The City of Campbell River uses an integrated pest management approach [PDF/546KB] to reduce pesticide use. This approach focuses on using preventative measures, where possible, along with natural controls and alternatives to the use of pesticide. By using natural pesticide alternatives, we can improve Campbell River's environment and achieve pesticide-free lawns and gardens.
When needed, the City uses herbicide along curbs, sidewalks, fence lines and other landscaped areas. For more information, refer to our Weed Control frequently asked questions [PDF/311KB].
Provincial Regulations
The Provincial Integrated Pest Management Regulation controls the sale and use of pesticides in landscaped areas on private land. This means that for many pesticide applications, including herbicides, you must have a licence or certificate.
Read the Integrated Pest Management Act
What's a Pest?
Many of the plants and bugs in your yard are beneficial to the health of your garden. Pests, however, are bugs and other creatures that can harm other plants and creatures. Common yard and garden pests include:
- ants
- aphids
- moths
- cutworms
- earwigs
- slugs
- tent caterpillars
Remember, most insects, parasites and small animals are not pests. They've been working in your yard, supporting the ecosystem, since before you got there. Try resisting your initial response to get rid of them, when you see these creatures in your yard.
Pesticide Risks
Pesticides come in many forms. How we choose to manage pests in our yards is important for our families, our community and our environment. Even low-levels of pesticide exposure can pose a potential risk to the health of our families, especially children.
The City is encouraging residents and local businesses to move away from non-essential pesticide use. Doing so will help to reduce the following risks associate with pesticides.
Health and Safety Risks
Health and safety risks can vary depending on the product and type of exposure. Risks include minor skin or eye irritation, poisoning and death. Some pesticides may produce noxious and explosive gases, if combined with other materials or applied using the wrong type of container.
Environmental Risks
Pesticides can pollute soil and groundwater. These chemicals persist for long periods of time and can impact natural processes, wildlife and fisheries. If they are unintentionally washed into storm water collection systems, water in creeks, streams or other water bodies may become polluted.
Risks to Non-target Species
Some pesticides can cause accidental injury or death to aquatic organisms, birds, mammals and beneficial insects. Microorganisms in your lawn and garden can also be harmed, reducing their ability to enrich the soil and provide nutrients for plants.
Avoiding Pesticide Use
Avoiding pest infestations through preventative maintenance is the most effective approach. Yards with good growing conditions such as healthy soil and plants well-matched to the site are the first line of defence. Instead of large lawns, many homeowners opt instead for native grasses, rock gardens, and other attractive low-maintenance alternatives.
If preventative maintenance is not enough, follow these tips to starting an environmentally sensitive pest management program:
- Use native and disease resistant plant varieties
- Add nutrients such as compost to the soil
- Companion plants planted side-by-side will protect other plants from weeds and pests, such as marigolds to repel insects
- Use aromatic plants such as chives, dill and mint to attract pollinators and ward off pests
- Avoid overhead sprinkling in the evening, a major cause of mildew on plants
- Remove insects by brushing them off, putting out traps (for slugs), crushing by hand or using a forceful spray of water
- Eliminate weeds by spreading mulches between plants or aggressively hand weeding
For a natural control, you can use a soap solution to wash leaves and eliminate pests and diseases. For fungal issues, you can make a natural fungicide from one tablespoon each of baking soda and horticultural oil. Dilute this solution in four litres of water and spray on leaves.