On the Cidelines Newsletter 2026

Deep Dive into Recordkeeping – Treatment Site and Size of Area Treated

State of Alaska Regulations specifically list types of information that must be kept for each commercial pesticide use. These requirements are listed in 18 AAC 90.420 and include at least 12 items (technician instructions and fumigation information are required only when applicable). Some items are very easy to understand, such as the address where pesticides were applied, or the name and certification number of the applicator. Some items may not be as obvious. In this Cidelines issue we are going to dive into two of the most often misunderstood; treatment site and size of treatment area.

Site

A treatment site describes the type of area or crop that was treated. It is different from the address or location, which describes the physical position where pesticides were applied. It is also different from the target pest, which describes what pest is being controlled.

Recording the site is needed to ensure that it matches up to listed uses for the pesticide product. It also helps pinpoint precisely how the product was used.

The record of site gives information about the characteristics of the area. This may include the crop being grown, such as wheat, carrots, or bedding plants. It may describe the specific areas within a residential yard, such as lawn, ornamental plants, or trees. The site may give information about where in the house a pesticide was applied, such as along baseboards, mattress seams, or within wall voids. Being specific is important in case any questions come up about exactly which areas were treated.

Size

The size of the area that is treated may not be a complicated idea. But the way that you determine the size is important to ensure that you have a correct record and are applying the correct amount. The information you record should be based on the actual area you treated. Recording the expected treatment area prior to application is not a good idea since it may not reflect what you treat once you are on site.

For outdoor applications, size will almost never include the entire area of a land parcel, since there will usually be some parts that are not treated such as structures, flowering plants, or buffer areas that you do not apply to, and which you may not know about ahead of time.

Size of treatment area is determined by calculating (such as length x width) or using mapping tools. You may have to break complex areas into simple shapes to make calculating easier. The dimensions do not have to be specifically measured but you should be able to accurately estimate the entire area treated. Don’t forget to subtract areas that weren’t treated!

If you are calculating area pay attention to the number of significant figures in your records. These indicate how precise a measurement you made in determining the area. You're only as precise as your least precise measurement. It's common for applicators to do calculations with numbers with long decimals and keep the decimals in their records. These extra numbers are meaningless but also misleading.

For example, if you measure an area to be approximately 3.5 feet long and 10.5 feet wide, you wouldn’t want to say that you applied to 36.75 square feet because that is too precise. You don’t know the area down to the 100th of a foot. It would be more reasonable to record the application area as 37 square feet.

Not all pesticides are applied to surface areas. For spot treatments, tree injections, or bait stations you may simply list the number of spots, injections, etc. Crack and crevice treatments and many indoor treatments may be based on linear feet. Some aerosol products are measured by the number of seconds they are applied!

Make sure that your records include the units of measurement. There is a very large difference between 85 acres and 85 square feet, so be sure to list which it is. The units should match the product label instructions.

Recertification - CEU Process

An applicator who is still currently certified may renew their certification though Continuing Education. To do so, you must:

Complete at least 12 approved Continuing Education Units (CEUs).
Submit the online CEU Re-Certification Application.
DEC will send you an invoice and request for insurance information.
Submit $25 fee to DEC.
Submit proof of liability insurance to DEC. (Unless you designate as a Personal-Use Applicator).

To obtain recertification through CEUs, all coursework must be completed prior to expiration of the current certification. CEUs are available through a variety of classes, conferences, meetings, and online courses. Only CEUs approved by DEC will apply towards recertification. Approved CEUs are listed on our website.

The applicator is responsible for keeping track of which courses they took. DEC does not keep a separate database of class attendees. Instead, the applicator lists which CEUs they completed, and DEC can check this information against the attendance sheets that are provided. If you don’t know what classes you took, we have no way to figure that out for you!

To ensure your fee is applied to your new certification, please don’t submit any money before receiving the invoice from us.

Once we receive the recertification form listing the courses attended and proof of liability, DEC will email an invoice for fee payment. As soon as the payment is received, we will re-issue your certification. These certifications are valid for three years from issue date. Your existing certification will then be invalid.

If certification expires before all steps are completed, you may obtain certification by taking exams.

Respirator Maintenance

Are you cleaning and maintaining your respirator? Proper care of PPE is very important to ensure that it works as intended and to ensure good hygiene and sanitation.

Changing Filters or Cartridges

You should always follow the replacement schedule provided by the cartridge manufacturer. Here are some basic guidelines for replacement:

For many organic vapor cartridges, replacement is recommended after 8 hours of use, but this varies greatly.

Cartridges should generally be replaced within 6 months of opening, even if not used, as they absorb ambient contaminants.

You should change cartridges immediately if any of the following occur:

You can smell or taste the contaminant.
There is increased resistance or you have difficulty breathing.
The cartridge is visibly damaged or soiled.

Cleaning Respirators

Respirators should be cleaned at least yearly, or whenever you change filter cartridges. Always check the manufacturer's instructions for specific information about your respirator requirements.

Disassemble the respirator: Remove filters, cartridges, and any detachable components such as head straps.
Inspect Components: Examine all parts for damage, cracks, or wear. Filters and cartridges cannot be cleaned, but they should be replaced in accordance with use, or if they are damaged or clogged.
Prepare a Cleaning Solution: Mix a solution of warm (not hot) water with a small amount of mild detergent like dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach, which can degrade materials. Some respirator instructions will also recommend use of a specific disinfectant.
Clean the Respirator Components: Gently scrub the facepiece and other components using a soft brush or sponge, paying special attention to areas that come into direct contact with your face.
Rinse Thoroughly: Rinse all parts with clean, warm water to remove any detergent or disinfectant residue. This step is crucial to prevent skin irritation during future use.
Dry Completely: Allow the components to air-dry. Avoid direct sunlight or high heat, as these can warp or degrade the materials.
Reassemble the Respirator: Once all components are dry, reassemble the respirator and store it in a clean, dry place away from contamination.

Certified Applicator Violations 2025

Be aware of common violations by certified applicators! Make sure you’re careful to follow all requirements when you are doing your work this season.

In calendar year 2025, the Pesticide Control Program conducted 12 records inspections and 14 use inspections, and identified only two violations by commercial applicators.

#	Description	Regulation
1	Failure to keep accurate records	18 AAC 90.420
1	Failure to obtain certification prior to commercial use	18 AAC 90.300