Eleven Okanagan companies have been busted for illegally using pesticides.
The companies were busted during a month-long operation this June that saw Ministry of Environment conservation officers hit 54 companies throughout the Okanagan with inspections.
According to Sgt. Jim Beck, conservation officers targeted landscaping and lawn care companies both large and small, handing out tickets for illegal use and improper storage.
Beck said officers took 19 enforcement actions in all, handing down 10 warnings and nine charges.
Of the eleven companies busted for non-compliance, six had been using pesticides without any kind of license at all. Others were hit for not properly storing or transporting the dangerous, weed-killing chemicals.
Even though eleven per cent of the companies targeted were slapped with tickets, Beck said compliance with pest management regulations is actually up slightly from 2010.
He said the ministry of environment will not release the names of the companies ticketed, as each are given an opportunity to challenge their tickets in court.
He reminded the public to make sure any pesticide service they get is fully licensed and qualified.
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