Changes to the registration of permethrin pesticides (uses on structures)

Organization: Health Canada

Date published: January 2024

ISBN: 978-0-660-68008-8

All pesticides used in Canada must be registered under the Pest Control Products Act. Pesticides are re-evaluated to ensure that they continue to meet health and environmental requirements. Re-evaluation may result in the revocation of a product or product uses. Health Canada may also request changes to a product's label, including risk mitigation measures, use sites and application methods.

Permethrin is an insecticide used on a wide range of crops. It is also used for treatment on structures such as agricultural, commercial or institutional buildings, kennels and residences. Highlights of the re-evaluation decision for the uses on structures of the active ingredient permethrin, published on August 26, 2019, are summarized below.

Cancelled product, as of August 26, 2022

Stop using the RAID FUMIGATOR FUMIGATING FOGGER (Reg. No. 25167)

Label changes for permethrin pesticides, as of August 26, 2021

Cancelled uses

Stop the following types of application:

• Electric mistblower application in attics
• Total release fumigating foggers
• Indoor residential broadcast application

Other risk reduction measures

• Reduced maximum rate application for residential yards
• Added statements:
  • Do not apply to furniture, mattresses, linens, toys or clothing
  • Do not apply when people or pets are present
  • Do not allow re-entry until sprays have dried
• Only perimeter, spots or cracks and crevices applications are permitted indoors in residential areas
• Ventilation of the treated areas required after application
• For broadcast, indoor perimeter or spot spray applications:
  • Use a coarse droplet size and low pressure spray (345 kPa or 50 psi maximum) to avoid splashing onto non-target surfaces
• Updated personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements, by type of application

Users must follow the instructions on the updated labels.

Using a pesticide contrary with the label directions is a violation of the Pest Control Products Act.

Read the label

All pesticides registered in Canada have a Health Canada-approved label with a registration number. Read the pesticide label carefully, as it contains specific information on how to use it.

To find the most up-to-date label, use our online label search tool or search for "Health Canada pesticide labels" using your favourite search engine.