UC Master Gardeners of Fresno County 

THE PROJECT:

The Integrated Pest Management (IPM) project is a pesticide user public education and awareness program. It is in partnership with the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District, UC Master Gardeners of Fresno County and the UC Statewide IPM Project. The ultimate goal of the IPM program is to protect the health and vitality of Fresno County's creeks and rivers by providing residents with information on healthy gardening practices and informed pest control methods.

GENERAL IPM:

Knowledge of general IPM practices can reduce the need for toxic chemical pesticide use. Integrated Pest Management uses environmentally sound, yet effective ways to keep pests from annoying you or damaging plants. IPM programs usually combine several pest control methods for long term prevention and management of pest problems without harming you, your family or the environment. It reduces pollution.

Successful IPM begins with correct identification of the pest. Only then can a selection of appropriate IPM methods and materials be made. Bring in a sample or your pest problems to the Master Gardener hotline desk to identify your pest, get a diagnosis and management plan.

KEY METHODS:

Some key methods in IPM programs include planting pest resistant or well adapted plant varieties like native plants, discouraging pests by the way you design, irrigate, fertilize and manage your garden, altering the garden or home environment to deprive the pests of food, water, shelter and other requirements they need to thrive, keeping pest of out the home and garden using barriers, screens, and caulking, squashing, trapping, washing off or pruning our pests, relying on good bugs in your garden to eat pests therefore eliminating the need for insecticides and reducing pesticide impacts. Refer to the Statewide IPM website for further information on Integrated Pest Management.

PRESENTATIONS ABOUT IPM:

To learn about  Safer Alternatives or some key methods of controlling home and garden pests invite a Master Gardener to your organizations meetings or events. They are available to make presentations to gardening groups, nurseries, organizations or anyone who has an interest in gardening and learning more about less toxic methods of controlling pests. The Master Gardener IPM project is a preventative measure to educate the public on how waterways in the Fresno area work, what impacts chemicals can have to them and create an increased awareness of sound cultural gardening practices. Your invitation to speak would be welcomed. Please call the UC Master Gardener office at 559-456-7563 to request a speaker.

STORM DRAIN VS SEWER SYSTEM:

Do you know how a storm drain works? How is it different from a sewer system?  For more information about the Fresno area waterways see the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District website.

HAZARDOUS WASTE - PESTICIDE CONTAINERS

When you purchase a pesticide you are accepting the responsibility to use, store and discard of it legally and correctly.  Used pesticide containers are hazardous waste and need to be disposed of correctly. Do you know what to do with a used container? The City of Fresno and County of Fresno Household Hazardous Waste divisions can be of help to you.

ACTIVE INGREDIENT:

What is an active ingredient?  An active ingredient is the chemical(s) in a product that are responsible for the pesticidal effect. What is on a pesticide label?  Labels contain information on product name, active ingredients, precautionary statements, application procedures, preventative measures, target pest and signal words, statement of practical treatment, hazards and storage and disposal directions.

FREE GUIDES:

If you would like a free set of 10 pest guide consumer cards mailed to you, contact the UC Master Gardener hotline at 456-7564 or email us at mgfresno@ucdavis.edu to request a set. To view or print the following items select one of the following items:  Ants   Aphids   Cockroaches   Fleas   Good Bugs   Lawn Insects   Safe Use of Pesticides   Spiders   Termites   Tree Borers

Home and garden pests information: UC Pest Notes: Ants  Aphids  Carpenter Ants  Cockroaches  Dry wood Termites  Fleas  Lawn Insects  Spiders  Termites