Buying and applying
- Only a certified applicator may purchase RUPs — the dealer records your license number at the counter.
- Application must be by the certified applicator or someone under their direct supervision (specific instructions for the job, applicator available; some products/states require physical presence — the label wins).
- For drone work, keep it simple: the licensed applicator flies.
The federal record rule (memorize this)
Private applicators must record RUP applications within 14 days and keep records 2 years: product name, EPA reg number, total amount, size of area, crop/site, location, month/day/year, and applicator name + cert number. Commercial applicators typically must also give the customer a copy, and states often extend retention (Ohio: 3 years for commercial records). Our record log covers every required field.
Common RUP examples you'll meet
Paraquat (own certified training required — no supervision allowed), many pre-plant fumigants, some pyrethroid concentrates, and dicamba products with specific-use labels. Each may carry extra training requirements beyond your license — the paraquat rule surprises people every year.
Quick compliance check before an RUP job
- License current, category correct
- Any product-specific training done (e.g., paraquat, dicamba)
- Label read start to finish, buffers noted
- Record template ready; customer copy planned
- Storage locked and placarded when product is on the truck
See EPA pesticide worker safety and your state agency (directory). Recordkeeping in depth: recordkeeping guide.
Want it flown for you?
FactorDrones holds a commercial FAA Part 107 unmanned aircraft license; our pesticide applicator license (and FAA Part 137) are in progress. Reserve a price now and we’ll fly when fully cleared — or keep learning.