University of California, Irvine
OP-9: Integrated Pest Management

UCI's pest control program is centered on an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system that employs physical, mechanical, cultural, biological, and educational methods to limit pest problems. The least toxic chemical pesticides are used only as a last resort. Basic pest management principles allow the campus community to prevent pest problems and find the best pest control solutions. The basic principles include storing food appropriately, keeping work areas clean and uncluttered, removing recycling and trash regularly, and checking insect entry points to make sure they are properly sealed. The goals of the IPM program at UCI are: 1. Protect human health and the surrounding environment by employing a range of preventative strategies and using least-toxic products for pest control and eradication. 2. Inspect and monitor pest populations and locations to enhance control strategies. 3. Minimize the quantity and toxicity of chemicals used for pest management. 4. Minimize environmental impacts by using species-specific pesticides and targeting application areas carefully. 5. Establish clear criteria for acceptable circumstances in which using a pesticide other than a least-toxic pesticide is necessary; toxic pesticides shall only be used when there is a threat to public health and safety, or to prevent economic or environmental damage, and only after other alternatives have been implemented and are shown to be ineffective. 6. Provide building occupants and visitors with advanced notice of IPM activities involving use of a pesticide other than a least-toxic pesticide.