Alternatives to Pesticides

A healthy lawn will out-compete weeds and be less susceptible to insect problems. Most people associate a lush, green lawn with the use of cosmetic pesticides and over watering, however you can achieve a much healthier lawn and environment for your family without the use of pesticides. In fact, in 2009 Ontario banned the use and sale of cosmetic pesticides due to increasing concern about their impact on our health and environment. 

Questions about the pesticide ban and healthy lawn care can be directed to the Ministry of the Environment's Public Information Centre by calling 1-800-565-4923 or by clicking here.

The Ontario College of Family Physicians reported that children are particularly vulnerable to the effect of pesticides, especially indoor pesticides. This is because children have a faster metabolism so they tend to breathe more, eat more, and generally have more frequent hand-to-mouth contact than adults. Children also have more sensitive skin and many body systems that are still growing and developing that can be much more vulnerable to exposure of pesticides.

With you child's health in mind, you can see why it is important to resort to healthy alternatives to pesticides for lawn care.

Monitor your lawn for pests (insects, weeds and diseases). Visually inspect your lawn and soil for damage from time to time. This will help you identify potential pest problems before they become severe. Make note of any problems you observe and consult with your local gardening store, public library or the resource links for solutions. Understanding pests is necessary to help you decide if and when remedial action is warranted. For more information on healthy lawn care please click here

Alternatives and Beneficial Bugs can help to replace the need for pesticides.  To encourage biodiversity you should not use pesticides or herbicides. These chemicals will kill butterflies, bees and the other beneficial insects that act as natural predators in your garden. Tolerate some pests and try hand-digging to control weed problems. A small pest population in a healthy lawn is hardly noticeable and not demanding of action. For more information about alternatives and beneficial bugs click here