IPM_Procedural_Guidelines.pdf

The document is the Sarasota County Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Procedural Guidelines, effective June 22, 2015, developed by Sarasota County Government's Health & Human Services Department. These guidelines establish a comprehensive framework for pest management across county departments and contractor operations, focusing on sustainable, environmentally responsible pest control methods that minimize health and environmental risks. The IPM approach emphasizes a holistic strategy that combines multiple techniques to suppress pest populations, prioritizing least-toxic methods and biological controls while maintaining acceptable pest levels.

The guidelines outline specific protocols for pest management, including detailed requirements for identifying pest problems, monitoring, analysis, control options selection, and evaluation. The document provides an approved list of pesticides for various applications, including insect repellents, mosquito management, building pest control, landscaping, and aquatic weed management. Key restrictions include prohibiting certain organochlorine and organophosphate insecticides, and requiring county personnel and contractors to use only products from the approved list. The guidelines also mandate staff training, proper pesticide application techniques, record-keeping, and annual program evaluations to ensure compliance and effectiveness of the integrated pest management approach.