Ontario’s cosmetic pesticide ban is now in effect.

About 250 pesticide products are banned for sale and more than 80 pesticide ingredients are banned for cosmetic uses.

Starting today, consumers will be able to purchase pesticides only for public health or safety reasons such as fighting West Nile Virus, killing stinging insects like wasps, or to control poison ivy and other plants poisonous to the touch. Biopesticides and lower-risk pesticides to control weeds and pests will also be available.

To help Ontario gardeners learn how to care for their lawns and gardens using greener alternatives, Communities in Bloom will be organizing seminars across the province, delivered by master gardeners or horticulturalists at community and garden centres. One will be held at Toronto Botanical Garden on May 25 at 7 p.m. Admittance is free.

To support Ontario’s emerging green economy, the Agricultural Adaptation Council will use a provincial investment of $480,000 to establish the Cosmetic Use Pesticides Research and Innovation Program. The program will encourage the development of lower-risk pesticides and other green alternatives.

Learn more about the rules and exceptions for public health or safety, agriculture, forestry and golf courses.

Get some tips on caring for lawns and gardens using greener alternatives at the Ministry of the Environment’s additup website.