Applying a pesticide to control stinging insects and in an aquatic environment

Some stinging insects can be vectors of viruses, such as West Nile virus, or be a nuisance. Some organisms may also pose a risk to biodiversity in an aquatic environment. The use of pesticides may then be considered as a last resort to ensure their control.

In such cases, rules must be complied with:

• Companies must hold a permit;
• Their employees must hold a certificate to apply pesticides in these sectors.

Authorization from the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) is required before a pesticide can be applied in an unconfined aquatic environment (e.g., a stream, river, lake, marsh or swamp).

The authorization process satisfies the MELCCFP that all required measures will be taken to minimize the environmental impact of the pesticide and that its use is necessary at the target locations.

The Application for a Ministerial Authorization for the Use of Pesticides guide (PDF 1.24 Mb) (in French only) will assist you in completing the form required to carry out an activity as part of a new project or the modification of an existing project.

The issuance of ministerial authorizations to apply pesticides in an unconfined aquatic environment is supported by a wildlife advisory. To learn about the Ministère’s position or consult the literature review regarding the use of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) to control stinging insects, see the page Use of Bti and protection of biodiversity (in French).

Some projects may also be subject to other authorizations. For example, your project could be likely to modify a habitat and require an authorization (in French) under the Act respecting the conservation of wildlife or a municipal permit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all the necessary authorizations.

Land application of pesticides

If your company uses land-based pesticides to control stinging insects, it must hold a Subclass C9 or D9 “Application for control of stinging insects” permit.

If you apply pesticides for these purposes, make sure you hold an “Application for control of stinging insects” certificate (Subclass CD9) or work under the supervision of the holder of such a certificate.

If your company carries out land applications in an aquatic environment, make sure it holds an “Aquatic application” permit (Subclass C2 or D2).

If you apply pesticides for these purposes, make sure you hold an “Aquatic application” certificate (Subclass CD2) or work under the supervision of the holder of such a certificate.

Aerial application of pesticides

If your company carries out pesticide applications using an aircraft (for example, a helicopter or a drone) to control stinging insects, or in an aquatic environment, make sure it holds an “Aerial application” permit (Subclass C1 or D1).

If you personally carry out pesticide applications using an aircraft, you must hold a Subclass CD1 “Aerial application” certificate or perform the work under the supervision of the holder of such a certificate.

The notice Application of pesticides using drones to control stinging insects (PDF 170 Kb) describes the particularities of this aerial application method.

Environmental impact assessment and review procedure

When the area to be treated is 600 hectares or more, aerial pesticide application projects are subject to the environmental impact assessment and review procedure (in French), which includes an impact study and, potentially, public hearings. Under certain conditions, the application of an insecticide whose only active ingredient is Bti to control stinging insect larvae is excluded.

For the control of stinging insects, it is prohibited to apply a pesticide to control adult black flies or mosquitoes unless the application is carried out as a complement to larvicide application. If you apply a pesticide by ground in an aquatic environment, no mandatory distance from sensitive elements is required, if it is intended to be applied there. However, you must comply with mandatory distances when preparing the pesticide.

If you apply pesticides using an aircraft for the control of stinging insects, or if you apply them in an aquatic environment, make sure:

• To mark the boundaries of application areas or use air corridor guidance prior to pesticide application;
• That the pilot or application supervisor has a map or aerial photograph at hand that identifies the permitted and prohibited application zones extending 300 metres around the spraying area;
• To publish a message describing the work to be carried out in a newspaper circulated in the territory where the work will be carried out or broadcast the message on a radio or television station in that territory from one to three weeks prior to the start of spraying in a transportation corridor or over an area greater than 100 hectares in a single administrative region in a single year;
• To comply with the mandatory distances for sensitive areas (PDF 347 Kb).

Read the Applying commercial pesticides webpage for information about the general rules governing the preparation and application of pesticides and the Pesticides Management Code – Reference Manual (PDF 7.44 Mb) (in French only).