The answer to this question is yes; Oregon’s Pesticide Use Reporting System (PURS) requires all pesticide users to report pesticide use. Even though you are not a licensed pest control company, if you use any pesticide in your business or public place, the requirement to file a pesticide use report applies to you.

The term pesticide applies to insecticides, herbicides, fungicides, rodenticides and various other substances used to control pests, mosquitoes, cockroaches, fleas, mice, and weeds. If you use pesticides in the course of business or in a location intended for public use, then you are required to report that use through the Oregon Department of Agriculture’s online reporting system: http://www.oregon.gov/ODA/PEST/purs_index.shtml

The online reporting system opened on January 1, 2007. The first step is to register. The web site provides detailed instructions. Look for the link in the upper right hand corner of each reporting page; the link will bring up a page of instructions on your computer screen, which may then be printed.

It is important to keep track of the information that will be needed to complete the report. Worksheets are available on the ODA web site that will assist in recording the information required on the report: date of use; specific site; location; product brand name; product EPA registration number; amount; and purpose.

For urban areas, the location of use may be reported by the zip code for the site. “Urban areas” are defined in rule to include sites such as homes, schools, offices, public buildings, parks, businesses and health care facilities.

Reports may be filed periodically throughout the year, but no less than once per year. Pesticide applications made prior to 2007 do not need to be reported. The last day to file for 2007 pesticide uses will be January 31, 2008.

For assistance with PURS, contact the Oregon Dept. of Agriculture: 503–986-6472 or e-mail: purs-info.oda.state.or.us