What type of applicator only applies pesticides on properties owned by their employer?

The correct answer identifies that a commercial not-for-hire applicator only applies pesticides on properties owned by their employer. This type of applicator operates as part of an organization or business, utilizing pesticides for maintenance or management of their own facilities or property rather than providing services to external clients. The emphasis here is on the employment relationship, which dictates where the applicator can legally apply pesticides.

This contrasts with a private applicator, who is someone that applies pesticides on their own agricultural property or land they own or rent, not necessarily tied to a specific employer. The commercial for-hire applicator operates in a different framework altogether, providing pesticide application services to a variety of clients as a paid service rather than working exclusively for one employer. The restricted-use applicator designation relates to the types of pesticides being applied, specifically those that have been classified as restricted and thus require special certification, rather than indicating an employment context.

Understanding these distinctions is important for pesticide applicators, as it sets the scope of their activities and responsibilities within the regulatory framework.