Whenever pesticide problems occur, they should be reported to our office so we can investigate the complaint. Don’t delay reporting. Prompt reporting is the best way to make sure investigators can find the facts of the case and collect useful evidence. 

It is very helpful if you write down what happened and provide that information to our office when you talk with an inspector. Information you should include is: 

• When and where the incident happened.

• Who was involved (if you know)? 

• What you saw. 

• What you smelled, if anything. 

• Names and symptoms of anyone who was sick. 

Completing an investigation may take days, weeks, or months, depending on the complexity of the investigation. You can ask our office if you want us to send you written information on the outcome of the investigation. 

• Pesticide Illness 

• Pesticide Worker Safety Complaint 

• Other Pesticide Related Complaints 

DPR has developed a community guide to help recognize Pesticide Problems.  You can find the links to their guide in English and in Spanish below. 

English:  https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/dept/comguide/index.htm 

Spanish:  https://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/dept/comguide/spanish/index_sp.htm

Agricultural Commissioner’s Office

To report possible pesticide worker safety violations, call our Pesticide Enforcement Unit at 831-759-7340. You can file your complaint anonymously, but it helps our investigation if you provide your contact information. If you don’t want your employer or anyone to know you filed a complaint, let our office know and we will not reveal your name to anyone.

You can also fill out the complaint form below and return via email or fax.

Fillable complaint form English

Fillable complaint form Spanish

Emergency Medical

If you or anyone else is seriously ill, call 911 for help.

In less serious cases, call your doctor or the Poison Control Center, 1-800-222-1222. At no charge, the Poison Control Center will give you first-aid information and advise you on what to do next.

Be sure to tell emergency responders, Poison Control, or your doctor that you may have been exposed to a pesticide. Have as much information as possible about what happened and, if you know, the pesticide involved.