Sharing science-based solutions for your pest problems

Aerial view of rows of an agricultural crop with a tractor driving over one of the rows of plants with its wheels positioned in the crop inter-rows. Credit: Tomas Anunziata, Public Domain

Agriculture

Two-storied townhouses painted brown, red, and blue. Sacramento County, CA Credit: Elaine J. Lander, UC IPM

Home and Landscape

horses grazing on green hill with oaks Sonoma County, Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM

Natural Areas

Tractor-mounted spray rig applying pesticide to strawberries.

Pesticide Safety

What is IPM?

IPM is an ecosystem-based strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests or their damage through a combination of techniques such as biological control, habitat manipulation, modification of cultural practices, and use of resistant varieties. Pesticides are used only after monitoring indicates they are needed according to established guidelines, and treatments are made with the goal of removing only the target organism. Pest control materials are selected and applied in a manner that minimizes risks to human health, beneficial and nontarget organisms, and the environment.

UC IPM's Mission

Davis, Yolo County Credit: Cheryl A. Reynolds

Develop science-based pest management programs that are economically and environmentally sustainable, and socially appropriate

Young child holding a bunch of leafy greens.

Protect human health and the environment by reducing risks caused by pests and pest management practices

Provide leadership in IPM including building coalitions and partnerships that link with communities and public agencies

Andrew Sutherland with pest control monitoring form and indoor sticky trap.; UC ANR building Davis, CA Credit: Cheryl A. Reynolds

Increase the predictability and effectiveness of pest management techniques

Increase utilization of ecologically based integrated pest management programs

UC IPM Impact

In 2016, the eradication of European grapevine moth was announced in California. Grape growers, UC ANR, county agricultural commissioners, and state & federal regulators used IPM practices.

The UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines were first available by computer in 1987 via the IMPACT network. Now the Pest Management Guidelines get about 2 million online pageviews each year!

Interceptor monitor placed under leg of furniture.

Bed bug IPM (monitoring, treatment methods & education) resulted in greater multi-occupancy unit resident satisfaction than traditional pesticide treatment programs.

Two rows of alyssum planted next to several rows of lettuce. Copyright information is at the bottom (UC Statewide IPM Program Copyright 2018 Regents, University of California).

Lettuce growers in the Salinas Valley are intercropping with Alyssum to support insects that feed on aphids and other pests.

he cover of a training manual titled The Safe and Effective Use of Pesticides, Third Edition, UC Statewide Pest Management Program, Publication 3324; Pesticide Application Compendium one. By design, there is a large photograph at the top and bottom. Top photo shows red flagging tape tied to tree branch and blowing in the wind in orchard. Bottom photo shows partial tractor carrying spray tank with agricultural field in the background. Credit: Cheryl A. Reynolds (top); Shannah Markow Whithaus (bottom)

First published in 1988 Safe & Effective Use of Pesticides helps pesticide applicators protect themselves & their communities when managing pests with pesticides.