On December 16, 2009, the sale and use of more than 240 over-the-counter lawn care pesticide products were banned in the province of New Brunswick. The use of lawn care products for domestic lawns containing 2,4-D was also banned.
The product ban targeted lawn care pesticide products on the retail market most likely to be overused and misused. This includes combination fertilizer/pesticide products, granular spreadable weed killers, hose-end products, and lawn care pesticides that require measuring, mixing or dilution by the homeowner.
Products containing 2,4-D for use on domestic lawns were banned but can continue to be used for maintaining golf courses as long as they are applied within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) provisions.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) accreditation is mandatory for those carrying out lawn care services involving commercial grade pesticides.
The requirements for IPM accreditation, which include training and certification, is included in all operating permits for professionals and companies, including businesses such as golf courses.
The 1974 Pesticides Control Act will be reviewed with a goal of further reducing the unnecessary use of pesticides in the province.