Delta College
OP-9: Integrated Pest Management

All campus grounds acreage are developed and maintained in accordance with a four-tiered approach IPM plan. Prevention encompasses the entire campus grounds with the campus signature courtyard serving as the center of the action thresholds. Thresholds increase moving towards to the outer limits of the campus grounds area.

The principle of the IPM program is the preventing pests by promoting healthy, vigorously growing plants. This is accomplished by aeration, fertilization, supplemental watering and the application of mulch and compost. Healthy plants prevent pests and encourage the outgrow of pest damage thereby increasing action thresholds and eliminating the need for control. Action thresholds and control measures vary with the type of plant, plant location, time of year, forecasted weather, and the scheduled activities in the area of damage.

Delta College Grounds Management has two team members who are certified commercial pesticide applicators (CPA) that monitor the campus for pest damage. If damage is present, CPAs accurately identify the damage so appropriate control decisions can be made in conjunction with action thresholds. If it is determined that preventive methods are no longer effective or available and pest control is required, appropriate control methods which consider both effectiveness and risk are evaluated. Effective, less risky pest controls receive priority.