UC IPM Program FAQs

We compiled a list of frequently asked questions below. If you are unable to find the information you are looking for, please contact ehs@ucop.edu for assistance.

Questions:

  1. What is the University of California (UC) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy?
  2. What are the primary goals of the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?
  3. Why did the UC implement an IPM Poilcy?
  4. Which areas are covered under the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?
  5. What pest management strategies are promoted under the Policy?
  6. How is the effectiveness and efficacy of pest management monitored and evaluated?
  7. Who is implementing the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?
  8. What should I do if I notice a pest problem at my location?
  9. How does the UC Presidential Policy on IPM address the use of chemical pesticides?
  10. Are there any exemptions to the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?
  11. What constitutes research use exemption under the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?
  12. Where can I find additional information or resources about the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?
  13. How often is the UC Presidential Policy on IPM reviewed and updated?
  14. How can I provide feedback or suggestions regarding the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?
  15. What are the requirements for properties in which the UC is the lessor or lessee?
  16. Are vendors/contractors that perform pest control for hire in a UC location required to follow the IPM Policy?
  17. Should contractors attend the UC Pesticide Employee Safety Training (PEST) Workshops?
  18. How should UC locations notify the UC community about pesticide applications?
  19. Who needs to be a certified/licensed applicator at UC?
  20. What is the difference between QAC/QAL and Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) licenses?
  21. Are PUA requests required for every individual application or every product?
  22. I have to apply two or three pesticides in one application. Do I have to submit one PUA per pesticide product?
  23. I have to report pesticide applications for multiple instances (i.e., different dates).  Do I have to submit one Pesticide Application Report (PAR) per pesticide application?
  24. What is the difference between PUR and PAR?
  25. What is an Operator ID Number (OIN)?
  26. When is an OIN needed?
  27. Does an OIN have to be obtained under the name of a person or organization?
  28. I don't apply restricted materials. Do I need an OIN?
  29. How often do we have to report pesticide applications once we obtain PUA approval?
  30. Is the prescribed veterinary care use of active ingredients covered by the policy?
  31. What are the guidelines on root control for sewer lines?

 

1. What is the University of California (UC) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Policy?

The University of California Presidential Policy on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a comprehensive framework designed to manage and mitigate pest issues across UC academic campuses, health systems and associated facilities using environmentally responsible pest management strategies. The Policy emphasizes reducing reliance on chemical pesticides and prioritizes the use of non-chemical strategies to minimize environmental impact, protect human health and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

2. What are the primary goals of the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?

The primary goals of the UC Presidential Policy on IPM are to:

  • Protect health and environment: safeguard the health of students, staff and visitors while minimizing environmental impact of pests
  • Promote sustainability: encourage practices that support long-term ecological balance
  • Minimize pesticide use: reduce dependence on chemical pesticides and seek safer alternatives
  • Ensure compliance: adhere to legal and regulatory requirements concerning pest management
3. Why did the UC implement an IPM Policy? 

The UC strives for transparency and believes in the implementation of safe and environmentally sound decision making for pest management activities. The implementation of a systemwide IPM Policy across all UC locations ensures that pest management activities are consistently performed under IPM principles that mitigate the hazards posed by pesticide use while recognizing that pesticides are necessary and useful tools in pest management programs. 

4. Which areas are covered under the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?

The Presidential Policy on IPM applies to all UC locations, including academic campuses, health systems, Agriculture & Natural Resources, Natural Reserve System, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and any other UC-owned or operated facilities, including arrangements where UC is either the lessor or lessee (with the exception of privately owned residences on UC property). These facilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Academic and administrative buildings
  • Residential facilities
  • Landscaped areas
  • Athletic fields
  • Agricultural fields and research stations
  • Medical centers and clinics
5. What pest management strategies are promoted under the Policy?

The UC Presidential Policy on IPM promotes a range of pest management strategies including:

  • Biological controls: using natural enemies (e.g., predators, parasites, pathogens and competitors) to manage pest populations and mitigate damage
  • Cultural practices: adjusting and implementing practices that reduce pest establishment, reproduction, dispersal and survival, such as irrigation, planting and soil management
  • Physical controls: using barriers, traps or manual removal to control pests
  • Mechanical controls: using machinery or equipment to eliminate pests
  • Chemical controls: applying pesticides only as a last resort, using the least toxic options available
6. How is the effectiveness and efficacy of pest management monitored and evaluated?

The effectiveness of pest management strategies is monitored through:

  • Regular inspections: conducting routine checks to assess pest populations and damage levels
  • Record keeping: maintaining detailed logs of pest occurrences, control measures implemented and their outcomes
  • Performance reviews: completing periodic assessments of pest management practices and their impact
  • Feedback mechanisms: requesting and reviewing input from stakeholders on pest management effectiveness and concerns

 7. Who is implementing the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?

Implementation responsibilities are shared among various stakeholders:

  • Each Chancellor and Health System Chief Executive Officer, the Vice President of Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Executive Director of the Natural Reserve System and the Director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory are responsible for the implementation of the IPM Policy at their respective locations. This includes forming an IPM Committee and appointing an IPM Coordinator.
  • The IPM Committee is responsible for developing, implementing and updating the local IPM Plan; reviewing and approving Pesticide Use Authorization (PUA) requests; submitting an annual summary of the local IPM efforts and accomplishments to the UC Systemwide Pesticide Oversight Committee (SPOC) and providing IPM Program updates at least annually to local stakeholders.
  • IPM Coordinators are appointed individuals who act as the primary point of contact for the local IPM Program; participate on the local IPM Committee; ensure local pest management practices are consistent with the IPM Policy and the local IPM Plan and review and approve PUA requests in pest emergency situations.
  • Pesticide Applicators/Handlers are responsible for completing training required by federal and state regulations and the IPM Policy; maintaining a Qualified Applicator License (QAL) or Qualified Applicator Certificate (QAC) if applicable; submitting PUA requests; applying pesticides only under an approved PUA and in a manner consistent with federal and state regulations, the IPM Policy and the local IPM Plan; and reporting actual pesticide usage through the PUA Platform.
  • UC Employees, Students and Visitors are responsible for reporting pest issues and following best practices as advised.
 8. What should I do if I notice a pest problem at my location?

If you notice a pest problem in your area, please report it through the appropriate channels:

  • Identification of Responsible Departments: Depending on your location, different departments may oversee pest management activities or coordinate with pest control contractors. At campuses and other academic buildings, Facilities Management is typically responsible for these tasks, while Environmental Services handles them in healthcare settings.
  • Contact IPM Coordinators: For information, advice, or to escalate the issue to the appropriate department, you can reach out to IPM Coordinators.
  • General Information and Advice: For general inquiries about IPM practices, you can contact the UC Center of Excellence on Integrated Pest Management by emailing [CoE email].
  • Additional Support: If you need further assistance, you can reach the SPOC by emailing ehs@ucop.edu.
  • A list of local contacts is currently being compiled and will be included in future updates of this FAQ document.
9. How does the UC Presidential Policy on IPM address the use of chemical pesticides?

The UC Presidential Policy on IPM mandates that chemical pesticides be used only as a last resort. When their use is necessary:

  • Selection: the least toxic and most environmentally friendly option must be selected, and a PUA Request must be submitted to receive IPM Committee approval to use the identified chemical  
  • Application: strict guidelines for application must be followed to minimize risk to human health and the environment
  • Notification: the local community must be informed in advance about all planned pesticide applications and potential impacts
  • Postings: appropriate pesticide application postings must be conspicuously posted around any area where pesticide applications are intended or have been made (e.g., entries to fields or buildings, along walkways, etc.)
  • Reporting: All pesticide applications at UC Locations must be recorded electronically through the PUA Platform by the pesticide handler, certified/licensed applicator, or assigned staff person
10. Are there any exemptions to the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?

The two exemptions under the Policy are research use of pesticides and the use of antimicrobials for hygienic purposes:

  1. Pesticide use qualifies as “research use” under the UC’s Presidential Policy on IPM exemption if it is integral to a scientific experiment, with clear objectives and data collection. The research does not need to focus exclusively on the pesticide itself. When this exemption applies, researchers are still encouraged to report their pesticide use through the Pesticide Use Authorization Platform. 

  2. The use of antimicrobials for hygienic purposes (e.g., disinfecting sprays or wipes, pool treatments, algaecide treatments for irrigation lines and drinking water treatments) or chemicals for the purpose of sterilizing medical products or equipment.
11. What constitutes research use exemption under the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?

Pesticide use qualifies as “research use” under the University of California’s Presidential Policy on IPM exemption if it is integral to a scientific experiment, with clear objectives and data collection. The research does not need to focus exclusively on the pesticide itself.

  1. Examples include: Using a pesticide as a standard of care or auxiliary tool, such as applying a pre-emergent herbicide to maintain conventional crop conditions in a study on yield or pest management strategies. Utilizing a rodenticide to minimize gopher damage in a research plot to ensure useful data collection from treatments and replications.

  2. Applying a pesticide in controlled settings (e.g. laboratories, growth chambers, greenhouses, or small field plots) to study its effectiveness and efficacy against pests, its environmental breakdown, or its effects on non-target organisms.

This exemption does not exempt pest management activities due to pest outbreaks in operational buildings (i.e., rodent infestation, insect pest infestation, etc). For example, pest outbreaks in residential, right-of-way, dining or storage buildings or any other operational site. 

Note that research use must comply with UC safety policies and California pesticide regulatory requirements, such as proper training for employees, notifications, hazard communication and, in some cases, permits (e.g., Experimental Use Permits for unregistered pesticides).  For further information, contact your local IPM Coordinator.

Reference: UC ANR Policy and Procedure Manual. Section 281, Policy on Pesticides & Related  Chemicals: Use & Experimentation

12. Where can I find additional information or resources about the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?

Additional information and resources can be accessed through:


13. How often is the UC Presidential Policy on IPM reviewed and updated?

The UC Presidential Policy on IPM is reviewed and updated (if necessary) at least every 5 years following the UC “Policy on Policies”. It will be revised more frequently if needed, such as to reflect changes in regulations or technology.  Updates are communicated to all relevant stakeholders and incorporated into training and operational procedures. Best practices and other supplementary resources will be updated and circulated by the UC SPOC on an ongoing basis.

14. How can I provide feedback or suggestions regarding the UC Presidential Policy on IPM?
  • The UC SPOC is responsible for maintaining the UC Presidential Policy on IPM. Comments or concerns about the Policy can be submitted directly to the UC SPOC by emailing ehs@ucop.edu.  
  • Implementation of the Policy is the responsibility of the local IPM Committees. Comments or concerns related to your location’s IPM Program can be submitted to your local IPM Committee following the process identified in your local IPM Plan. Feedback submitted to your local IPM Committee will be escalated to the UC SPOC if necessary.

All feedback will be thoroughly reviewed to determine the best resolution.  Not all submissions will be appropriate for incorporation into the Policy but may be addressed through revisions to best practices or other supplemental resources, such as this FAQ document.  

15. What are the requirements for properties in which the UC is the lessor or lessee? 

The UC Presidential Policy on IPM requires all locations to adhere to the policy. UCOP and Real State services and counsel are currently working on drafting guidance and language to include into agreements for future lease renewals. Clarification about how Policy requirements should be implemented in these situations is being developed in partnership with UC Real Estate Services and UC Legal.  This FAQ will be updated when more information is available.

16. Are vendors/contractors that perform pest control for hire in a UC location required to follow the IPM Policy?

Yes, vendors and contractors who provide pest control services in a UC location are required to adhere to the IPM Policy. Before a contractor can perform any pesticide application, they must submit a PUA request through the PUA Platform. This request must be approved by the local IPM committee. Once the pesticide application is completed, either the contractors or UC employee must report the pesticides used through the PUA Platform using the Pesticide Application Report. 

Pesticide usage reported by the contractor through the PUA Platform will not be submitted to the County Agricultural Commissioner. Contractors are still responsible for their own submissions to the County Agricultural Commissioner as required by California regulations.

Clarification about how Policy requirements should be addressed in service agreements is being developed in partnership with UC Systemwide Procurement and UC Legal. This FAQ document will be updated when more information is available.

17. Should contractors attend the UC Pesticide Employee Safety Training (PEST) Workshops?

Yes, it is highly recommended contractors and those managing the vendor relationships attend the PEST Workshops to become familiar with Policy requirements.

18. How should UC locations notify the UC community about pesticide applications?

Pesticide application notifications must adhere to the requirements outlined in the IPM policy. They must be issued in accordance with the IPM Policy, the local IPM Plan and all applicable state and federal laws. 

The IPM Committee is responsible for outlining the notification process for the facilities and areas covered under the IPM Plan. Suggestions include: 

  • A location-specific website that details the planned pesticide application and information on the chemical that is going to be applied; or 
  • Email distribution lists for which individuals can sign up to receive  notifications of pesticide applications nearby
19. Who needs to be a certified/licensed applicator at UC? 

The local IPM Committees must include at least one certified/licensed applicator whether they are QAC or QAL. An individual with a Pest Control Advisor (PCA) License also meets this requirement. In addition, UC employees who use yellow- or red-tier pesticides are required either to have a QAC or  QAL or have these activities supervised by a UC employee who has a QAL or QAC.  In the case of yellow-tier pesticides, the certified/licensed applicator must have direct contact with the handler (e.g., radio or cell phone communication). For the red-tier pesticides, the certified/licensed applicator must have direct visual contact with the handler. 

20. What is the difference between QAC/QAL and Structural Pest Control Board (SPCB) licenses?

The QAC and the QAL are both issued by the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). These credentials are required for applicators who apply restricted materials, including businesses that sell, apply and use pest control products.

The QAC is granted to individuals who handle and/or supervise the application of restricted materials, including restricted-use pesticides, in California.

The QAL is needed when an individual supervises pesticide applications performed by a licensed pest control business and is responsible for ensuring the safe and legal operation of that business.

On the other hand, the SPCB is the agency responsible for issuing structural pest control licenses. These licenses are for companies that provide pest control services "for hire" in residential and commercial buildings to manage structural pests, such as termites and rodents, that can damage them.

21. Are PUA requests required for every individual application or every product? 

A PUA is required for every product and not for every single application or Active Ingredient (AI). However, separate PUAs are required for every product and for each general scenario in which that product will be used. Once a PUA is approved, it covers all individual applications of the product being used as described in the request within an identified time period (not exceeding one year).The PUA software enables you to copy requested applications, so you don’t have to create multiple requests from scratch but rather you are able to copy an existing PUA. You can simply modify the product name and any other specific details related to that product. 

For example, a PUA request to apply RoundUp ProMax must be submitted for each functional area where it will be applied, such as one PUA request for athletic fields and another for maintenance gardening in specific areas of the campus.

22. I have to apply two or three pesticides in one application. Do I have to submit one PUA per pesticide product?

Yes, you can apply multiple pesticides at once, but a separate PUA for each product must be submitted and approved. To save time, copy an existing PUA in the system and update the product name.

23. I have to report pesticide applications for multiple instances (i.e., different dates).  Do I have to submit one Pesticide Application Report (PAR) per pesticide application?

Yes, you must submit individualized PAR(s). However, the PUA Platform allows for existing PARs to be copied and updated with the specific details such as date and location. 

24. What is the difference between PUR and PAR?

Pesticide Use Reporting (PUR) is the DPR database that tracks pesticide usage throughout the state of California.

PAR refers to the internal reporting used by UC in the PUA Platform.

Data reported in the PUA Platform via PARs is automatically forwarded to the Cal Ag database which is the database used for PURs at the state level. 

25. What is an Operator ID Number (OIN)?

An OIN is a unique identifier issued by your local County Agricultural Commissioner. It identifies property operators who purchase restricted materials for agricultural and non-agricultural settings, as well as groundwater protection materials and pesticides used in agricultural and non-agricultural operations.

26. When is an OIN needed?

An OIN is required in the following situations:

  1. For all agricultural pesticide applications
  2. When pesticides are applied in non-production agricultural settings, such as cemeteries, golf courses, parks, ditch banks and rights-of-way, etc
  3. When any restricted materials from the California Restricted Materials List are applied or purchased
 27. Does an OIN have to be obtained under the name of a person or organization?

An OIN can be assigned to an organization (e.g."Plant Sciences, UCD", “Athletics, UCLA”). However, there has to be a person who signs up with their name.

28. I don't apply restricted materials. Do I need an OIN?

Yes. While you may not be applying restricted materials or materials on the groundwater protection list, you will be required to do all reporting for internal and state requirements. California has one of the most comprehensive pesticide use reporting databases in the country, and the UC reporting will contribute to elucidate pesticide use in landscape, agricultural, institutional and structural areas across the state.  

The only exemption for state reporting are 25b products, however they will be reported internally using PAR(s) in the PUA Platform for UC purposes. 

29. How often do we have to report pesticide applications once we obtain PUA approval?

Reporting is required after every pesticide application for UC employees. However, the reporting can be aggregated. For instance, if an applicator uses 10, 20, or any number of gel bait products (e.g., those containing active ingredients such as Indoxacarb or Fipronil) in the same location, the total amount of bait used can be combined and reported as one PAR for that specific date.

In contrast, the reporting requirements for Contractors differ slightly. Contractor reporting is for internal purposes. Contractors must provide reports at the UC level, and the reporting process will follow the guidelines established in the agreement between both parties.

30. Is the prescribed veterinary care use of active ingredients covered by the policy? 

Veterinary use of active ingredients such as flea medicine or any other treatment on the animal or its immediate environment is not considered a pesticide application but “patient care”. 

31. What are the guidelines on root control for sewer lines?

Root growth inhibitors are plant growth regulators, which are pesticides per federal and state definitions. The use of root growth inhibitors will fall under the requirements of the IPM Policy, and the use of these chemicals will require an approved PUA.