Illinois Issues September Pesticide Use Notice for Municipalities

By Andi Anderson

Illinois communities are now following new rules on pesticide use that took effect on January 1, 2025. Under Illinois Public Act 103-0976, municipalities and government entities must provide advance notice before applying pesticides on public property.

The law requires that at least 24 hours before any pesticide is applied to a public right of way within a municipality, the public must be informed.

Notices must include specific details such as the application location, date, type of pesticide, concentration, reason for use, and the name and contact details of the applicator. In addition, the notice must also provide the Illinois Department of Agriculture’s contact information.

The law allows written notices to be posted in existing communication formats, such as newsletters, websites, calendars, or other correspondence regularly issued by the municipality. This ensures the public can easily access the information in a timely manner.

To comply with this regulation, the City of Champaign has decided to issue monthly information notices covering general pesticide applications conducted by city employees and contractors. These updates are posted on the City’s official website and shared through its social media channels.

Additional notices may be provided when more specific applications are planned, such as extended use near sensitive areas like detention basins. This ensures residents are kept informed about where and when pesticides are applied, as well as the safety measures in place.

By following the requirements of Illinois Public Act 103-0976, municipalities are working to improve transparency, protect public health, and ensure residents have clear information about pesticide use in their communities.

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