Arizona State University
OP-9: Integrated Pest Management

The Arizona State University Tempe campus operates with an IPM management plan. Insecticides are very rarely used outside, when they are it is for termites. Pests are monitored and controlled through cultural methods. Susceptible plants or varieties are avoided in favor of resistant ones. Weeds are manually removed but pre-emergent’s are put down where and when appropriate before light rain to push them into the soil profile. Weeds in turf are primarily controlled with mowing and keeping the turf healthy with compost, compost teas, and fish emulsions. There is occasional spot treating for nut grass and clover.

The West campus routinely checks all turf, plant material and trees for pest. No pesticides are used on playing fields. Weeds are mechanically removed. Insects found on plant material are first removed with a water hose. If a insecticide is needed only organic based insecticides containing Bt, pyrethrums or diatomaceous earth are used. Weed control in granite and undeveloped areas are maintained only with "Caution" labeled pesticides.

The Polytechic campus action threshold is determined to only handle pest oriented situation if there is a perceived threat to human health or safety. Otherwise, wildlife is left alone. Through empirical data (observation) several species of “pests” have been identified on the Polytechnic campus that include Bees, skunks, roaches, coyotes, aphids, rattle snakes and feral cats. Any perceivable small mammal habitat is discouraged through grounds maintanence efforts of restricting access. Proper and continuous housekeeping protocol minimizes or completely reduces the need on interior spaces of the campus.

Arizona State University has an organization that deals specifically with the feral cat population through a “Trap, Neuter and Release” program. (Friends of Feral AZ) If and only if an animal is determined to be a legitimate health or safety hazard then it is dealt with in one of two ways; trap and release in the case of all mammals and occasionally bee swarms, and in the case of most other insects lethal means are used by way of calling in a pest management professional.

Insecticides are rarely used as part of the IPM management plan for the Downtown Phoenix Campus. If a pest is discovered we will do our best to remove them using a water hose. If need be only an organic based insecticide is used. Weeds are manually removed but pre-emergent’s are used in the granite areas and applied once a year at the end of summer/beginning of fall. We do treat for nut grass and clover on the Post Office lawn which is part of the Downtown Phoenix Campus.