On April 26, 2021, the Mayor and Council voted unanimously to allow Montgomery County’s pesticide law to apply in the City of Rockville, effective Jan. 1, 2022. The law restricts the use of certain pesticides on private lawns, playgrounds, mulched recreation areas, and childcare facilities to protect people, pets, and the environment.
The pesticide law is intended to protect public health and welfare, minimize potential pesticide hazards to people and the environment, inform the public about pesticide applications, and minimize the use of pesticides for cosmetic purposes while not restricting the ability to use pesticides in agriculture, for the protection of public health, or for other public benefit.
Private Property Owners and Lawn Care Providers
Most synthetic pesticides, such as weed and feed products, are not allowed for treating pests on private lawns, playgrounds, mulched recreation areas, and childcare facilities. View the list of allowed pesticides.
Some exemptions apply to allow the use of pesticide application when used to:
- Eradicate biting or stinging insects, disease vectors, noxious or invasive species, species that threaten the health of trees and shrubs, and indoor pests (if applied near the foundation).
- Control a pest outbreak that poses an imminent threat to human health or to prevent significant economic damage if a banned pesticide is not used.
- Maintain property as part of efforts by a public utility to comply with applicable vegetation management provisions of any federal, state, or local law or regulation.
The law does not ban the sale by any stores, and some products may be used in other circumstances. For example, a product that is not allowed for controlling weeds in a lawn may still be used in a garden bed or sidewalk cracks.
Only organic or minimum-risk pesticides are allowed for use on lawns, playgrounds, mulched recreation areas, and childcare facilities. Weeds and pests can be prevented by using organic lawn care and practicing sustainable gardening.
Pesticide Use in Rockville Parks
While city property is not covered by Montgomery County’s pesticide law, the City of Rockville has adopted a policy to reduce pesticide use on city-owned land (parks, rights-of-way, stream valleys, and stormwater facilities). The city strives to be a good steward of its natural environment by continually exploring innovative, environmentally sensitive, and cost-effective strategies for pest management.
The objective of the city’s pest management policy is to manage pests that may cause harm or threaten the health or functioning capability of an area while minimizing risk to human health and the environment. To accomplish this, the city uses the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which combines multiple strategies and techniques for pest control such as monitoring, improving cultural practices, conserving and introducing beneficial biological organisms, mechanical methods, and the use of organic and inorganic chemicals.
For questions about pesticide use in Rockville parks, contact the Parks and Facilities Division Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m., at 240-314-8700 or parksinquiry@rockvillemd.gov.
Onsite Signage
On the day of application, staff will post onsite signage, per the Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) Pesticide Section. This includes posting signs at major entrances and in the general vicinity of the application for 48 hours after the application.
Contact
Public Works Department
Environmental Management Division
240-314-8870
environment@rockvillemd.gov
Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Address
Taft Center
6 Taft Court
Rockville, MD 20850