The Province of Nova Scotia has rules governing pesticides applications that came into force in 2010. We explain these rules below and how they impact you as a Weed Man customer.

Provincial Rules

Under the rules, no one is allowed to apply pesticides to a lawn other than under certain exceptions. These rules apply to all persons, including homeowners, businesses and lawn care professionals. Exceptions to this ban allow pesticides to be applied for agriculture, forestry, to golf courses, for structural pest control, for invasive species and for stinging/disease carrying insects or animals. Most importantly for you the homeowner, there is exception for the pesticide applications that use products on a list of “allowable pesticides”. In other words, Nova Scotia allows the application of certain pesticides that are natural, organic, or considered lower risk. Most chemical or synthetic pesticides are prohibited.

Fiesta™ and Safer’s Trounce™

Weed Man uses two main products to look after your lawn that are on the “allowable pesticides” list: Fiesta™ for the treatment of weeds, and Safer’s Trounce™ for the treatment of chinch bugs. Fiesta™ is an iron based, naturally occurring weed control product. It is fast acting and kills common broadleaf weeds like dandelions, plantain and clover. Safer’s Trounce™ is a non-toxic insecticide that offers effective control of a broad range of insects including chinch bugs. Both of these products are considered safe to humans, pets and the environment. For more information on these products, please contact our office.

Applicator’s License

Under the rules, anyone applying commercial pesticides to lawns must have an applicator’s license. Applicators are required to have training in the use of pesticides and pass a provincially administered exam before being licensed. Weed Man’s technicians are licensed applicators and have all required licenses to do their job. Lawn care applicators like Weed Man are required to post a sign following a pesticide application. You will see a pesticide sign on your lawn following a weed control or insect control application.

More information

Further information on the pesticide rules that apply in Nova Scotia can be found on the Nova Scotia government website at https://www.novascotia.ca/nse/pests/ 

Your Weed Man professional can answer questions about these rules and how they apply to you and your property. As well, we can give advice about how to best maintain your property under the rules and address issues such as weed and insect problems. If you would like further information, call us at 1 (877) 434-9333 or email us at info@weedmanmaritimes.ca.