How long must licensed pesticide applicators maintain records of pesticide applications?

Licensed pesticide applicators are required to maintain records of pesticide applications for a minimum of two years. This retention period is essential for multiple reasons: it provides a historical account of pesticide use, which can be critical in evaluating environmental impacts, ensuring compliance with regulations, and supporting health and safety investigations if needed. These records include details such as the date of application, type of pesticide used, amount applied, and the area treated, which can be valuable for tracking efficacy and for any necessary follow-up actions. The two-year requirement strikes a balance between ensuring adequate oversight and not placing an excessive burden on applicators in terms of record-keeping.