County Councilmember George Leventhal introduced legislation this week in Montgomery County, Md., that aims to ban the use of select pesticides on public and private property in the county, limiting professionals’ and homeowners’ ability to maintain safe and healthy outdoor spaces.
The proposed Bill 52-14 overlooks the benefits these products provide and increases the community’s safety and health risks from pests, such as mosquitoes and ticks, which can carry diseases like West Nile and Lyme. The complete bill language can be found on the city council website.
Montgomery County industry stakeholders and RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment)®, support an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to the use of pesticides to control weeds, pests and disease and recognize the importance of maintaining access to all the tools in the pest control toolbox for lawn care operators and homeowners.
The legislation would affect personal property rights by taking away EPA- approved products from professionals and homeowners. These products help maintain home property value by controlling weeds and helping lawns and landscapes thrive. And they protect my family and our neighbors from poison ivy, poison oak, ragweed, and mosquitoes and ticks, which can carry West Nile Virus and Lyme disease. If the bill passes, homeowners won’t be able to purchase common products like Weed N Feed from local retail locations.
We need your help to share the importance of access to properly used pesticide products. To voice your opinion with the Montgomery County Council, contact us at info@saveourlawns.org for further information.
