Protecting individuals with allergies, asthma, chemical sensitivities, and vulnerable populations. Know your rights, understand ingredients, and access state registry information.
Pennsylvania maintains an official state registry for individuals with documented hypersensitivity to pesticides. This registry is a legal protection mechanism that requires commercial pesticide applicators to check before treating properties within 500 feet of registered individuals.
Citizens with verified medical conditions (asthma, chemical sensitivities, allergies, or other documented conditions) can register with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Once registered, your address is added to the state database. Before any commercial pesticide application, licensed applicators are legally required to check the registry and provide advance notice (typically 24-48 hours) to all registered individuals within 500 feet of the treatment area. This allows time to take precautions, vacate if necessary, or request alternative treatment methods.
Pennsylvania residents can register with the official state pesticide hypersensitivity registry:
Visit PA Department of Agriculture RegistryUnder Pennsylvania's Pesticide Hypersensitivity Registry Law (3 Pa.C.S. ยง 111.24), commercial pesticide applicators MUST check the registry before any outdoor pesticide application and provide written notification to all registrants within 500 feet of the treatment site at least 24 hours in advance (48 hours preferred). Notification must include: applicator name and certification number, pesticide product name and EPA registration number, date and approximate time of application, and contact information. Failure to comply can result in fines, license suspension, or revocation.
Step 1: Access the registry through PA Department of Agriculture's online portal or call (717) 787-4843. Step 2: Enter the treatment address and verify a 500-foot radius check. Step 3: If registrants are found, send written notification at least 24 hours before application (certified mail or hand delivery recommended). Step 4: Include all required details: your name, PA license number, pesticide product names, EPA reg numbers, treatment date/time, and your contact phone/email. Step 5: Keep a copy of the notification and delivery confirmation for your records for at least 3 years.
Pennsylvania residents have the right to: (1) Register with the state if they have documented medical conditions aggravated by pesticides, (2) Receive advance written notice before any commercial pesticide application within 500 feet of their property, (3) Request information about the pesticides being used and request Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), (4) Request alternative treatment methods or ask the pest control company to use lower-toxicity products, (5) File a complaint with the PA Department of Agriculture if an applicator fails to provide notice or violates registry requirements, and (6) Remain on the registry indefinitely or request removal at any time.
Department: PA Department of Agriculture - Bureau of Plant Industry
Phone: (717) 787-4843
Email: RA-pesticide@pa.gov
Website: https://www.agriculture.pa.gov
Address: 2301 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110
Diatomaceous earth, boric acid, or natural essential oil-based products
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods, biological controls
Bait stations with lower-risk ingredients, heat treatments for termites
Generally considered one of the safest options
One of the safest natural alternatives available
Mechanical barriers for termites, natural repellents
What pesticide products will you be using? Request the product name, EPA registration number, and active ingredients.
Can I see the label and Safety Data Sheet? Federal law requires companies to provide this information upon request.
Do you offer lower-toxicity alternatives? Ask about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and least-toxic options.
How long should I keep children and pets away? Understand re-entry times and safety waiting periods.
What precautions will you take to prevent drift? Especially important for outdoor applications near homes.
Have you checked the state hypersensitivity registry? In Pennsylvania, this is a legal requirement.
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