Washington Laws
There is no single law that covers use of pesticides in and around homes and businesses. Below are laws that may apply:The label directions are law
Renter’s rights
People with pesticide sensitivity
Special laws about pesticides at schools and daycares
Other Washington pesticide laws
Local resolutions and policies
The label directions are law.
Did you know that it is Illegal to ignore label directions of any over-the-counter pesticide?- If the label says “for outdoor use only,” it is illegal to use it indoors.
- If the label says mix the product “one ounce to a gallon of water”, it is illegal to apply a more concentrated mix.
- If the label states “wear eye protection”, you must wear it.
- When you use any pesticide, read and follow the label directions closely. You are subject to fines and are responsible for any damages from illegal use of a pesticide.
- Report suspected label violations to WSDA 1-877-301-4555
Renter’s Rights
Under the Washington State Residential Landlord Tenant Act:- "Landlords must control pests before the tenant moves in. The landlord must continue to control infestations except in single family dwellings, or when the infestation was caused by the tenant." This is the minimum requirement for housing contracts in Washington; individual contracts may have added rights for renters. RCW 59.18 Landlord's Responsibilities
- Landlords must notify tenants before entering and treating pests in their unit "the landlord must give the tenant at least a two-day notice of his intent to enter (the rental unit) at reasonable times." RCW 59.18 Landlord's Access to the Rental Unit
- The WA Landlord-Tenant Act does not require landlords to tell residents when they plan a pesticide application in common areas (stairwells, around exteriors of buildings or on the grounds). However, pre-notification may be in individual contracts and is a good idea and a common courtesy. Pre-notification allows people and their children and pets to avoid treated areas and reduces the potential for pesticide exposure.
- Certified pesticide applicators must post signs after treating landscapes at apartments and other residential and commercial properties. Signs must have the words: "THIS LANDSCAPE HAS BEEN TREATED BY____________FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CALL___________." RCW 17.21.410(1)
- Certified applicators must provide the name of pesticides applied and a copy of the material safety data sheet or other approved fact sheet for each pesticide if they receive a written request for information on a landscape application. RCW 17.21.400(2)
Pesticide Sensitivity Registry
Some individuals have chemical sensitivities to pesticides. In 1992, the WA Department of Agriculture created an extra protection to help these individuals be notified of pesticide applications planned near their homes. Learn more about this program or register for the pesticide sensitive notification.Special laws about pesticides at schools
Other Washington pesticide laws
Other Washington State pest control and pesticide laws/rules are listed on the WA state legislature page.- RCW Title 17 Weeds, rodents, and pests contains most of the pest control laws.
- Specific laws about pesticides are in Chapter 21 Washington pesticide application act, RCW 15.58 Washington pesticide control act and WAC 16-228 General pesticide rules.
Local resolutions and policies
Below are examples of local policies and resolutions that require governmental bodies to incorporate IPM in landscape maintenance and pest control. These examples may not be inclusive of all policies or resolutions in Washington State.Thurston County - Policy*
King County - Executive Order*
City of Seattle – Resolution *
* Available in Adobe Acrobat [.PDF file] format. To view and/or print PDF files, you first will need to download and install Adobe Acrobat Reader from this link.
