Integrated Pest Management

Integrated Pest Management, also known as IPM, is an environmentally sound approach to pest control that was first developed in the 1970s. IPM is a strategy based on multiple control tactics to ensure that 1) pest populations are managed at acceptable levels, 2) risks to people, other non-target organisms, and the environment are minimized, and 3) pest control is practical and economical. (from the Entomological Society of America, December 2014).

In 2002, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors adopted an IPM Policy. Since that time, the County has worked to include IPM principles in all its pest management operations. Since 2000, County departments have reduced their overall pesticide use by 95% and their use of the most problematic pesticides by 92%. The departments have been documenting how they make pest management decisions and you can read those in the following Decision-Making Documents section.

Annual Reports

Annual IPM Report to the County Transportation, Water, and Infrastructure Committee.

• 2023 Annual Report (pending)
  • 2023 Work Plan 
• 2022 Annual Report
  • Departmental/Divisional IPM Plan Template
  • 2022 Pesticide Use Summary Comparison
  • 2022 Work Plan
• 2021 Annual Report
  • Pesticide Risk Footprint Tool
  • 2021 Pesticide Use Summary Comparison
  • 2021 Work Plan
• 2020 Annual Report
  • 2020 Pesticide Use Summary Comparison
• 2019 Annual Report
  • 2019 Pesticide Use Summary Comparison
• 2018 Annual Report
  • Appendix D - Request for Qualifications for Heavy Cleaning and Infestation Prep Services
  • 2018 Pesticide Use Summary Comparison
• 2017 Annual Report
  • 2017 Pesticide Use Summary Comparison
• 2016 Annual Report
  • 2016 Pesticide Use Summary Comparison
• 2015 Annual Report
  • 2015 Pesticide Use Summary Comparison
• 2014 Annual Report
  • 2014 Pesticide Use Summary Comparison
• 2013 Annual Report
  • 2013 Pesticide Use Summary Comparison
  • Noxious Weed Program - Treatment Summary 2013
• 2012 Annual Report
• 2011 Annual Report
• 2010 Annual Report
• 2009 Annual Report

Decision-Making Documents

General IPM

• General IPM Decision Tree
• General IPM Decision Tree Insert for Flood Control Facilities
• General IPM Decision Tree Checklist

Public Works-Airports

• Vegetation Management at County Airports

Agriculture Department

• Ground Squirrel Management on Critical Infrastructure
• Ground Squirrel Management Calendar
• Perennial Pepperweed
• Artichoke Thistle
• Purple Starthistle
• Japanese Knotweed

Public Works-Grounds and Special Districts

• Weed Management on Camino Tassajara Medians
• Gopher Management in Landscapes
• Rat Management at Livorna Park

Public Works-Facilities

• Commensal Rodent Management

Public Works-Maintenance Division

• Weed Management on Flood Control Channels
• Weed Management on Roadsides and Road Rights-of-Way
• Decision Tree for Goat Grazing

County Facilities

• Vegetation Management at Juvenile Hall
• Vegetation Management at West County Detention Facility
• Vegetation Management at Marsh Creek Detention Facility