requirements to strengthen safety and compliance.

• Restricted Use Pesticides (RUPs): Employees can no longer apply RUPs under the supervision of a certified applicator. Each individual performing RUP applications must be certified independently.
• Age Restrictions: Individuals under 18 are prohibited from applying fumigants or predator control agents, including sodium cyanide and sodium fluoroacetate.
• New Private Applicator Categories: Separate certification categories will be required for soil fumigant and non-soil fumigant applications.

These changes—set to take effect July 1, 2026—originate from EPA’s federal rule, not MDA’s own request. Applicators should plan ahead for category testing and stay informed through MDA announcements to ensure compliance.

Enforcement and Environmental Updates
MDA reported over 1,000 inspections and 32 official investigations in 2025. Recordkeeping remains the most common violation, and applicators are reminded to keep records for at least two years. EPA initiatives such as the Herbicide and Insecticide Strategies continue to promote endangered species protection, while tighter restrictions are forthcoming on atrazine, rodenticides, and certain organophosphates.

Looking Ahead
Ongoing quarantines for the Spotted Lanternfly and potential legislation proposing a public pesticide-application database highlight the need for vigilance. Applicators are also encouraged to participate in FieldWatch to improve safety and transparency.

For more information, contact MDA’s Pesticide Regulation Section at pest.reg@maryland.gov or 410-841-5710.