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About the OPM:
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Office Of Pest Management
1688 W Adams
Phoenix, AZ. 85007
phone: (602)255-3664
Consumer information line: 1-800-223-0618
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The Office of Pest Management (OPM) is a State agency that
licenses, educates and regulates the pest management industry. The Agency is guided by
the Environmental Protection Agency regulations and state statutes and rules.
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- What is meant by "structural" pesticide use ?
- What does the OPM do ?
- How might the OPM help you ?
- What happens to consumer complaints ?
- How can one obtain a license to use structural pesticides ?
1. What is meant by "structural" pesticide use ?
Structural pest control is the control of pests in and around structures. These include:
- Wood-destroying insects
- Weeds
- Pests of ornamental plants and turf
- Aquatic pests and weeds
- Pests affecting public health.
The OPM does not regulate agricultural pest control which is under the authority of the Arizona Department of Agriculture.
3. What does the OPM do ?
The OPM licenses commercial pest control businesses in Arizona and the pesticide applicators
and inspectors employed by these companies. It also enforces federal and state
laws governing pesticide use and storage. Consumer complaints involving licensed businesses are
handled through the Agency. Staff investigates these complaints and presents
its findings to the agency's Acting Director who determines if any violations exist and takes
action based upon the findings.
4. How might the OPM help you ?
Below are just a few ways:
Consumers may obtain information from the OPM on any business licensee.
The OPM will provide, upon written request, the number of complaints for a company that you may want to employ. (More detailed information about violation history is available at the OPM office).
If you are interested in engaging in the business of structural pest control,
the OPM will inform you of the licensing procedure needed to start a business.
The OPM will investigate complaints that are within its jurisdiction.
The Agency will provide general information regarding pests and the use of pesticides.
5. What happens to consumer complaints ?
Once the OPM files a complaint, a copy is forwarded to the respondent, who has 20 days
to respond. The complaint is assigned to an OPM inspector for further investigation.
If the investigation determines law violations, a settlement conference is offered
to the licensee(s). In a settlement conference, the OPM staff presents the inspector's
findings and attempts to negotiate a resolution.
The report is reviewed by agency's Acting Director accept\reject the terms of settlement (if agreement has been reached), forwards the case to Office of
Administrative Hearings for trial, or dismiss the complaint.
6. How can one obtain a license to use structural pesticides ?
There are a number of licenses offered by the OPM. Licensing requires an application, examination, and, in the case of Qualifying Party licensing, experience. Businesses must maintain statutorily mandated levels of insurance or bonding in order to be licensed. All the OPM-issued licenses must be renewed annually.
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