How to use household pesticides
Pesticides should always be a last-resort solution. They are dangerous chemicals that come with risks to your health and the environment. Before considering pesticides, do the following:
- Identify the pest you want to control;
- If it causes only mild damage, think about tolerating it;
- Try natural solutions first.
Many people prefer the services of a green space maintenance company for their lawns, trees and shrubs, or an exterminator for pest control. These companies have all the expertise needed to help you.
If you decide to personally use a pesticide, make certain that the application process is easy and that no professional expertise is needed. As well, use appropriate personal protective equipment.
Purchasing a pesticide
The best way to find the right product starts at the hardware store or garden centre, where you can get advice. Once you know which pest you want to control, the type of pesticide to use will be clear. Read the All about Pesticides webpage for information. When purchasing, prioritize the following products:
- Least harmful;
- Ready to use (less concentrated and therefore less toxic, they are correctly dosed and easier to apply);
- Designed to only eliminate pests and not attack organisms that are your allies;
- Format corresponds to your needs;
- Sold in leak-proof containers (avoid paper and glass packaging).
Some dangerous pesticides necessitate contacting a certified vendor who has the information required to advise buyers on which pesticide to use, how to identify pests and what alternatives to pesticides are available.
Read the product’s label carefully and ensure that you fully understand the instructions before purchasing the pesticide. Here is a fictional example of a label (PDF 7.91 Mb) to help you understand what it displays.
All pesticides sold or used in Canada are evaluated scientifically to confirm that they have no unacceptable risks to human health and the environment when used per the instructions on the label. Using an unapproved pesticide can be dangerous and therefore the following is not recommended:
- Making your own pesticides
: mixing, storing and using them are dangerous; - Purchasing pesticides on the Web: If you decide to buy pesticides online, be careful and make sure that they are approved by Health Canada .
Only buy products labelled with a 4 or 5-digit certification number assigned by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency .
Some hardware stores and garden centres sell personal protective equipment and signs to put on your lawn stating that pesticides have been applied. These purchases may be required to comply with labels and regulations.
Pesticide application
Using pesticides can impact your health and the environment. Be careful and comply with the health protection safety measures on your products’ labelling. Pay particular attention to the symbols printed on the labels. If there are no symbols, it does not mean there is any danger of poisoning but simply that the risk is lower.
Before mixing or applying a pesticide, ensure the following:
- Carefully read the label and understand the information shown;
- Dress appropriately and wear the right kind of protective equipment. If the product label does not refer to a specific type of protective equipment, wear a long sleeve sweatshirt, long pants and waterproof gloves and boots;
- Stay at least 3 metres away from lakes and watercourses and far away from wells so as to not contaminate drinking water sources;
- Warn neighbours that a pesticide will be applied and remain alone when mixing and applying the pesticide;
- Close all windows to your home to prevent pesticide infiltration;
- Remove all objects that could be contaminated, such as toys, and cover objects that cannot be moved, such as sandboxes;
- Ensure that no one touches treated surfaces for at least 24 hours. After applying a pesticide to your lawn, post a sign stating that this was done.
After using the product, rinse your protective equipment and wash your clothes separately from your regular laundry.
Read the list of Québec municipalities that regulate the use of pesticides (French) and comply with current rules.
Exposure to pesticides
If you have been exposed to pesticides and do not feel well, call the Poison Control Centre immediately at 1 800 463-5060 and follow instructions. If you are seriously ill, go to the emergency room of a hospital and bring the pesticide container label information with you or note the name and registration number of the product to show the triage nurse.
See also
Last update: May 25, 2023
