sfenvironment.org

Pest Management (IPM)

Achievements Legislation & Initiatives Reports Partnerships Public Awareness News & Events

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Many common pest control products contain seriously hazardous chemicals. Pesticides are designed to kill living things, so it isn't surprising that most of them can be toxic to humans, pets, birds, and insects--including beneficial ones like ladybugs that feed on the troublesome insects we'd rather get rid of. That's why it's important to shop for the least toxic products, and find techniques that prevent insects and disease so hazardous products aren't necessary in the first place.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach to pest control that uses regular monitoring to determine if and when treatments are needed and employs various tactics to keep pest number low enough to prevent intolerable damage or annoyance. Least-toxic chemical controls are used as a last resort.

For pest control advice, contact a licensed Pest Control Applicator (PCA) that uses safer methods in buildings or landscapes. SFE staff are not licensed PCA and cannot provide advice.

Contact the SFDPH Pesticide Use Enforcement Program at (415)252-3862 for questions about:
- Licensing
- Restricted pesticide materials permits
- Pesticide-related illnesses

For complaints about the following, call SFDPH:
- Mosquitoes: (415)252-3806
- Rodents or overgrown vegetation: (415)252-3805
- Pesticide spill or retail nurseries using improper labeling: (415)252-3830

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We'd love your input. Please take this brief survey about the pesticides you use.

Achievements

• Since 1996, SF Environment has reduced gallons of pesticides used by 85 percent, pounds of most common herbicide ingredient by 87 percent, and pounds of all pesticides used by 55 percent. In 2005, approximately 70 percent of pest control applications to buildings were conducted without the use of pesticides


• Winner of the 2006 National Integrated Pest Management Achievement Award


• Has convened monthly pest management stakeholder groups (the IPM Technical Advisory Committee) for more than 10 years


• Organizes about 20 training workshops a year in reduced-risk pest management techniques

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Legislation & Initiatives

The Integrated Pest Management Ordinance - established the city's IPM program for city properties in 1996. It requires an integrated approach to all pest control operations; establishes posting, recordkeeping, and accountability requirements; and phased out use of the most hazardous pesticides. The ordinance does not regulate pesticide use outside of city operations: That authority is held by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.

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Reports

Integrated Pest Management Program Annual Report 2006 & 2007

Summary of the Regional Workshop on Approved Pesticide Lists, 2004

Attachment A: Comparison of Approved List Programs Part 1

Attachment A: Comparison of Approved List Programs Part 2

Integrated Pest Management Program Annual Report 2004 & 2005

Integrated Pest Management Program 2003 Program Report

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Partnerships

IPM Program Stakeholders:

San Francisco's IPM program is funded by the Recreation and Parks Department, the Department of Public Health, the Department of Public Works, the Public Utilities Commission, the Municipal Transportation Agency, the Port of San Francisco, and San Francisco International Airport.

The Commission on the Environment provides program direction and oversight.

The City's IPM program frequently organizes workshops, conferences, and training events with a number of other local IPM proponents, including the City of Palo Alto, the County of Santa Clara, the Presidio Trust, and the National Park Service.
San Francisco has also worked with two regional IPM networks, the IPM Exchange (organized by the Urban Pesticide Pollution Prevention Project) and the Regional IPM Conference. The city's IPM staff sits on the technical advisory committee for the EcoWise Certification program, a pilot project aimed at developing IPM certifications for structural pest control operators in California.

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Public Awareness

• The city's IPM program works to educate and promote awareness of pesticide use through newsletters, conferences, and meetings.



• SF Environment publishes occasional newsletters to highlight practices and updates regarding less toxic pest management:
  
  IPM Newsletter Issue 1 (October 2005)
  IPM Newsletter Issue 2 (December 2005)
  IPM Newsletter Issue 3 (May 2006)



• The city organizes and hosts the annual Urban Integrated Pest Management Conference, a popular event for IPM program managers, local agency pest management staff, and anyone interested in IPM concepts and applications in an urban setting.



• For information on the light brown apple moth - a controversial introduced pest in coastal California - click here.

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News & Events

For SF IPM public hearings, TAC meetings or conferences on best ways to manage pests in buildings & landscapes:

Sign up to get invited.

View current & past agendas.

Check out presentations from past events.

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