Montreal's pesticide ban in 2026: what's banned, what's allowed, and what to use instead

Since January 1, 2022, Montreal has enforced one of the strictest municipal pesticide bans in Canada. A total of 35 active molecules are prohibited across the island, and the ban has only expanded since then. If you're a homeowner trying to maintain your lawn and garden, this is what you need to know heading into the 2026 season.

The 35 banned molecules

The City of Montreal's pesticide regulations prohibit the sale and use of products containing any of these active ingredients:

Fungicides (6 molecules): Benomyl, Captan, Chlorothalonil, Iprodione, Quintozene, Thiophanate-methyl

Herbicides (11 molecules): 2,4-D (all forms), Glyphosate, MCPA (all forms), Mecoprop (all forms), plus additional herbicide compounds listed in the bylaw's appendix

Insecticides (10 molecules): Acetamiprid, Carbaryl, Clothianidin, Dicofol, Dinotefuran, Imidacloprid, Malathion, Sulfoxaflor, Thiacloprid, Thiamethoxam

Rodenticides (6 molecules): Brodifacoum, Bromadiolone, Bromethalin, Chlorophacinone, Difethialone, Phosphine

The ban includes every neonicotinoid insecticide and glyphosate, which was the most widely used herbicide in residential lawn care before the regulation took effect.

What this means at the hardware store

If a product on the shelf contains any of these 35 molecules, it can't legally be sold or used in Montreal. That includes well-known brand-name products that many homeowners used for years. Before buying any lawn or garden treatment, check the active ingredient list on the label against the city's banned list.

What's still allowed for residents

The ban doesn't prohibit all pest control. The city recommends "safer and more environmentally friendly alternatives" and specifically points to biopesticides, which are products derived from natural sources.

Under Quebec's Pesticide Management Code, Class 5 products are considered very low risk and don't require a certificate to purchase or use. These include:

• Bacillus thuringiensis kurstaki (BTK): A naturally occurring bacteria that targets caterpillars and leaf-eating larvae without harming other insects
• Insecticidal soaps: Effective against soft-bodied insects like aphids and whiteflies
• Diatomaceous earth: A physical pest control that damages the exoskeletons of crawling insects
• Horticultural oils: Suffocate overwintering insect eggs and scale insects
• Neem-based products: Disrupt insect feeding and reproduction cycles

These are all legal in Montreal and available at most garden centres.

Organic alternatives that actually work

Switching away from chemical pesticides doesn't leave you without options. These approaches work in Montreal's climate:

For weeds: Overseeding with thick turf varieties crowds out weeds naturally. Manual removal works for isolated patches. Corn gluten meal acts as a pre-emergent weed suppressant when applied in early spring.

For grubs: Beneficial nematodes (microscopic organisms you water into the lawn) target white grubs specifically. They're applied in late August or early September when grubs are close to the soil surface.

For chinch bugs: Regular watering during dry spells reduces stress that makes lawns vulnerable. Endophyte-enhanced grass seed varieties are naturally resistant.

For fungal problems: Proper aeration, dethatching, and avoiding overwatering prevent most lawn diseases. Compost topdressing introduces beneficial microorganisms that compete with fungal pathogens.

Commercial exceptions

The City of Montreal allows commercial use of otherwise-banned pesticides in specific situations:

• Controlling rats, mice, wasps, or carpenter ant nests
• Protecting domestic bees and chickens from harmful organisms
• Managing toxic plants like poison ivy and giant hogweed
• Treating tree threats including emerald ash borer, Asian long-horned beetle, Asian LDD moths, and oak wilt
• On land used to operate farm nurseries or garden centres

These exceptions require a commercial pesticide permit from the city. Homeowners can't use these exceptions on their own.

Golf course rules (effective February 1, 2025)

As of February 1, 2025, the ban extended to golf courses on the island. Golf courses are now subject to the same prohibited molecule list, with two narrow seasonal exceptions:

• April 15 to June 15: 2,4-D or mecoprop may be used for plantain control
• October 15 to December 1: Chlorothalonil may be used for gray or pink snow mould control

Biopesticides remain allowed year-round on golf courses.

Fines for violations

The penalties for using banned pesticides in Montreal carry weight. According to CBC reporting on the bylaw, fines start at $500 for first-time offenders and can reach up to $4,000 for repeat violations. The city can also revoke commercial pesticide permits for non-compliance.

How to transition your lawn care

If you've been relying on chemical treatments, switching to organic methods takes one to two seasons to show full results. A practical transition plan looks like this:

1. Test your soil. Many lawn problems stem from pH imbalances or nutrient deficiencies that chemicals were masking, not solving.

2. Aerate annually. Compacted soil is the root cause of many weed and disease problems. Core aeration in fall lets grass roots breathe.

3. Overseed in September. Thick, healthy turf is the best weed prevention. Fall seeding gives grass time to establish before winter.

4. Topdress with compost. A thin layer of compost in spring feeds the soil biology that supports a strong lawn.

5. Mow high. Taller grass shades the soil, reducing weed germination and retaining moisture.

Need help going pesticide-free?

Transitioning to organic lawn care in Montreal doesn't have to be complicated. We use compliant, effective methods that keep lawns healthy without banned products. If you want a plan tailored to your property, call us at 514-900-3867.