Integrated Pest Management
The Facilities Management Outdoor Services Grounds Group follows an Integrated Pest Management strategy.
What is Integrated Pest Management (IPM)?
According to the EPA, “In technical terms, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the coordinated use of pest and environmental information with available pest control methods to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.”
The IPM strategy employs five common sense approaches to manage pests effectively.
Five IPM Approaches
Identification
Properly identifying pests helps determine appropriate management methods and reduces unnecessary treatment applications.
Monitor & Assessment
Regular monitoring and evaluation help identify pest activity early and support informed management decisions.
Thresholds for Action
Action thresholds help determine when pest populations require management intervention.
Prevention
Preventive practices reduce conditions that allow pests to establish, spread, or cause damage.
Control
When necessary, management strategies are selected to minimize risks to people, property, and the environment.
IPM in CSU Landscape Programs
In CSU’s landscape programs, the term “pest” includes animals, insects, and weeds. Grounds manages damaging insects and a variety of weeds. The State of Colorado Department of Agriculture requires the control of noxious weeds.
CSU practices safe application according to EPA standards. The Outdoor Services Grounds Group considers reasonable non-pesticide alternatives over chemical controls by following IPM procedures.
IPM Procedures
The Facilities Management Outdoor Services Grounds Group manages pest control through the following Integrated Pest Management procedures.
Prevention
Prevention is the most effective pest management strategy. By reducing the landscape’s capacity to support target weed or pest populations through design and appropriate management, opportunities for pest establishment can be reduced or eliminated.
Cultural
Cultural control uses management activities that prevent weeds and pests from developing through the enhancement of desired landscape conditions.
Mechanical
Mechanical control uses physical methods or equipment to control weeds and pests. One of the most common landscape management practices is mowing.
Biological
Biological controls include maintaining healthy turf landscapes, proper plant selection and diversity, and supporting naturally occurring populations that target pests.
Chemical
Reasonable non-pesticide alternatives are considered in management practices. Pesticides are used only in combination with other approaches for more effective long-term control and are selected and applied to minimize harm to people, non-target organisms, and the environment.
Additional IPM Information
Learn more about CSU’s Integrated Pest Management program and procedures through the IPM manual below.