University of Arizona
OP-9: Integrated Pest Management

The University practices an Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) modeled after that outlined by Maryland Department of Agriculture. It has been informal in the past, but is currently being formalized in written policies and procedures. Unless safety and health consideration dictate otherwise, it is based upon action thresholds rather than periodic application of pesticides and herbicides. Grounds and custodial personnel monitor conditions for various pests, and report issues to management. The situation is evaluated, and a decision is made by management if action is required, and at what level. Safety and health issues are central to those decisions, as are risk of infrastructure damage. An example is that grounds personnel will periodically check random plots and perform a grub-worm count. If a specific threshold is exceeded, appropriate pesticides will be applied. If not, no application is made at that time. In the case of wasps, they are removed immediately if they pose a sting risk to students, staff, faculty or visitors. In regard to mosquitoes, a proactive-preventative program is practiced. Any body of standing water or continual dampness is treated with VectoBac in addition to maintenance actions taken to eliminate or minimize standing water and dampness whenever possible. Regarding bees, action is only taken if the bees pose a safety hazard or have established a hive in an inappropriate place, such as a swarm in a high traffic area. The area is roped off, and the contractor removes the bees during low-traffic hours. Weeds are treated on an as-needed basis, rather than a periodic basis. Various licensed contractors are used for specific aspects of the program, including indoor pesticide application, bee removal, and mice removal. These contractors are selected on the basis of IPM practices. Material Safety Data Sheets are on file for all pesticides used.