The Virginia Pest Management Association (VPMA), the largest association in Virginia representing pest control operators in the structural pest control industry, strongly supports the Petition for Rulemaking to amend 2 VAC 5-685 to create a new certification category for pest control measures of public health significance.

Creating a distinct category to separate the training and licensing requirements for area-wide pest control programs of public health significance from those for non-area-wide (backyard) pest control measures is essential to maintaining and improving the safe and effective use of pesticides across the Commonwealth.

Continual advancements in pest control products, technology, and methods are critical to helping Virginia’s pest control operators confront the growing threat of insect-borne diseases. Applicator technicians are expected to enhance their knowledge throughout their careers and ultimately obtain advanced credentials, including the Certified Applicator License.

However, many qualified technicians face a significant barrier: the current Category 8 – Public Health Pest Control examination includes content focused on area-wide control programs and aerial or large-scale application techniques—topics that are irrelevant to technicians who conduct only backyard or localized mosquito control. These individuals often lack experience with such large-scale operations, and the inclusion of these topics unnecessarily limits their ability to advance professionally.

Establishing a separate category or subcategory focused on non-area-wide pest control would ensure that training and examinations are directly relevant to the scope of work performed by backyard mosquito control applicators. This targeted approach would promote better understanding and safer pesticide use without diluting the standards for broader public health pest control programs.

The VPMA believes that this adjustment will strengthen Virginia’s pest management workforce by encouraging more technicians to pursue certification. Expanding access to relevant, role-specific training and licensure will enhance professional development and elevate the industry’s overall capacity to apply pesticides safely and effectively throughout the Commonwealth.

We respectfully urge the Board to approve the petition and move forward with rulemaking to establish a distinct certification category for non-area-wide mosquito and other pest control measures of public health significance.

Thank you for your consideration and for your continued commitment to ensuring pesticide safety and effectiveness in Virginia.