Under Ontario’s cosmetic pesticides ban, which came into effect on April 22, 2009, consumers can purchase and use biopesticides and certain lower risk pesticides for cosmetic purposes to manage weeds, insects and plant diseases.
Consumers can also purchase and use pesticides for public health or safety reasons such as fighting West Nile virus, killing stinging insects like wasps, or to control poison ivy and other plant poisonous to human touch.
On this page:
- New Requirements for Controlled Sale (Class 7) Pesticides
- Controlled sale pesticides handouts
- Homemade pesticides
Please visit our YOUR Environment section for many more tips on creating beautiful lawns and gardens naturally including:
For help with your garden, check out the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs’ Online Gardener's Handbook.
For help with pest problems using pesticides allowed under the ban, check out Managing Pests in Lawns and Gardens.
New requirements for controlled sale (Class 7) pesticides
As of April 22, 2011, controlled sale pesticides (PDF) will not be readily accessible to members of the public. Purchasers of controlled sale pesticides will need to speak to a store employee for service. For example, some stores may store their controlled sale pesticides behind a staffed counter or in locked cabinets or cages that can only be unlocked by staff.
Controlled sale pesticides handouts
Purchasers of controlled sale pesticides must receive written information, approved by the ministry, at the time of purchase. This information will describe uses allowed under the ban.
Some retailers will provide the Ministry of the Environment’s Controlled Sale (Class 7) Handout or the Controlled Sale (Class 7) Bear Repellent Handout to purchasers of products containing capsaicin for repelling bears.
Other retailers may choose to incorporate the applicable Ministry of the Environment-approved wording into cash register receipts or to provide handouts to consumers.
Homemade pesticides
Homemade pesticides are illegal and may pose a risk to you, your garden and the environment. More information is available through Health Canada (PDF).
Check out the Homeowners and Gardeners Fact Sheet for more information about:
- Allowed pesticide uses
- Hiring a licensed exterminator to maintain the health of trees, lawns and gardens.
Check out the Private Land and Woodlot Owners Fact Sheet for information about:
- The arboriculture exception to maintain the health of trees
- The forestry use exception to protect trees from pests and competing vegetation