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Canadian homeowner guide

How to Read a Canadian Pesticide Label

The label is the legal use instruction. A pesticide being sold in Canada does not mean it is appropriate for every pest, room or outdoor use. The label tells you what the product is registered to do.

Find the registration number

Look for the Pest Control Product registration number. Use Health Canada’s registry or label search to verify the product and current label.

Match pest and site

Both the target pest and treatment location must be on the label. Indoor, outdoor, crack-and-crevice, lawn and pet uses are not interchangeable.

Follow dose and re-entry directions

More product is not “stronger control.” Mixing, application rate, ventilation, protective equipment and re-entry instructions are part of the approved use.

Check the province and municipality

Provincial and municipal rules can further restrict sale or use, especially for landscape pesticides.

Canadian rule: if a pesticide is part of the plan, use only a product registered in Canada and follow the label for the named pest and treatment location. Provincial and municipal restrictions can still apply.

Useful official sources