Who is allowed to purchase and use a general use pesticide?

The rationale behind the answer that anyone can purchase and use a general use pesticide lies in the regulatory framework surrounding such products. General use pesticides are typically designed for safe application by the general public without the need for specialized training or licensing. This means these products are deemed to have a low potential for misuse or harm when used according to label directions. Therefore, individuals who may not have formal pesticide training can legally purchase and apply these substances in their gardening, landscaping, or household pest control activities, as long as they follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.

In contrast, licensed applicators and general-use permit holders are specifically relevant to restricted use pesticides, which require specialized knowledge and certification due to their potential hazards. The stipulation about certified supervision might pertain to certain contexts of use, but it is not applicable to the general use category, hence does not restrict access to the general public.