If you’re like many gardeners and houseplant enthusiasts, you may instinctively reach for insecticides when you spot an unwanted pest. If that’s the case, be prepared to find those shelves partly empty on your next visit to the garden center.

What’s going on?

For the past decade or so, there’s been a global trend toward tightening the rules around pesticide use, and Canada is no exception. The cities of Montreal and Quebec, among others, have adopted bylaws restricting the use of household pesticides across their territories.

Until very recently, pesticide sales in Canada were regulated under a fairly complex federal classification system that considered the toxicity of active ingredients, approved uses, and product formats. In practice, this system was still relatively permissive, judging by the number of products available on store shelves.

But the Government of Quebec has just adopted a much stricter regulation. Since July 6, 2025, products containing certain active ingredients are now completely banned from sale, regardless of their federal approval status. The ban specifically targets products made with permethrin, pyrethrins, and tetramethrin—ingredients commonly used by indoor plant hobbyists.

In practical terms, this means some of the most popular products against thrips, aphids, scale insects, and other pests will no longer be available in Quebec. Examples include Bug-Tek, Doktor Doom, and Pro-Perm.

This push for pesticide regulation appears to be spreading more broadly as well. U.S. states like California, New York, and Vermont are in the process of adopting various measures, and similar consultations are underway in several European Union countries.

What are the alternatives?

One thing is certain: plant pests aren’t going away anytime soon. There’s a common misconception that pesticides are the only way to deal with an insect infestation. Should you just give up then? Absolutely not. Most infestations can be managed without chemicals. Here are some proven alternatives:

Water cleaning: Simple but powerful

A thorough rinse with water alone can remove the vast majority of pests present on a plant. Use a strong jet of water, such as from a showerhead or spray nozzle. This method works as long as the cleaning is complete and every surface of the plant is treated. To fully eliminate the pests, you’ll usually need to repeat the wash a few times or combine it with biological control.

Alternative products

Black soap and insecticidal soaps can break down the protective membranes of insects and block their airways, dehydrating or suffocating them. They don’t replace water cleaning but can provide extra support when used alongside it. Horticultural oils can also be very effective, provided they’re applied exactly as directed by the manufacturer.

Biological control: Your secret weapon

Biological control, which is gaining popularity, involves introducing natural predators to manage pest populations. These include mites, ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and other beneficial insects that target specific pests while remaining harmless to plants, people, and pets.

They’re especially effective when released after a thorough cleaning, as they take care of any remaining insects and help prevent re-infestation. Our catalog offers around fifteen products adapted to different situations, available for free pickup at one of our partners or for home delivery.

In conclusion

The recent ban on several pesticides changes what’s available to home gardeners, but it doesn’t mean you have to give up on protecting your plants. By relying on mechanical methods, alternative products, and biological control, it’s entirely possible to keep pests under control.

To view all the affected products, consult the lists published by the Government of Québec (French only).