Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a decision-making process to determine pest levels and tolerance thresholds and combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to minimize health, environmental, and financial risks. The method uses extensive knowledge about pests, such as infestation thresholds, life histories, environmental requirements, and natural enemies to complement and facilitate biological and other natural control of pests.

It coordinates the use of pest biology, environmental information, and available technology to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means, while posing the least possible risk to people, property, resources, and the environment.

2017 Integrated Pest Management Plan Update

On November 7, 2017, the City Council approved a significant policy and procedures update for the city's Integrated Pest Management Program. The plan was developed with the guidance of public input, through community workshops, and meetings with the Natural Resource Commission (NRC) Hazardous Materials Subcommittee, as well as the Open Space and Habitat Commission, the Tree Commission, and the Recreation and Parks Commission. 

• Staff Report to Council on IPM Policy Update - November 7, 2017
• City of Davis Integrated Pest Management Policies and Procedures

Anticipated Pesticide Application Calendar

Due to public desire to know where and what pesticides are being applied in and along our parks, greenbelts, and miscellaneous landscaped areas that people are most likely to enter, the city has established a calendar connected to an eNotification system to provide this information. As always, no pesticide applications take place within playground areas.

The Anticipated Pesticide Application Calendar is located here.

The calendar will notice where and when pesticides are applied 48 hours prior to the application. An eNotification will be sent when the calendar notice of spraying is posted.

Sign up to receive notification of upcoming anticipated pesticide applications.

Ladybugs and grazing sheep are examples of biological pest management tools

Weed whackers and flame weeders are examples of mechanical pest management tools

More About Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.

The IPM approach can be applied to both agricultural and non-agricultural settings, such as the home, garden, and workplace. IPM takes advantage of all appropriate pest management options including, but not limited to, the judicious use of pesticides. In contrast, organic food production applies many of the same concepts as IPM but limits the use of pesticides to those that are produced from natural sources.

Pesticide Use and Stormwater

Any chemical used outdoors or in landscaping can be washed off directly into streams and rivers. It is best to use less toxic pesticides or other means of controlling unwanted pests, rather than harmful pesticides.

• See Our Water Our World for less toxic options. 
•  Visit our pesticides and stormwater webpage for more information on how pesticides end up in waterways and how to protect waterways.
• If you are having structural challenges with pests (rats, mice, etc.) and are considering hiring a professional, please see the information on our pesticide and stormwater webpage on hiring pest control professionals to ensure that less toxic options are used.
• Pest management resources for landscape professionals.

Integrated Pest Management Workshop - May 2015

The videos below are from a City IPM workshop held in May 2015 that covered the basics of about IPM and typical pests found in Davis homes and gardens.

Pesticide Hazard and Exposure Reduction Zone Maps

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. The City will be working on updates to the PHAER Zone maps as part of the 2017 IPM Plan update. 

• Arroyo Park PHAER Zones
• Central Park (all Green Zone, no map included)
• Barovetto Park PHAER Zones
• Chestnut Park PHAER Zones
• Community Park PHAER Zones
• Mace Park PHAER Zones
• Northstar Park PHAER Zones 
• Pioneer Park IPM
• Sandy Motley Park IPM
• Slide Hill Park PHAER Zones
• Sycamore Park PHAER Zones
• Walnut Park PHAER Zones
• Westwood Park PHAER Zones

Pesticide Hazard and Exposure Reduction Zones in the Landscape

Pesticide Hazard and Exposure Reduction Zones in the Landscape