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6.2.A. - Page 6 <br />1. Based on field observations evaluate locations and sites where pest problems <br />commonly occur to determine pest population, size, occurrence, and natural <br />enemy population, if present. Identify conditions that contribute to the <br />development of pest populations, and decisions and practices that could be <br />employed to manage pest populations <br />2. Design, construct, and maintain landscapes and buildings to reduce and <br />eliminate pest habitats; <br />3. Modify management practices including watering, mulching, waste management, <br />and food storage to discourage the development of pest population; <br />4. Modify pest ecosystems to reduce food, water sources, and harborage; <br />5. Prioritize the use of physical controls such as mowing weeds, using traps, and <br />installing barriers; <br />6. Use biological controls to introduce or enhance a pests' natural enemies; <br />7. When pest populations reach treatment thresholds (based on how much <br />biological, aesthetic, economic or other damage is tolerable) non - pesticide <br />management activities will be evaluated before considering the use of <br />pesticides; <br />8. When pesticides are necessary, select reduced risk pesticides and use the <br />minimum amounts needed to be effective; <br />9. Apply pesticides at the most effective treatment time, based on pest biology, <br />monitoring, and other variables, such as weather, seasonal changes in wildlife <br />use, and local conditions; and <br />10. Whenever possible, use pesticide application methods, such as containerized <br />baits, that minimize opportunities for mobilization of the pesticide in storm water <br />runoff. <br />Departments performing pest management activities will identify an IPM coordinator <br />who is responsible for assisting staff with implementation of this IPM policy. <br />BACKGROUND <br />Pesticides are defined as: any substance or mixture of substances intended for <br />preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest. Pests can be insects, rodents <br />and other animals, unwanted plants (weeds), bacteria or fungi. The term pesticide <br />applies to herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, rodenticides, molluscicides and other <br />substances used to control pests. <br />Integrated Pest Management (IPM is an ecosystem -based strategy that focuses on <br />long -term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques <br />such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and <br />use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are <br />needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of <br />removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a <br />Page 2 of 3 <br />August I, 2011 <br />