City of Davis

The PHAER (Pesticide Hazard and Exposure Reduction) Zone System seeks ways to measure progress towards risk reduction goals, it allows grounds managers needed flexibility in their management options, and it informs the community about the general level of pesticide hazard that could be present on a site-by-site basis.

The PHAER Zone System establishes management zones on each site based upon the unique risk reduction goals of individual jurisdictions. These zones are designated as Green, Yellow, and Special Circumstance Zones, with Green Zones providing the lowest potential for pesticide hazard and exposure. Each Zone has a corresponding pesticide list determined by existing toxicological data.

Management of a Green Zone will rely upon materials from the GREEN LIST. The Green list contains pesticides that have minimal environmental or human health concerns. If used according to the following Green protocols, GREEN LIST materials can be employed seamlessly without any disruption in use of an area.

Because GREEN LIST materials are relatively safe for human and the environment, some exposure to them may be tolerated. These materials are mostly comprised of food- or household- grade materials (e.g. corn gluten meal, vinegar, clove oil), biologically based pesticides, or are applied in ways that minimize exposure (e.g. self-contained ant bait stations). As an incentive to encourage the use of GREEN LIST materials, posting requirements are minimal.

Yellow Zones will rely upon materials and protocols from either the GREEN LIST or the YELLOW LIST. YELLOW LIST materials carry some elevated environmental or human health concerns and steps should be taken to reduce exposure to them.

Because YELLOW LIST materials have an elevated level of hazard, more information should be provided to site users. Signs should be posted in the immediate vicinity of the application.

Further, every effort should be taken to make the YELLOW LIST materials applications when limited site access is expected following the application. Such periods of limited use may vary. Efforts to schedule application during areas of limited activity, however, should still be undertaken.

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