The State of Illinois announced on Mar. 20 new requirements for commercial applicators of barrier mosquitocides and lawn care products, including the need to provide signage and advance notice to neighbors who request it.
These regulations are intended to help residents stay informed about pesticide and fertilizer use near their homes. The changes follow amendments to the Illinois Pesticide Act, which aim to improve transparency and safety regarding chemical applications in residential areas.
Under the amended law, commercial applicators must post signs at treated properties that include the business name and phone number. Neighbors can directly contact these businesses to request product labels, safety data sheets, or advance notification of future treatments. Requests for notification can be made in writing, by phone, email, or in person, and should include the requester’s name, phone number, and address. If a commercial applicator cannot reach a requester after an attempt to notify them, written notice must be left at their residence.
Commercial applicators are also required to be licensed under the Act and complete additional training through programs approved by the Department of Agriculture. Online training is available from the University of Illinois Pesticide Safety Education Program. The law prohibits application of barrier mosquitocides between October 16 and April 14 unless there is a significant mosquito problem. Applications are also not allowed when wind speeds reach or exceed 10 miles per hour.
The legislation bans residential automatic pesticide misting systems—devices that spray pesticides around homes at set intervals—and requires immediate placement of lawn markers after treatment with specific information for residents. These markers may be removed the day after application.
Mosquito control treatments conducted by public health agencies or mosquito abatement districts are exempt from these requirements. In Highland Park, residents can sign up with the Southlake Mosquito Abatement District for advance notifications about mosquito control activities or report potential breeding sites using their Resident Hotline.
