Does Hawaii Use a Lot of Pesticides? Pesticide Regulations, EPA Guidelines and Safe Use Explained
If you live on Oahu, you've probably heard the debate. Headlines about spraying near schools, farm fields on the North Shore and chemicals banned in other places make a lot of families wonder whether Hawaii uses a lot of pesticides, and what goes into their own homes. It's a fair question, especially when you're about to call someone to deal with termites or roaches.
This page covers what the state's own numbers show and who uses the heaviest pesticides. It also explains how federal and Hawaii rules control what can be applied, and what that means when a licensed pest control company treats your home.
Does Hawaii Use a Lot of Pesticides?
Yes, Hawaii uses a significant amount of restricted use pesticides. These are products that only certified applicators can buy and use. Most of that volume goes to farming, not to household pest control.
The state tracks restricted use pesticides closely. According to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity's 2023 restricted use pesticide sales summary, about 230,239 pounds of restricted use pesticide active ingredient were sold statewide in 2023. Oahu accounted for about 137,523 pounds of that, the largest share of any island.
A few things help put those numbers in context:
- Two products make up most of the volume. The largest amounts sold in 2023 were 1,3-dichloropropene, a soil fumigant used in farming, and chlorine.
- Farming drives the heaviest use. Honolulu Civil Beat reported on state use data and found that the largest users in central Oahu and on the North Shore were farms, including pineapple and seed operations.
- Home pest control is counted separately. The state's sales summary leaves out sales for structural pest control that fall under a specific exception in Hawaii law.
Hawaii's overall numbers can look large, but on Oahu most restricted use pesticides go to farm fields, not family homes.
Why Hawaii Watches Pesticide Use So Closely
Hawaii has good reasons to pay attention. Homes, schools and farms sit close together on small islands. Rain moves quickly from the mountains to streams and then to the ocean. Many families also grow their own food, catch rainwater and spend most of their time outdoors.
Those concerns led Hawaii to pass Act 45 in 2018, one of the country's more notable state pesticide laws. It added new rules on top of the federal ones.
Hawaii-Specific Pesticide Regulations
Act 45: Buffer Zones, Reporting and a Chlorpyrifos Ban
- Buffer zones around schools: since January 1, 2019, no one may apply restricted use pesticides on or within 100 feet of school property during normal school hours. Those hours are defined as Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The rule covers public and private schools from preschool through high school. It does not apply to whole-structure fumigation.
- Annual use reporting: every certified applicator of restricted use pesticides must report what they applied each year, even if they applied none. Reports are due by January 30 for the previous year. The state publishes county summaries showing the products and amounts used.
- Chlorpyrifos phase-out: pesticides containing chlorpyrifos could be used only under temporary permits through December 31, 2022. Since January 1, 2023, they can no longer be used in Hawaii.
Certification for Restricted Use Pesticides
In Hawaii, anyone who buys, uses or supervises the use of restricted use pesticides must be certified by the state. Certification is either as a private applicator, for farming, or as a commercial applicator. Applicants must pass a written exam, and certified applicators must keep a record of each restricted use application for two years. Only licensed dealers can sell restricted use pesticides in the state.
Licensing for Pest Control Companies
Companies that treat homes and businesses for pests must also be licensed by the state's Pest Control Board. The board licenses pest control operators and pest control field representatives. You can check any company's license status on the state's professional license search. Xtermco's license number is PC-201.
How EPA Guidelines Govern Pesticide Use
Registration and Approval
At the federal level, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates pesticides under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, known as FIFRA. A product must be registered for specific uses before it can be sold. The registration spells out where and how the product can be used, such as around homes or in commercial buildings.
The Label Is the Law
Every pesticide label is legally enforceable. The EPA's guide to pesticide labels states that it is a violation of federal law to use a product in any way that doesn't match its labeling. The label covers which pests a product is for, where it can be used and how much to use. It also lists the protective equipment required and the warnings that apply.
Restricted Use Pesticides
Some products carry higher risks if misused, so the EPA classifies them as restricted use. Only certified applicators, or people working under their direct supervision, can buy and apply them. On Oahu, the one you're most likely to run into is the fumigant used for termite tent fumigation.
What This Means for Pest Control in Your Home
Residential Pest Control
Most everyday pest control in homes, such as treating for roaches or ants, uses targeted products in small amounts. They go where pests live and travel, like cracks, crevices, wall voids and entry points. A good company starts with an inspection, finds out what's attracting the pests, and treats only where it's needed. This approach is often called integrated pest management for Hawaii homes. It puts prevention first and uses fewer products overall.
Termite Treatment and Tent Fumigation
Formosan and drywood termites are a serious problem in Hawaii, especially in older wooden homes. When drywood termites have spread through a whole structure, tent fumigation on Oahu may be the best option. It's a regulated process that includes preparation guidance, tenting, airing out and clearance before you move back in. For subterranean termites, baiting systems like Sentricon go after the colony with bait placed in stations instead of broad spraying.
Commercial and Structural Pest Control
Restaurants, hotels, schools, offices and warehouses have their own concerns, including food safety and protecting guests, students and staff. Licensed technicians follow label directions, school buffer rules and recordkeeping requirements. They schedule treatments around the people using the building.
How to Use Pesticides Safely at Home
- Read and follow the label every time, including where the product can and can't be used.
- Use the least product needed. Using more doesn't work better, and it can go against the label.
- Store products in their original containers, locked up and away from kids, pets and food.
- Never pour leftovers down drains or storm drains. Follow the label's disposal directions.
- Fix the conditions pests love, like leaks, food left out, clutter and gaps around doors and pipes.
- Call a licensed company for termites, heavy roach or rodent activity, or any job that needs a restricted use product.
To see what happens during a professional visit, read how pest control works to keep your home safe.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pesticides in Hawaii
Does Hawaii use a lot of pesticides?
Yes, Hawaii uses a significant amount of restricted use pesticides. About 230,239 pounds of active ingredient were sold statewide in 2023, and Oahu accounted for the largest share. Most of that volume goes to farming. The state's sales summary also leaves out structural pest control sales that fall under a specific exception in state law.
Are homes in Hawaii treated with restricted use pesticides?
Most routine home pest control doesn't require restricted use products. Tent fumigation for drywood termites is a common exception, and only certified, licensed professionals can do it.
Can pesticides be sprayed near schools in Hawaii?
Restricted use pesticides can't be applied on or within 100 feet of school property from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, on school days. Whole-structure fumigation is exempt.
Is chlorpyrifos banned in Hawaii?
Yes. Under Act 45, chlorpyrifos could only be used under temporary permits through December 31, 2022. Since January 1, 2023, it can no longer be used in Hawaii.
Who regulates pesticides in Hawaii?
The EPA regulates pesticides nationally. In Hawaii, the Pesticides Branch of the Department of Agriculture and Biosecurity enforces state pesticide laws. The state Pest Control Board licenses pest control companies.
How do I know a pest control company is licensed?
Ask for the company's license number and look it up on the state's professional license search. Xtermco is licensed under PC-201.
Pest Control You Can Trust on Oahu
Xtermco has been protecting Oahu homes and businesses since 1961. We're licensed (Lic # PC-201), and our employees go through pre-employment and quarterly drug testing. We follow every label and state rule on every job. For Formosan termites, roaches, rodents or other pests, we inspect first, explain what we'll use and why, and tell you what happens next. We offer same-day service and free estimates.
Call (808) 591-2922 or request a free pest control estimate today.