Environmental Trends 2007

Contaminants

Landscape Pesticide Use in the Lower Mainland

Since 1991, the B.C. government has had a policy to reduce and eliminate pesticide use by promoting the adoption of integrated pest management (IPM) programs based on preventing pest problems.

The use of pesticides by B.C. landscape services in the Lower Mainland decreased by 50 per cent between 1991 and 2003.

Photo credit: Linda Gilkeson

Source: B.C. Ministry of Environment

• Between 1991 and 2003 (12 years), several pesticides disappeared from annual records of use, as they were discontinued. These pesticides included the insecticide methoxychlor and the herbicide paraquat, which was among the top 20 pesticides used in 1991.

• Four of the six landscape pesticides of most concern in the Georgia Basin in 1991 were no longer in use by 2004.

For detailed information, including graph data, see In-Depth Report [pdf].

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