Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM is a decision-making process for managing pests, which uses pest monitoring to determine if pest injury levels warrant treatment. If so, the treatment combines biological, cultural, mechanical, physical and/or chemical tools and other management practices to control pests in a safe, cost effective and environmentally sound manner that contributes to the protection of public health. This method uses extensive knowledge about pests, such as infestations, thresholds, life histories, environmental requirements and natural enemies to complement and facilitate biological and other natural control of pests. IPM involves the use of non-chemical pest control methods and the careful use of least-toxic chemical methods when non-chemical methods have been exhausted or are not feasible. When IPM is properly implemented, chemical controls are used only as a last resort. They are used as spot treatments and are chosen and timed to have the smallest negative impact on non-target organisms and the environment.
The Department of Agriculture is working to promote IPM principles in agriculture. We have established detection, management, and eradication programs for pests introduced into the County, and IPM principles are used to contain and control the spread of pests. We have established a Weed Management Area in the County where pest weeds are removed mechanically and beneficial control agents are released to suppress weed populations through natural biological control.
Schools IPM Program: We have been working to help schools implement IPM programs and to comply with the Healthy Schools Act of 2000. School IPM Program
Marin County IPM Program: You can learn more about Marin County’s IPM program and practices through the Marin County’s IPM Program Website, managed by Marin County Parks.
Related Agricultural Programs