Berkeley, CA Pest Management Policy

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Berkeley, CA, US

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Type: Policy

Status: In effect

Source File: http://www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/ContentDisplay.aspx?id=11062

Description:

This pest management policy shall apply to all pest control and pesticide use within Berkeley City, by the City. Berkeley seeks to implement effective and appropriate pest management programs throughout the community, which minimize and/or eliminates the use of pesticides. City contractors, community agencies receiving funding from the City, and all persons are encouraged to voluntarily follow the City's Pesticide Management Policy when engaged in pest control and pesticide use within the City.

Definitions:

Pest - Any organism which adversely interfere with aesthetic, health, or economic goals of humans.
Pesticide - Any substance or mixture of substances which is used to kill, repel, suppress, or mitigate any pest. Pesticides shall be assumed to be hazardous. Reasonably available non-pesticide alternatives should be used preferentially.


For all pest problems the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) scheme outlined below should be followed with non-chemical management tactics used first:

1. Design and construct indoor and outdoor areas to reduce and eliminate pest habitats.
2. Modify management practices including watering, waste management, and food storage.
3. Modify pest ecosystem to reduce food and living space.
4. Use physical controls such as hand weeding, traps, and barriers.
5. Use biological controls--introducing or enhancing pest natural enemies.
6. The use of chemicals shall be considered as a last resort and selected and used by a licensed Pest Control Operator in accordance with pesticide selection criteria as stated below.

The hazard (risk of harm) associated with a pesticide use is primarily a function of the chemical's intrinsic toxicity and the extent and frequency of its use. Except for the control of a pest which threatens the public health or where hazard and exposure to people, wildlife or the environment is expected to be minimal, any pesticide determined to have evidence of causation of cancer, birth defects, mutations, or other severe chronic health effects is banned from use.

Ongoing education to acquaint city employees and the public with the IPM approach will be provided by trained staff.

At least three days prior to a proposed application of a pesticide, a notice shall be posted on City property. The notice shall be conspicuously posted in one or more regular locations at the site of the application. It shall be 8 1/2" by 11" and specify the pest, manner of application, proposed date of application, the time, and location. It shall contain the brand and common name of the pesticide and list the acute effects. The notice shall remain posted for three days after the application.