Integrated Pest Management

District operations are based on a concept that utilizes several different approaches to vector control. The concept is referred to as Integrated Pest Management, or IPM. The District’s definition of IPM is “a sustainable approach, or plan, to managing public health pests and vectors, by combining, biological, chemical, legal, natural and physical control tactics in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks.” IPM can also be considered as a systematic approach to public health pest management, which combines a variety of surveillance and control practices. With regards to implementing a plan to control vectors, IPM can be defined as socially acceptable, environmentally responsible and economically practical protection of the public’s health and well being. In the spirit of IPM, Integrated Mosquito Management (IMM), is a process that is directly related to the specific control of mosquitoes.

Since the need for mosquito control was recognized in the early twentieth century, increased knowledge of mosquito biology has driven the formulation of a variety of methodologies designed to successfully reduce both mosquito nuisance levels and mosquito-borne disease transmission. As the technologies and knowledge base from which these methodologies were derived have matured, they have been increasingly seen as mostly complimentary or synergistic in nature, providing optimal control as part of an overall strategy. IMM has been developed to encourage a balanced usage of cultural and insecticidal methodologies and habitat manipulations in order to minimize adverse environmental impacts. IMM is knowledge-based and surveillance-driven, and when properly practiced is specifically designed to accomplish the following:

  1. Protect human, animal and environmental health.
  2. Promote a rational use of pesticides.
  3. Reduce environmental contamination to soil, ground water, surface water, pollinators, wildlife and endangered species.
  4. Utilize natural biological controls to conserve and augment other control methods.
  5. Use target specific pesticides to the extent possible.
  6. Emphasize the proper timing of applications.
  7. Minimize pesticide resistance problems.

Mosquito Control

Integrated Pest Management Plan For Certain Vectors In San Joaquin County CA, 2008

CDC Integrated Pest Management


West Nile Virus and
Dead Bird Hotline

(877) 968-BIRD (2473)

or online at westnile.ca.gov


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