UC IPM Kiosk

What are the UC IPM kiosks?

The UC IPM kiosks are portable- touch-screen computers that contain pest management

information in English and Spanish for over 65 common home and garden pests. Kiosks provide brief information with photos to aid users in pest identification. Users can print out information they find helpful using the thermal (inkless) printer attached to the unit.

Kiosks are available statewide for UC programs to borrow for local UC-sponsored events or for placement in retail stores, libraries, etc. UC affiliates (MGs, UCCE staff, advisors, etc.)

Pest information can be searched by category or by using a diagnostic tool that searches by symptom. Topics include:

Insects and mites
Plant Diseases
Rodents and other animals
Weeds
Good bugs
Use and storage of pesticides
Proper watering and fertilzing
Pest management tools

How Can I Reserve a Kiosk?

Reserve a kiosk at least 2 months before your planned use. The kiosk reservation calendar fills up quickly between March and September.
Determine a location in your county, such as a nursery or garden center, library, or specific Master Gardener event. The kiosks require electricity to run and are best viewed indoors or in areas with ample shade.
Assign someone to be responsible for the kiosk (including transport, communication with UC IPM, communication with placement site contact).
Determine the dates you would like the kiosk. For garden centers, libraries, etc., placement of at least a month is recommended. We encourage you to use the kiosk for multiple back-to-back events or locations. For example, if you plan to use a kiosk for a week at your county fair in July, see if a local retail nursery or library would like use it for a month either before or after the fair.
Submit the Kiosk Use Request online form. We will get back to you within 5 business days to discuss the details of your request.
Arrange to return the kiosk.

Regionally shared kiosks are available for Central Valley, Central Coast, and Imperial Valley counties. Contact the county directly to reserve.

Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial: Contact Dona Jenkins
San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura: Contact Maria Murrietta
Fresno and surrounding counties: Contact Anne Van Galder
Yolo, Solano, Sacramento: Contact Anne Schellman

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the dimensions and how much does the kiosk weigh?

The unit measures about 2 x 2 x 2 ft (including the printer) and is designed to be a tabletop display. It is roughly the size of a desktop computer.
Weight is approximately 30 pounds without the carrying case.
The kiosk and its components are transported in a very large plastic bin that fits in the back seat of most standard size vehicles, or the back of trucks and SUVs.

What is needed to run and display the kiosk?

Electricity is needed. We provide a 4-outlet, 50-ft extension cord and printer paper
The user needs to provide a table or other suitable platform to display the kiosk.

Who can borrow a kiosk? How do we get one? Who is responsible for transporting it?

UCCE county offices and UC Master Gardeners can borrow a kiosk for events, fairs, shows, or for placement in local retail business, libraries, museums, etc.
See "Borrowing a kiosk " above to request one for your county.
After a reservation is made, the county requesting to use the kiosk is responsible for transporting it to and from its current location.
If a non-UC entity wants to use a kiosk, the local UCCE staff or MG volunteers still need to deliver and pick up the kiosk for liability reasons.

Does the kiosk need to be staffed at all times by a Master Gardener?

No. The kiosk was designed to be a stand-alone resource to help answer questions when no one is around.
The kiosk is a great tool to supplement MG outreach activities. MG programs often use the kiosk and its photos and content to help diagnose pest problems or to verify a pest.

Do you gather any data from the kiosk?

Yes. The kiosk records user statistics such as number of times each pest screen was viewed, print-outs, zip codes of users, surveys entered, etc. We download use reports at the end of a placement period or event and will send the user a summary report upon request. Contact Karey if you would like a report following your kiosk use.

What else should I consider when determining a location for the kiosk?

The kiosk must be placed in locations where it will not get wet and where it can be locked up at night.
Indoor or shady locations are best; glare from direct sunlight makes viewing the screen difficult to impossible.
To ensure maximum use, place the kiosk in high-traffic locations where the public can see it and are free to walk up and use it.
When using the kiosk at MG-sponsored events or at retail stores, make sure all volunteers and store employees are familiar with how the kiosk works .The more comfortable users are with the kiosk, the more likely they will use it, making your effort to borrow and transport the kiosk worthwhile.

Can we purchase our own kiosk and how much does one cost?

Kiosks are currently not available for purchase.
If you are interested in more details about the creation of the IPM kiosks, please contact Karey Windbiel-Rojas or Scott Parker.

The kiosks were created in collaboration with the Healthy Garden/Healthy Home Project, San Diego UC Cooperative Extension, UC Statewide IPM Program, California State Water Resource Control Board, and the California Department of Pesticide Regulation.