- Author: Cheryl A. Wilen
- Editor: Tammy Majcherek
The state law is clear. The City of Irvine's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy does not affect the use of pesticides on a private property, including home owners associations (HOA). Only properties managed by the City a covered by this policy. Some HOAs have voluntarily agreed to follow the same IPM plan as the City and some have even taken it a step further by stipulating that the HOA will not use any synthetic pesticides (including herbicides) or fertilizer on HOA managed property.
All pesticides, even those advertised as being organic, are toxic at a high enough concentration and exposure. Before using a pesticide, check to see if there is another way you can control the problem. For weeds, consider using a trimmer for edging, overseeding a lawn, hand-pulling, and using mulch in landscape beds. For insects and plant diseases, trimming off stems, washing off plants, changing the e method and amount of irrigation can reduce the impact of those problems.
For help in managing pests in and around your home, see the UC IPM web site about home and garden pests or contact the UCCE Master Gardeners Orange County .