Pesticide Bylaw

Exemptions do exist under the bylaw for some natural pesticide alternatives, including:

• Certain horticulture oils
• Soaps
• Acetic acid (vinegar)
• Diatomaceous earth
• Corn gluten meal
• Nematodes

Read and carefully follow instructions for dosages, application methods and treatment intervals. If you use a lawn and garden care service, make sure they are accredited or offer a pesticide-free program.

Common prohibited ingredients include:

• 2,4-D
• Mecoprop
• Dicamba
• Benomyl
• Bendiocarb
• Chlorothalonil
• Glyphosate
• Carbaryl
• Quintozene

"Pest" means an injurious, noxious or troublesome living organism. It does not include a virus, bacteria, fungus or internal parasite that exists on or in humans or animals.

Pesticides are substances that are used to eliminate or control unwanted pests such as weeds, fungi, insects and other pests.

Pesticides used for cosmetic or aesthetic purposes on your lawn or garden are prohibited. The pesticide bylaw does not include the use of pesticides for agricultural or commercial purposes, nor to manage pests that transmit human diseases. The bylaw also does not include the use of organic pesticides.

• Start with the right soil
  Soil should have a balanced or neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Purchase a simple, easy-to-use soil testing kit from your local garden centre.
• Select the right plants for the right spot
  Always buy from a reputable nursery or garden centre. They have the knowledge to advise you which plants are best suited to our climate and your garden's specific conditions. Visit Great Plant Picks for a list of plants that thrive in our region. Visit the Invasive Special Councils of British Columbia for a list of invasive plants to avoid in B.C.
• Aerate or dethatch if needed
  Give your grass some room to breathe. While earthworm activity is often enough, soil can still become compacted, restricting oxygen, nutrients and water access to roots. If a screwdriver doesn't go into your lawn easily, you need to aerate. A pesticide-free lawn will have little or no thatch.
• Overseed if desired
  A dense lawn is a healthy lawn. After adding your compost layer, dethatching, liming and aerating, sowing new seed will make your lawn denser and help prevent weeds from getting established.
• Plant a variety of grass species
  With a little diversity, your lawn will tolerate a wider range of growing conditions and be less susceptible to pests. Your local garden centre can help you choose cultivars that do well in various conditions.
• Mow high and regularly
  Mow when the grass is dry to a height of 6-8 cm (2.5-3") and be sure the blades are sharp.
• Leave clippings on the lawn
  Leaving grass clippings on the lawn can provide up to 1/3 of the nitrogen the lawn needs and also reduce the need for fertilizer.
• Water thoroughly but not often
  About 2.5 cm (1") once or twice a week early in the morning or evening is all you need. More frequent watering can starve the soil of oxygen and result in shallow roots. Be sure to follow Delta's lawn sprinkling regulations.
• Pull those weeds
  A healthy lawn is very resistant to weeds, but if a few happen to get established, just dig them out by hand or with a small tool before they go to seed.