Integrated pest management (IPM) news

On March 6, 2024, under the Better Regulations initiative, the IPM Regulation was amended to include digital options for consultation on pesticide use permit applications and pest management plans. Notices for public consultation must now include:

• An email address instead of a fax number for contacting the applicant of a pesticide use permit application
• An email address for contacting the applicant developing a pest management plan

Access the New Amendments

October 26, 2023

Three guidance documents are available to help applicants:

• Meet the updated requirements for public consultation on draft Pest Management Plans (PMPs)
• Understand expectations when engaging with First Nations on draft PMPs and pesticide use permit applications
• Develop a treatment plan for pesticide use permit applications

Access the new guidance documents.

September 12, 2023

Safely dispose of unwanted pesticides or livestock medication for no charge at the Cleanfarms collection events.

These events will be held on:

• Vancouver Island from October 2 to 4, 2023
• Fraser Valley from October 10 to 13, 2023

These events are for farmers, growers and commercial pest control operators in B.C.

Review the Cleanfarms event poster for more details.

August 21, 2023

Service BC continues to administer pesticide applicator exams and certificates on behalf of the Provincial IPM Program.

They've recently moved the exam scheduling from Golden to their Kamloops office.

For scheduling exams, please use the new phone number and address:

• Phone: 1-866-205-2102 (from anywhere in Canada)
• Address: 250-455 Columbia Street, Kamloops BC, V2C 6K4

Exams can continue to be written in Service BC locations across B.C.

For inquiries about exam bookings and the status of pesticide applicator certificates, please contact PesticideAdmin@gov.bc.ca.

COVID-19 protocol update:

In 2020, Service BC implemented Covid-19 protocols for pesticide applicator exams. Service BC has since resumed scheduling group exams for all industry sectors.

August 17, 2023

Do you spend time monitoring, photographing or observing insects?

If so, we need your help in reporting any invasive and migratory insect pests that can cause harm to the environment. Early detection is critical for slowing the spread of these insect pests.

Learn more about priority insect pests to watch out for in your region. Use the QR code to report your detections: Reporting Priority Insects and Invasive Insects in B.C. (PDF, 470KB).

This is a collaborative project developed by the Insect Surveillance Community of Practice of the Canadian Plant Health Council, a multi-partner body that acts to protect plant health in Canada.

January 23, 2023

The 18-month Minister’s Order banning SGARs has now expired.

It's been replaced with permanent changes, effective on January 21, 2023.

Learn more about managing rodents under the new rules.

December 8, 2022

New rules to manage rodents with SGARs will come into effect on January 21, 2023.

Resources are now available to help understand the changes. 

Visit Amendments to pesticide legislation to understand how you might be impacted.

The Minister’s order banning SGARs is still in effect until January 20, 2023.

November 17, 2022

A new certification category is available for agricultural producers who use rodenticides. 

Review the Agriculture: rodent management category to find out more.

November 17, 2022

An updated guidance document for managing rodents in residential homes is now available.

Visit Second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide ban to find out more.

October 28, 2022

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is amending the Integrated Pest Management Regulation to reduce the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs) to help protect wildlife.

The amendments are anticipated to come into effect in January 2023.

Visit Consultation on changes to pesticide legislation to learn more.

September 13, 2022

You can safely dispose of unwanted pesticides or livestock medication for no charge at the Cleanfarms collection events this October 12 to 20, 2022.

The event is for farmers, growers and commercial pest control operators in the B.C. and Alberta Peace Region.

Review the Cleanfarms event poster for more details.

May 4, 2022

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is proposing changes to the Integrated Pest Management Regulation to address risks to wildlife from the use of second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (SGARs).

The proposed changes are intended to minimize unnecessary use of SGARs to reduce exposure to wildlife.

Consultation on the proposed changes is open until June 19, 2022. Comments may be submitted through an online response form, email or mail.

Visit Consultation on changes to pesticide legislation to learn more.

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