Pest control in Pima County is regulated by the Arizona Office of Pest Management (OPM) under ARS 32-2301 et seq. All pest control operators must hold OPM licenses. Sonoran Desert pests including bark scorpions, subterranean termites, and Africanized bees require specialized treatment approaches and licensed applicators.
The Arizona Office of Pest Management (OPM), established under ARS 32-2301 through 32-2329, licenses and regulates all commercial pest control operators in Pima County. OPM issues business licenses (BPC) and qualifying party (QP) certifications in categories including general pest, termite, weed, and vertebrate control. Arizona bark scorpions (Centruroides sculpturatus) are a major concern in Pima County desert communities, and pest control companies offering scorpion services must hold proper OPM licensing. Subterranean termites are prevalent throughout Pima County, and Arizona law requires termite inspection reports (Wood Infestation Reports) for FHA/VA home loans. OPM regulates all termiticides and application methods. Africanized honey bees established in Pima County require licensed pest control for removal of aggressive colonies. The Arizona Structural Pest Control Act prohibits unlicensed pest control services for hire. Pima County Health Department also addresses public health pests including mosquitoes (West Nile virus vectors) through surveillance and community abatement programs. Rodent control in desert areas is important for limiting hantavirus risk. The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Pima County provides integrated pest management (IPM) guidance for desert environments.
Unlicensed pest control: Class 1 misdemeanor under ARS 32-2321, fines up to $2,500 plus up to 6 months jail. OPM can suspend or revoke licenses for violations. Misapplication of pesticides: additional EPA and ADEQ penalties.
See how Pima County's pest control rules stack up against other locations.
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