Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an ecosystem-based approach to controlling insects, weeds, rodents and other “pests” by focusing on pest prevention and alternatives to pesticides. The Presidio Trust IPM and Compost and Regeneration programs work together to improve the health of Presidio landscapes and reduce reliance on chemical additives. This protects people, wildlife, and natural resources.

IPM Guidelines for Landscapes and Buildings

The Presidio Trust has prepared IPM Guidelines for landscapes and buildings that address how IPM practices are used throughout the entire Presidio.

Since 2001, more than half of pest control “work orders” (for example, requests from residents or employees to address insects in buildings) were handled successfully using non-chemical methods. The remaining pest control work orders are addressed using low-risk pesticides which have been evaluated for potential health and environmental impacts, and determined to be appropriate for use in the Presidio. We do not use pesticides that are known to cause cancer or reproductive disorders in people. We do not use pesticides that are highly toxic to mammals or birds or that have been known to contaminate groundwater.

For example, to make sure we do not harm pets or birds of prey in the Presidio, we do not use any poisons to control rodents. If we were to use poisons, they could end up in the food-chain and kill a hawk or an owl. Instead, we take measures to keep rodents out of buildings or landscapes. When rodents do need to be controlled, we use traps instead of poisons.

We also provide education and outreach, and have been involved in co-hosting several IPM conferences, including the 2007 Urban IPM Conference in partnership with the San Francisco Department of the Environment. This gives us a chance to showcase our work and learn from the work of others.

IPM at Presidio Golf Course

The Presidio Trust supports the Arnold Palmer Golf Management Company in using non-chemical pest control techniques at Presidio Golf Course, which is enjoyed by thousands of golfers each year.

A research trial resulted in a new practice of using “compost tea,” a solution made by soaking compost in water to extract and increase the beneficial organisms present in the compost. The compost tea is sprayed onto golf course greens and landscapes in place of chemical pesticides to suppress turf disease and promote turf health.

Since 2000, the course has reduced overall pesticide use by approximately 50%, and currently uses approximately 75% less pesticide than private Bay Area golf courses. The course was honored with an Environmental Leaders in Golf Award in 2001, and in 2003 received certification from Audubon International as a partner in the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.

The Presidio Trust Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Coordinator has published results of the Presidio Golf Course Compost Tea Trial.