Pesticides in the urban environment: A potential threat that knocks at the door

•Heavy usage of pesticides in the urban environment is a serious concern.•Physico-chemical properties of urban soils are distinct form other soils.•Use of pesticides in the urban agriculture is a potential threat to food safety.•Pesticide residues in the urban environment affect human and ecological health.•Fate and ecological effects of urban pesticides need to be fully understood.