What is the difference between General Use Pesticides and Restricted Use Pesticides (RUP), and who can purchase or apply each in Illinois?

• A. General Use pesticides can be purchased and used by the general public with minimal certification; Restricted Use pesticides require certification and are limited to certified applicators.
• B. General Use pesticides require certification; RUP can be bought by anyone.
• C. Both can be used by anyone without training.
• D. RUP can be purchased by the general public but not used.

Answer: (A)

Pesticide categories are based on risk and who may handle them. General-use products are considered lower risk and are available for purchase by the general public; people can use them as long as they follow the label and meet only the basic certification requirements. Restricted-use products are higher risk, so their sale is limited to individuals who are certified applicators (or who purchase under the supervision of a certified applicator) and who apply them in accordance with the label.

That’s why the selected option is correct: it states that General Use pesticides can be purchased and used by the general public with minimal certification, while Restricted Use pesticides require certification and are limited to certified applicators. The other choices aren’t accurate because they imply that RUP can be bought by anyone or that no training is needed for either category.