Integrated Pest Management

Since launching the IPM program in 1997, the Grounds Services department at Stanford has been dedicated to using an integrated pest management approach to provide suppression and long-term control of pests on campus, with the least amount of impact to the environment, non-target organisms and human health.

What Does “Integrated Pest Management” Mean for Stanford?

By taking an IPM approach, the Grounds Services department will attempt to use the most environmentally sound methods for controlling pests that negatively impact the health of plant life on campus. Every attempt will be made to find the most innovative and least toxic way of controlling pests, using chemicals only as a last resort.

Goals of the IPM Program at Stanford

Reduce pesticide use, and associated exposure risks, at Stanford.
Reduce the cost of pest control on campus.
Minimize harm to the environment.
Improve long-term plant protection.
Train and educate staff members about the Grounds IPM program.

Examples of Alternative Pest Control Methods

Using water pressure to remove cocoons.
Improving plant health.
Releasing beneficial insects.
Encouraging naturally occurring Beneficial's by avoiding the use of pesticides.
Regular monitoring of pests and beneficial insects.
Using the smallest amount of the least toxic pesticides available, when chemical control is absolutely necessary.

What Is IPM Monitoring?

Monitoring for pest and beneficial insects on Stanford plants is one of the main approaches used by the Grounds department as part of our Integrated Pest Management program. If you have seen one of our horticultural technicians taking plant samples or peering at leaves with a hand lens around campus, you may have caught us in the act!

The Grounds department’s IPM program currently monitors for the following insect pests, and the naturally occurring beneficial insects that help to control them.

Pests and Beneficial's

Tussock moths.
Thrips.
California oakworms.
Fruit-tree leaf rollers.
Aphids.
Adelgids.
Lacebugs.
Elm leaf beetles.
Scale.
Red gum lerp psyllids.
Eucalyptus longhorn borer.