FAQs
Has South Carolina banned the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs)?
NO, South Carolina DID NOT BAN the use of SGARs.
What has changed for SGARs in South Carolina?
On January 1st, 2025, the South Carolina Department of Pesticide Regulation classified
products containing these ingredients as a state-restricted-use pesticide (RUP) for a
period of no less than one (1) year. The Department will begin to enforce this state
classification on February 1st, 2025. This means that products containing those
ingredients will only be sold by licensed dealers and those sales will be limited to certified
pesticide applicators (commercial, noncommercial, private). Certified applicators will be
able to continue to purchase, apply, and supervise the application of the products
containing those ingredients.
Does this classification restrict the use of rodenticides that are not SGARs in South Carolina?
NO. The classification of a state RUP was only applied to SGARs.
How can I become a licensed pesticide dealer?
Applicants for a dealer license must submit the dealer application exam and pay a license
fee of $50.00. Persons who are currently certified as commercial applicators may obtain a
license simply by completing the application exam and paying the $50.00 license fee (in
addition to the fee for the commercial applicator license). The dealer license expires each
year on December 31st, but it can be renewed by paying the $50.00 license fee. A 25%
penalty will be charged for renewal applications filed on or after January 1st.
For more information visit our Licensing page.
What are the requirements for licensed pesticide dealers to sell RUPs in South Carolina?
Pesticide dealers verify that each purchaser of restricted-use products holds a valid
certification as a commercial, noncommercial or private applicator. Pesticide dealers
must maintain records of all sales or other distributions of restricted-use pesticides for a
period of two (2) years after the date of such sale or distribution. Records must include, at
a minimum, the name and pesticide applicator’s license number of the individual to whom
the sale or distribution was made. These records must be presented to the Director or his
agents for review and duplication upon request at the expense of the Department.
Additionally, all restricted-use pesticides must be separated from general-use pesticides in
displays of pesticides offered for sale to the public.
What if I currently sell SGARs but do not possess a pesticide dealer license?
The Department of Pesticide Regulation will provide compliance assistance to all retailers
selling SGARs who are currently not certified as a South Carolina licensed dealer.
Retailers will be given no less than thirty (30) days to gain compliance as licensed dealers
should they choose to continue selling SGARs.
What are the requirements for private applicators applying SGARs in South Carolina?
Private applicators may use or directly supervise the use of a pesticide that is classified for
restricted use but only for the production of an agricultural commodity on property owned
or rented by them or their employer.
How can I become a certified private applicator in South Carolina?
To become a private applicator, you must be at least 18 years old and need the license for
the production of an agricultural commodity. You will need to take the Initial Private
Pesticide Applicator training, either in-person or online, given by the Clemson Cooperative
Extension Service. Then, you will need to pass the private exam with at least 70% accuracy.
Pay the pro-rated portion of the fee to the Clemson Department of Pesticide Regulation for
the remainder of the five-year certification block in which the license is being issued.
Visit our Pesticide Safety and Education Program page for access to the online training, calendar for in-person trainings, and other resources.
What are the requirements for commercial and noncommercial applicators applying SGARs in South Carolina?
Commercial and noncommercial pesticide applicators will be able to continue to
purchase, apply, and supervise the application of SGARs in South Carolina. Supervision
and recordkeeping requirements for the application and/or supervision of SGARs by
commercial and noncommercial applicators are listed below.
Direct Supervision - The use of any pesticide classified as restricted use by the EPA or the Department,
regardless of the signal word, will require the supervising licensed applicator (licensed in
the proper category), to be within 30 (thirty) miles by ordinary ground transportation of the
application site and immediately accessible by telephone or radio.
Applicator Records Maintenance - Records must be maintained by each company or firm employing licensed commercial or
noncommercial pesticide applicators, each licensed commercial applicator if self-
employed, and by the employer of each licensed noncommercial applicator, of all
pesticides used. The record must include the quantity of each pesticide used, received, or
purchased, the common chemical name of the active ingredient(s) (if available), the brand
name and EPA Registration Number, the pest or purpose for which the pesticide was
applied, and the date and place of application. It is not necessary to list the pests involved
for general household insect control or for general insect control measures in commercial
and industrial establishments. In these cases, the record may indicate merely “household
pests” or “general insect control.” Records of other than termiticides must be maintained
for a period of two (2) years from the date of the application.
How can I become a commercial pesticide applicator in South Carolina?
Licensing information for commercial pesticide applicators can be found our Licensing page.
