What is a Pesticide?

According to the British Columbia Pesticide Control Act (1997) a ”pesticide” is any material that is intended to prevent, destroy, repel or mitigate a “pest”.

"Pests" include any living organism that causes damage or economic loss, or transmits or produces disease. Pests can be insects, birds, rodents, unwanted plants (weeds), or microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, viruses).

In Canada, legally a "pesticide" is any product having a Pest Control Products Act registration number (PCP number) and includes such familiar products as certain disinfectants, bleaches, mildew removers, and swimming pool chemicals.