|
|
 |
 |
|
|
Toronto's Pesticide Bylaw and Natural Lawn and Garden Care |
|
|
|
 |
|
What is a pesticide?
Pesticides are defined as products used to kill plants, insects and plant diseases. Pesticides used on lawns and gardens include herbicides (which kill plants), insecticides (which kill insects) and fungicides (which kill fungi).
Who is subject to fines as of September 1, 2007?
Anybody applying pesticides in the City of Toronto is subject to fines of up to $5000.00. This includes home owners and renters, lawn care companies, commercial or multi-residential property managers, the City and the City's contractors.
What are the fines for non-compliance with the Pesticide Bylaw?
Fines can range anywhere from $255.00 to $5000.00, depending on the circumstances. A Public Health Inspector might either issue a ticket or serve a summons for non-compliance. A ticket has a set fine of $255.00. Under the Provincial Offences Act, a summons can carry a fine, on conviction, of up to $5,000.00. The exact amount of the fine would be determined in court.
If I hire a lawn care company for my home, can I get a fine too?
Yes. As of September 1, 2007, you could receive a fine if the company you hired violates the bylaw. Talk to your lawn care company before hiring them to do work. Make sure they are aware of the bylaw and that they know you are aware of it.
If I hire a lawn care company for my business, can I get a fine too?
Yes. If you own or operate an institutional, commercial or multi-residential property and authorize a lawn care company to apply pesticides, you could receive a fine if the company violates the bylaw.
How do I make a complaint about pesticide use that violates the bylaw?
If you suspect that a pesticide has been used in violation of the bylaw, you can contact Toronto Public Health at 416-338-7600. Public Health Inspectors will respond to all complaints.
We will accept anonymous complaints, but it is much more helpful to sign a witness statement, which you can download Pesticide Complaint Form. A signed statement is important if a ticket is contested in court or the matter is brought to court by way of a summons. The City will not share your name with the person or company being charged unless the matter proceeds to court or the information is otherwise ordered to be disclosed.
Are there any special circumstances that would allow me to use pesticides?
The bylaw allows the use of pesticides to control or destroy a pest infestation to property. An infestation is defined in the bylaw as "the presence of pests in numbers or under conditions which involve an immediate or potential risk of substantial loss or damage."
The City does not consider weeds or common fungal diseases in lawns an infestation. Hand weeding, proper watering, mowing, applying compost and fertilizer and sowing grass seed should make your lawn thick and deep-rooted, which will reduce dandelions and other weeds.
How can I manage weeds and insects without pesticides?
You can replace pesticide use with a natural approach that improves the health of your lawn and garden.
The by-law allows the use of pesticides to control or destroy a pest infestation to property. The City does not consider weeds or common fungal diseases in lawns an infestation. See our factsheet on natural weed control or consult a lawn care professional or other plant health care expert.
How do I know if I have an infestation?
The by-law allows the use of pesticides to control or destroy a pest infestation to property. An infestation is defined in the by-law as "the presence of pests in numbers or under conditions which involve an immediate or potential risk of substantial loss or damage."
The City does not consider weeds or common fungal diseases in lawns an infestation. Hand weeding, proper watering, mowing, applying compost and fertilizer and sowing grass seed should make your lawn thick and deep-rooted, which will reduce dandelions and other weeds.
Grubs and chinch bugs are insects that exist in most lawns but can reach damaging levels under certain conditions. Insects should be monitored and counted regularly to determine if they have reached infestation levels. The following numbers may be used as guidelines to determine whether or not an infestation exists:
- In a well-watered lawn, 15 grubs per 0.1m2 (approx.1 square ft) may be an infestation
- On a lawn that has been poorly watered over the season, 5-10 grubs per 0.1 m2 may present an infestation
- For chinch bugs - which are measured using a water-filled can - 20 bugs per can may be an infestation
These numbers are guidelines, and should be considered along with other factors, such as overall lawn conditions, heavy foot traffic and other signs of stress. It's also important to confirm whether or not you actually have an insect problem, because damage could be due to other factors such as insufficient watering or poor soil conditions.
If you suspect you may have an insect infestation in your lawn or garden, you are encouraged to try natural methods or contact a licensed lawn care professional or other plant health care expert for advice.
How do I count grubs and chinch bugs in my lawn?
For grubs, it's wise to check for them before damage occurs - this best done in early August. Carefully use a sharp knife to cut three sides of a square roughly 30 cm (12 inches) long and peel back the grass like a piece of sod. If brown patches have already appeared, inspect several areas in the lawn including those showing damage.
For chinch bugs, use the following test:
- Cut off both ends of a large can (like a coffee can);
- Push the can halfway down into the lawn. Wear gloves to protect your hands;
- Fill the can with water and wait a few minutes to see if chinch bugs float to the top.
Even with no signs of damage, this test should be conducted in mid to late July in several sunny spots around the lawn. If there are dead patches, test at the edge of the damaged area.
To help you identify and manage insect pests, read our fact sheets on grubs and chinch bugs.
I have allergies to ragweed. How can I control ragweed without pesticides?
Under Toronto's Pesticide Bylaw, ragweed can be destroyed with a conventional pesticide if necessary. To minimize pesticide use, it is recommended that you first consider pulling or cutting the plants, and if that doesn't work a less-toxic pesticide, such as herbicidal soap, may well be effective.
Can I use a pesticide in my pool?
Yes. The pesticide bylaw permits the use of pesticides to disinfect swimming pools, whirlpools, spas or wading pools. Algaecide used for this purpose is permitted under the bylaw.
Are there any products that I can use to get rid of pests and weeds?
Yes, the bylaw permits lower-risk pesticide products for common pests and weeds.
Other pesticides may only be used in certain situations listed in the bylaw, such as to disinfect swimming pools, spas or wading pools, to exterminate or repel rodents and to control or destroy a pest infestation to property. The City does not consider weeds or common fungal diseases in lawns an infestation.
How do I know I'm buying products that are permitted for use?
The easiest way is to read the label to find out what the product contains. The bylaw permits the use of pesticides that contain certain lower-risk ingredients. The ingredient is listed on the label in small print next to the word "Guarantee."
Use these lists to help you know what pesticides to choose and which ones to avoid.
If pesticides are legal to buy in stores, why aren't they legal to use?
Since there is a risk that harm may result from exposure to pesticides, the City has passed the bylaw to protect the health, safety and well-being of City of Toronto residents. It bans the use of pesticides in most circumstances, but it does not ban pesticides entirely. They may still be used in the circumstances listed in the bylaw, such as to control termites or destroy a health hazard.
How do I safely dispose of pesticides?
It's important not to dispose of leftover pesticides in your garbage, down the drain or down storm sewers. You should always read the label for information on disposal. The City operates depots to collect and safely dispose of pesticides. For more information call the Household Hazardous Waste Hotline at 416-392-4330 or visit the City's web site.
Will I still be able to use pesticides indoors?
Yes. This bylaw only restricts the use of outdoor pesticides. However, indoor pesticides may harm your health, your family and pets. There is useful information in this website about non-toxic methods for controlling indoor pests.
Have any other cities passed pesticide bylaws?
Yes. Over 125 cities and towns across Canada, including Halifax and Montreal, have passed bylaws to restrict pesticides. Several Ontario municipalities, such as London, Oakville and Peterborough, have passed such bylaws.
 |
 |
|
|
|
