INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT - 1821.3

On-site staff and contracted pest management companies shall follow an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy that focuses on long-term prevention or suppression of pest problems through a combination of techniques that may include:

• Monitoring for pest presence and establishing treatment threshold levels;
• Using non-chemical practices to make the habitat less conducive to pest development;
• Improving sanitation; and
• Employing mechanical and physical controls.

The Department of General Services (DGS) Best Practices Manual, Chapter 3 provides detailed steps on implementing an IPM plan.  Topics include:

1. Objectives and Strategies: IPM Best Practices (pg. 3-3)
2. Lead Person: Assign pest management lead person for each building site (pg. 3-5)
3. Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor, keep records, and evaluate IPM program activities (pg. 3-7,3-12)
4. Green IPM Practices: Emphasize use of cultural, nonchemical and biological controls in all IPM activities(pg. 3-8)
5. Communication: Notify building occupants before pesticide application (3-11)
6. IPM Design: Design landscape to minimize pest problems and install mowing strips and underlayments to reduce herbicide use (pg. 3-29, 3-30, 3-32)
7. Lighting: Install outdoor lighting that doesn’t attract flying insects (pg. 3-31)
8. Waste: Store garbage receptacles on concrete or asphalt surfaces, away from building entrance; keep sealed after loading; empty regularly (pg. 3-31, 3-35)
9. Proactive Maintenance: Make building repairs that exclude pests (e.g., install door sweeps, automatic door closers), and reduce water sources, food, and harborage (e.g., seal cracks and crevices, fix HVAC and plumbing leaks) (pgs. 3-28, 3-34, 3-38)
10. Eliminate Food Sources: Keep food storage areas clean and dry (pg. 3-36)

When establishing a pest treatment plan, appropriately licensed personnel shall use non-chemical and biological controls. If this treatment is ineffective, use Tier 3 (least hazardous) herbicides/insecticides, progressing to Tier 2 and then to Tier 1 (most hazardous) only if necessary to manage the pests. Utilize only Tier-rated herbicides/insecticides as listed on the current San Francisco Department of Environment Hazard Screening List.