Ontario's cosmetic pesticides ban takes effect on Earth Day, April 22, 2009. The Ontario government made the announcement on March 4, stating, "The 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."

The provincial announcement stated that the ban will prohibit 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 will be banned for sale and more than 80 pesticide ingredients will be banned for cosmetic uses.

Retailers will be taking products such as Killex, weed & feed fertilizers, Sevin, Roundup concentrate (to name a few) off their shelves, and residents who have left-over products in their garages or garden sheds will have to dispose of them in the same way they would other hazardous waste products.

There are non-chemical alternatives, but there isn’t a product to replace every chemical. And when it comes to lawn weeds, the best way to prevent them is to begin working on lush, green lawns early in the season by aerating, topdressing (applying topsoil and seeding in early spring and fall). A thick lawn will choke out the weeds. Kamstra Landscaping has quality grass seed to suit any lawn. We carry Pickseed and Eco Lawn grass seed.

When weeds do appear, there are a few ways get rid of them. The use of corn gluten for weed control is becoming popular, it prevents the weed seed from germinating. This is applied in early spring and fall but not within a month of seeding since it will also prevent grass seed from germinating. Most organic products, such as vinegar, which can be used to kill weeds in sidewalk and driveway cracks, will also kill grass or any other nearby plants. You can also pull the weeds by hand, but make sure you get all of the root!

Check this page soon for alternate products info, and Eco-Lawn grass seeds that we stock at Kamstra Landscaping & Garden Centre.

Ontario's minister of the environment John Gerretsen stated in the announcement that his government had fulfilled its commitment to ban the sale and use of cosmetic pesticides in Ontario. "I'm proud to say that, when the ban takes effect on Earth Day, we will have eliminated this unnecessary risk to our environment, our families, and especially our children."

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, arboriculture, golf courses, and forestry.

The ban takes the place of existing municipal pesticide bylaws in different areas of the province. "It also establishes one clear set of rules, which makes it easier for Ontario businesses to follow," says the provincial government's press release.

For additional information, click here to visit the Ministry of Environment, Pesticides Info page.