University of Montana
OP-9: Integrated Pest Management

The UM Facilities Service’s action thresholds are based upon the University’s expectation on visually appealing, clean cut campus grounds. Pest control action is only taken if the aesthetic appearance of the campus grounds is compromised. Grounds maintenance employees are expected to maintain awareness in order to monitor and identify pest threats such as pine beetles, invasive plants, etc. This allows for maintenance to remove potential pest problems before they happen or spread. As further preventative measures, Facilities Services uses natural and cultural controls, works to maintain plant health, and uses primarily pest-resistant pant varieties. In order to avoid the use of chemical pesticides Facilities Services first works to mechanically remove weeds and problem plants that attract or host pests. Pre-emergent pesticides are used along with spot spraying only when completely necessary.