According to the law, a pesticide is any substance "intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest." Pesticides include herbicides for destroying weeds and other unwanted vegetation, insecticides for controlling insects, fungicides used to prevent the growth of molds and mildew, disinfectants and sanitizing wipes for preventing the spread of bacteria, and even bear spray for repelling bears!

Pesticides are valuable tools for controlling pests, maintaining sanitation, and addressing invasive pest outbreaks.

The Pesticide Control Program is the Alaska regulatory body that regulates the use, disposal, storage, and sale of pesticides. We certify pesticide applicators, ensure pesticide products in Alaska are properly registered, and investigate suspected misuse of pesticides.