Public notice of pesticide use in 2025 for control of aphids using insecticidal soap

Aphids are invasive, small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plants and trees by sucking sap from leaves and stems. They excrete a sugary substance called honeydew, which drips down on the surrounding area and promotes growth of a harmless mould that can stain leaves. Populations are at their peak during the late summer and decline with cooler weather in the fall.

To help manage the population spikes of aphids on street and park trees, the Town plans to utilize Kopa Insecticidal Soap Pest Control Products # 31433 (active ingredient: potassium salts of fatty acids) to reduce their numbers. This product is registered under the Pest Control Products Act (Canada). This pesticide contains active ingredients authorized for cosmetic purposes (allowable list) and is in accordance with subsection 7.1 (1) of the Pesticides Act.

The Town intends to complete applications reactively to areas where high populations are noted during the 2025 season (June 20 – October 31).

To find out where linden trees are located within the Town, please visit the Town of Oakville’s interactive Tree Inventory map.

If you have any further questions regarding insecticidal soap applications to manage aphids, please connect with Service Oakville at 905 845 6601, toll-free at 1-877-625-8455 or service@oakville.ca to get in touch with Town staff who will answer your questions.