Environment and Conservation
September 14, 2015

Public Advisory: Homeowners Advised to be Cautious When Using Pesticides

The Department of Environment and Conservation is advising residents that, if purchasing a pesticide application service to control pests, it is important to ensure the operator is licensed. Homeowners should ask to see the company/individual's pesticide operator and applicator licences before any pesticides are applied within or outside the home.
 
A list of licensed pesticide operators can be found online at: www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/env_protection/pesticides/business/active.html.
 
A pesticide includes an insecticide, rodenticide, fungicide, or herbicide that is registered by Health Canada under the Pest Control Products Act. It is also any substance or mixture of substances that is used to kill or control insects, rodents, fungi and weeds or other plants.

The Pesticides Control Regulations under the Environmental Protection Act require that:

  • A pest control company must have a valid pesticide operator licence from the Department of Environment and Conservation when a pesticide is being applied;
  • Pesticide applicators must be licensed, certified individuals who are knowledgeable about the material they are using; and
  • Pesticide applicators must be able to explain any potential hazard associated with the material they apply to control the pest, be it a dandelion, mouse, bedbug or any other pest.

A pesticide operator licence is not required when a company is hired to:

  • Add topsoil, fertilizer or limestone, or to seed a lawn;
  • Set mousetraps, vacuum, or clean an infested area; and/or
  • Seal mouse holes, cracks and other points of entry for pests.

The most common pests in the home include ants of all sizes, earwigs, flies, carpenters (also known as sowbugs), mice, rats and sometimes bedbugs. Pest infestations in the home should be dealt with as soon as possible, to obtain the best results.
 
Homeowners also have the option to purchase pesticides at a hardware store and apply the product themselves as per the directions found on the label.
 
For information about pesticides or how to control pests without the use of pesticides, visit www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/env_protection/pesticides/home_pest_control.pdf PDF, call 709-729-2664 or toll-free 1-800-563-6181 or email PesticidesControl@gov.nl.ca

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Media contact:
Jennifer Collingwood
Director of Communications
Department of Environment and Conservation
709-729-2575, 689-8605
JenniferCollingwood@gov.nl.ca

2015 09 14                                        9:50 a.m.