Using Lower Toxicity Pesticides
The Domestic Pesticides Not Requiring RAC PDF below contains a list of active ingredients in pesticides preferred for use by home and garden customers. These should be the first choice because they include products that:
- present the lowest short and long-term health risk to humans
- have the lowest environmental impact
- break down easily in the environment
These products do not require a licence or certificate, provided their use is permitted by municipal by-laws.
The list of active ingredients, organized by the type of pest each is used for, is available in the Domestic Pesticides Not Requiring RAC PDF file below.
Caution: if you’re thinking of making your own organic or homemade pest control product, you still have to consider legal guidelines and the risks involved.
Health Canada advises consumers to be aware that preparing, storing, and using homemade pesticides may pose health and environmental safety risks.
Homemade pesticides do not undergo any scientific evaluation, and do not have label directions that the user can follow to ensure safe use or effectiveness. While some recipes, such as mixtures of soap and water, are not likely to pose human health risks, other recipes that require cooking and boiling may pose health or environmental concerns.
It is illegal to use a substance as a “pesticide” if it is not registered under the federal Pest Control Products Act (i.e. it does not have a PCP Number on the label), and it is illegal to use a registered pesticide for a purpose other than what is described on the label.