Pesticide Info for the Public

The Pesticide Regulation Program (PRP) monitors, registers, and investigates all pesticide use in San Diego County. 

Any farmer, producer, pest control company, fumigator, landscaper, gardener, or applicator who uses pesticides as part of their business is required to register, give notice, and have proper licenses and training. Homeowners' associations (HOAs) can also hire professional pesticide companies or applicators to spray pesticides but are required to let residents know before they enter an area. 

What is a Pesticide?

A pesticide is any substance used to control, destroy, repel, or prevent pests such as insects, rodents, or weeds. Pesticides can be synthetic or organic. They also include common household products, such as bleach or Round Up. California also regulates adjuvants as pesticides. Adjuvants are emulsifiers, spreaders, and other compounds added to improve the effectiveness of a pesticide.

Where and How are Pesticides Used?

Pesticides have a wide range of use, including:

  • Farms and nurseries use pesticides to control pests that can harm their crops.
  • Pest control companies treat homes and other structures to keep out urban pests.
  • Hospitals, schools, and other public facilities use disinfectants to keep viruses and germs off of surfaces. 
  • Health agencies control insects like mosquitos that can carry disease and harm the public.
  • Residents uses pesticides to control pests in homes, yards, and gardens.

Pesticide Safety Tips

If you use pesticides in your home, yard, or garden, here are some safety tips to keep in mind:

  • Always read the label and fully follow the directions each time you use a pesticide. The label is the law! 
  • Wear work clothes (like pants and long-sleeved shirts) and personal protective equipment (like gloves and goggles) as directed in the label. 
  • Keep pesticides out of reach of children, and dispose of pesticides according to the label. 
  • Wash your hands after using pesticides. 
  • Store pesticides — like sanitizers, disinfectants, or bleach — in their original containers. Do not store pesticides in food or beverage containers.
  • Do not let children and pets into recently treated areas until the product fully dries or dirt/dust settles. 
  • Never use more than the label directs for safe use. 
  • Never mix different cleaning products together, especially with bleach. 
  • Do not over-chlorinate swimming pools or spas. Make sure chlorine levels are never more than 4 parts per million (ppm) for pools or 5 ppm for spas when occupied.
CDPR Community Health Page

CDPR Community Health

Learn more about pesticide use, tips, outreach, and more from the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

Pesticide Complaints

Pesticide Complaints

Did you see a pesticide being used in a way that looked incorrect? File a complaint for a Pesticide Regulation inspector to review.
DPW Household Hazardous Waste

Household Hazardous Waste

Learn more about what to do with unused or leftover portions of any hazardous chemicals or materials you may have.

PRRC homepage screenshot

Make a Public Records Request

Submit a request, correspond with the County, and track requests online.
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Get Pesticide Notifications

Get timely updates for agricultural pesticide applications through the State's SprayDays notification system.
AWM News and Announcements

AWM News and Announcements

Stay up to date on important news and updates from AWM.

Contact Us

If you have questions or need help filing a complaint, please call (858) 694-8980. Or visit our office at 9325 Hazard Way, San Diego, CA 92123 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and an inspector will be available to help. 

County of San Diego Pesticide Regulation Program

Phone: (858) 694-8980

Email: PRP.AWM@SDCounty.ca.gov

San Diego Office

9325 Hazard Way, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92123

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., M-F

San Marcos Office

151 East Carmel Street
San Marcos, CA 92078

Hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., M-F