Pests and Pesticides

A pest can be a troublesome insect, fungus, weed or rodent. Common pests that we see are noxious weeds, mosquitos, mice and algae. Invasive weeds can destroy sensitive habitats and termites can damage buildings. 

Pesticides are normally used to control the increase or spread of pests. A pesticide can be a product, device or organism used to directly or indirectly manage any pest. The purpose of pesticides is to mitigate pests from negatively impacting us and our surroundings.  

Since a range of pests exist, there are many pesticides options, including: 

  • Herbicides for noxious weeds 
  • Insecticides for insects 
  • Fungicides and antimicrobial agents for fungus 
  • Insect and rodent controlling devices like mosquito zappers or mouse traps 
  • Algicides for algae 

The options for pest management also vary from hiring a professional to making a homemade soap solution.  

Pesticides are intended to eliminate pests and can be toxic to a certain level. Exposure to pesticides can be harmful to humans, domestic animals, and non-target species. To reduce the risk of exposure, it is important to know how to properly use each product, understand the risks, and use it sparingly. Before reaching for a pesticide product, first ask yourself: 

  • How serious is the problem?   
  • Is it this a one-time treatment or do I require ongoing control?  
  • How can I safely and efficiently solve this problem? 

Knowing the pest that you are up against will help you choose the best way forward. 

Using Pesticides  

Pesticide products are regulated by Health Canada under the Pest Control Products Act because they can be hazardous if not used properly. Always follow the directions on the label directions to avoid side effects that can cause environment or health problems. 

If choosing a professional pest control service, consider the following:  

  • Learn about the results you can expect to see, and the programs offered 
  • Avoid programs that apply pesticides even when pests are not present  
  • An integrated pest management program will lead to the best results 
  • Have the correct certifications legislated by the province  

Reduce Risks 

As pesticides are hazardous, safety precautions should be taken before, during and after use. Follow the process below to eliminate the risks when using a pesticide.  

Before You Use the Product 

Read the label  

When buying a pesticide product, the way to know if it is authorized by Health Canada is to check for a Pest Control Products (PCP) number. Unregistered pesticides may make false claims or not safe to use. 

  • Reg. No. 00000 P.C.P. Act 
  • Registration No. 00000 Pest Control Products Act 

Other things to look for on the label are: 

  • The pest the product will control   
  • Where the pesticide is supposed to be used (for example, indoor, outdoor, garden use, pet treatment)   

If you are buying pesticides online, check to see if it is authorized for use in Canada.  

While You Use the Product 

When you are ready to use the pesticide product, after carefully reading all label instructions and warnings, be sure to: 

  • Wear protective clothing (gloves, long sleeves) and follow the equipment requirements, or other precautions 
  • Keep children, pregnant and nursing women, seniors and people who often have allergic reactions out of the area 
  • Keep the treated area clear of people and pets for a minimum of 12 hours after application, unless a longer time is specified on the label 
  • Use a pesticide only for the purpose stated on the label. Do not use pesticides that are intended for outdoor use inside your home, and never mix different pesticides together unless the label tells you to 
  • Only apply pesticides at the rate stated on the label. A lower rate may not control the pest at all. A higher rate may damage plants, kill beneficial insects or leave unwanted residues on plants  

Outdoor Conditions 

If you are using pesticides outdoors, check your local weather forecast. 

Do not spray a pesticide outdoors if:  

  • Wind speed is more than 8 kph (5 mph)  
  • Air temperature is above 30 degrees Celsius (86 Fahrenheit)   
  • It is raining   

Indoors Conditions 

If you are using pesticides indoors, make sure to: 

  • Remove items from the area to be treated (food, dishes, and utensils, aquariums and pet food dishes) 
  • Open your doors and windows for a few hours to provide air flow 
  • Use hot soapy water to wash all surfaces that normally come in direct contact with food (counters, tables, and stove tops) once the pesticide has dried 

Accidental poisoning  

Get help right away if you notice health problems or suspect overexposure: 

  • Call a poison control centre and get medical help 
  • Follow first aid directions on the label 
  • Bring the pesticide label with you the hospital or doctor 
  • Get veterinary help in case of accidental poisoning of pets or animals 
After You’ve Used the Product 

Storage and disposal  

Always store pesticide products:   

  • Out of reach of children and pets   
  • Away from food and drinks   
  • In their original container   
  • Never reuse an empty pesticide container for other products or purposes   
  • Keep products away from extreme heat, cold or humidity    

How to dispose of pesticides: 

  • Follow the product label instructions for how to safely dispose of pesticides   
  • Return extra unopened containers to the supplier   
  • Take any unused pesticides to the Eco Station or the Waste Management Facility. 
  • Never burn or pour pesticides down the drain   

Alternative pest control methods 

While pesticides can be a quick method to manage pests, there are other approaches that can be used to help control pests in the long term. There are also natural alternatives available if you want to use less hazardous products. 

Other approaches can include: 

  • Make the environment less attractive to pests. Examples include maintaining a healthy and vigorous turf/lawn, choosing pest resistant plants, and adjusting plant spacing to crowd out invasive species 
  • Introduce other organisms to suppress pest populations. Examples include planting native flora or attracting helpful birds by installing bird nesting boxes  
  • Physical interventions like hand pulling weeds before they go to seed 
  • Use natural and/or artificial signals to disrupt communication and interfere with fundamental behaviours such as feeding and mating. Examples include pheromones, sounds and vibrations 
  • Use safer, homemade pest control products like insecticidal soap 

Lawn care 

Do you take pride in having a luscious green lawn? Healthy lawns are less vulnerable to pests, weeds, droughts and other problems.  

You might use an herbicide to keep your lawn attractive, but there are many factors to lawn care where using pesticides may not be the best option. To keep your lawn consistently healthy and minimize pesticide use, regularly fertilize, aerate, mow, seed, and water your lawn. Occasionally weeds will appear and pulling them by hand is all that is needed.  

Returning pest problems is a sign that your lawn care practice needs to change.  

Lawn care resources