Responsible Pesticide Use - Help for Landlords and Building Managers

Health Canada is in charge of registering pesticides in Canada. Before pesticides are registered, they must meet modern scientific health and environmental safety standards, and work as claimed on the pesticide label. Once on the market, pesticides can be further regulated by provincial and municipal governments.

There are many ways to prevent infestations and control pests; like sealing areas of the building where pests could get in. See Health Canada's Pest Control Tips for information on identifying, preventing and treating common pests, such as bedbugs, ants, cockroaches, rats and mice.

Using Pesticides Properly

As a landlord or building manager, you are responsible for the proper use of pesticides.

This includes:

1. hiring a licensed applicator with knowledge of pest management techniques that call for using a combination of the right pesticides and different methods to control a pest problem;
2. making sure the label instructions are followed; including safe handling and application procedures and precautions, and
3. storing and disposing of pesticides as per label instructions.

Only pesticides that have been registered by Health Canada under the Pest Control Products Act (PCPA) can be used. Registered pesticides are easily identified by the registration number on the label:

• Registration No. 00000 Pest Control Products Act (PCPA); or
• Reg. No. 00000 PCPA

The pesticide label is a legal document that specifies how to use the pesticide safely and effectively.

Hiring a Pest Control Applicator

You may decide to hire a licensed pest control applicator rather than try to deal with a pest problem yourself. Professional pest control applicators are trained in the proper use of pesticides and are experienced in dealing with pests.

Communication and co-operation between you, tenants and the pest control applicator are key in tackling the problem. Ask about the preparation, treatment plan, and the registered pesticides that will be used. Tenants must be informed as to when they can safely return to their unit following the pesticide application and of any follow-up steps.

Report Pesticide Incidents

If your tenants or their pets have any health problems after a pesticide application, advise them to seek medical attention immediately. This is why it's important for you as a landlord to provide the product name and registration number of the pesticide to your tenants.

Remember to report any pesticide problem to the pesticide manufacturer or to Health Canada (Pesticide Incident Reporting).

For More Information

Consult the Health Canada website for these and other fact sheets:

• Report Pesticide Problems
• Responsible Pesticide Use
• Important information about the risks of making or using homemade pesticides

You can also contact the Pest Management Information Service.

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, represented by the Minister of Health, 2012
This publication may be reproduced without permission provided the source is fully acknowledged.

Cat.: H114-23/2012E
ISBN: 978-1-100-20388-1