Who is defined as a private applicator?

A private applicator is specifically defined as someone who uses pesticides on land they own or lease. This means that the individual is applying these chemicals to manage pest issues on their own property or that which they have a legal right to use. This category is distinct from commercial applicators, who are licensed to apply pesticides for a fee or on behalf of others and typically operate in a business context.

In contrast, individuals applying pesticides for agricultural businesses or those handling pesticide-treated products are classified differently under pesticide regulations. This distinction is important for understanding the regulatory frameworks surrounding pesticide application, as private applicators are often subject to different training and certification requirements compared to commercial applicators. Thus, the definition is anchored in the context of property ownership and use, making the provided answer accurate and relevant.