Pesticide Information

Province Bans Pesticides for Cosmetic Uses

The provincial ban protects Ontario families and children from the unnecessary risks of cosmetic pesticides by only allowing the use of certain lower-risk pesticides for controlling weeds and pests in lawns and gardens.

It prohibits the sale and use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes on lawns, gardens, parks and school yards, and includes many herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. Over 250 products are banned for sale, and more than 80 pesticide ingredients are banned for cosmetic uses.

There are exceptions for public health or safety reasons such as fighting West Nile Virus, killing stinging insects like wasps, or controlling poison ivy and other plants poisonous to the touch. Other exceptions include agriculture and forestry.

The ban takes the place of existing municipal pesticide by-laws, establishing one clear set of easy-to-understand rules and providing certainty for businesses operating in different areas of the province.

If you wish to report the use of pesticides, please call the Ministry of the Environment local office at (519) 948-1464, or 1 (800) 387-8826, and ask for a Duty Officer.

Parks and Recreation
2450 McDougall Street
Windsor, Ontario
Canada
N8X 3N6

Telephone: For general information, call 311.
For detailed inquiries, call (519) 253-2300.
Fax: (519) 255-7990
Email: parkrec@citywindsor.ca