The
County of Santa Barbara adopted an Integrated Pest Management strategy
in April 2000 to protect public health and the environment. To view
a copy of the strategy, click
here.
Are
you experiencing a pest problem in your workplace? Report it to
the General Services Department at 681-4703 and follow these steps
to ensure that pests are not attracted to your area:
- Don't
keep open, unsealed foods in desks or equipment. Use only tightly
sealed containers that are rodent resistant.
- Clean
up spills and crumbs after eating at your desk or in break rooms.
- Ensure
that food and wrappers disposed of in your office trash are emptied
nightly.
- Empty
liquids down sink drains before disposing of cups.
- Avoid
over-watering plants. Pooled water in plants provides a source
of water for pests.
- Do
not keep plants that produce seeds or fruit.
- When
you recycle, rinse all cans and bottles and shake out excess water
prior to placing them in designated receptacles.
- Keep
your work area neat and organized.
Never
use or bring pesticides to the workplace or attempt to treat pests
or use pesticides yourself!
The Parks department has achieved reduced herbicide use through
the increased use of wood chips and mechanical methods of weed control
such as mowing and weed whipping.
As a pilot project and part of the department's ongoing Integrated
Pest Management strategy (with funding assistance from the Water
Agency), Parks has purchased an Aquacide unit that kills weeds with
hot water. This unit has been used in several County Park open spaces,
and there are plans to use it at some re-vegetation sites in creek
areas as well. Although this is an effective unit, it takes a lot
of time to use due to the slowness of the application process. County
Parks is currently tracking Aquacide's use versus traditional weed
maintenance methods.
University Circle
Median
Before Aquacide application ................................
After Aquacide application
County Parks also operates pilot projects using "green"
or organic methods at four open spaces: Stow Canyon, Emerald Terrace,
Queen Ann, and Vineyard. Chemical weed control and fertilizers are
not used in these areas. Time and material costs are tracked to
develop comparison costs vs. standard maintenance practices. Elsewhere
in County Parks operations, the least toxic method of pest control
available that will work within the scope of the Park Department's
mission to protect our public landscape and open space resources
is being used.
Public Works is working within both the Transportation Division
and the Water Resources Division to reduce pesticide use associated
with Public Works activities.
Transportation Division staff are working with other Green Team
representatives to investigate the use of pesticides in County field
operations. This effort focuses on ensuring that County agencies
are utilizing the best management practices concerning application
of pesticides. For more information about the Transportation Division
check out their Web site at www.countyofsb.org/pwd/roads/.
Flood Control staff are working with other Green Team Representatives
to investigate the use of pesticides in County field operations.
This effort focuses on ensuring that County agencies are utilizing
the best management practices concerning pesticides. For more information
about Flood Control activities, check out their website at www.countyofsb.org/pwd/water/.
The Agricultural Commissioner's Office works with other departments
to assist them in creating an Integrated Pest Management plan for
County facilities. The department can provide information regarding
alternatives to traditional chemical pesticides to help reduce risks
to the health of County employees and the environment.
The Agricultural Commissioner's Office is also serving on the Green
Team's Pesticide sub-committee. The sub-committee includes representatives
from departments with responsibilities that may include pest management
on County and public property. The group's goal is to identify current
pest control practices and consider feasible options for improving
those practices where a potential for risk reduction may exist.
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