Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management, also know as IPM, is an environmentally sound approach to pest control that was first developed in the 1970s. IPM is a strategy based on multiple control tactics to ensure that 1) pest populations are managed at acceptable levels, 2) risks to people, other non-target organisms, and the environment are minimized, and 3) pest control is practical and economical. (from the Entomological Society of America, December 2014).
In 2002, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors adopted an IPM Policy. Since that time, the County has worked to include IPM principles in all its pest management operations. Since 2000, County departments have reduced their overall pesticide use by 95% and their use of the most problematic pesticides by 92%. The departments have been documenting how they make pest management decisions and you can read those here.
Annual Reports
Annual IPM Report to the County Transportation, Water, and Infrastructure Committee.
Decision-Making Documents
General IPM
Public Works-Airports
Agriculture Department
Public Works-Grounds and Special Districts
Public Works-Facilities
Public Works-Maintenance Division
County Facilities