Integrated Pest Control

The Integrated Pest Control (IPC) Program, a division within the County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights & Measures, performs several functions, such as: 

  • Weed control along County roads, County airports, and right-of-ways.

  • Invasive and exotic weed eradication on County and non-County property. 

  • Structural pest control at County-owned facilities (We do not provide pest control services on private property).

County of San Diego Agriculture, Weights & Measures Integrated Pest Control Logo

IPC uses computerized chemical injection herbicide trucks that perform well in all of our weed control projects. Weed control along County roads and right-of-ways increases safety by preserving visibility and clearance, reducing fire danger along roadways and intersections, enhancing drainage to prevent flooding, and keeping safety pull-over areas visible and easy to use. 

All IPC staff are state-certified pesticide applicators and are extensively trained in the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles of finding and using the least toxic methods for all pest control needs.

IPC Practices

IPC is committed to supporting a resilient environment and wildlife and promoting human health in our region. We always prefer safe and effective non-pesticide alternatives for pest management on County property, which is also a County of San Diego Board Policy. IPC uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, which is a way to treat pests with minimal pesticides. We conduct surveys and only use pesticides after we see that they are needed and use them only to treat the specific pest.

Do you have any IPM practices that you want to share with the County? Email IPC.AWM@SDCounty.CA.gov

Contact Us

County of San Diego
Agriculture, Weights & Measures
Integrated Pest Control

Phone:   (858) 614-7750
Email:  IPC.AWM@SDCounty.CA.gov

Report an Invasive Weed

Report invasive plant species within the county by emailing us with pictures and information. Email file size must be no larger than 10MB. Please split files up into multiple emails if necessary.

Desert Knapweed: Volutaria Tubuliflora

Volutaria (Volutaria tubuliflora) is a highly invasive, noxious weed and A-rated pest by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA). 

  • A-rated pests: A pest of known economic or environmental detriment and is either not known to be established in California or is present in a limited distribution that allows for the possibility of eradication or successful containment.
  • Noxious weeds: Any species of plant that is, or is liable to be, troublesome, aggressive, intrusive, detrimental, or destructive to agriculture, silviculture, or important native species, and difficult to control or eradicate

There are three known populations in North America, two of which are Borrego Springs and Chula Vista. Since 2016, AWM has worked to mitigate the spread of Volutaria by controlling it on roadsides, public property, and some private property; eradication or control efforts on private property require Right-of-Entry Authorization permits. While the Chula Vista site is small and well-controlled, Volutaria continues to spread in Borrego Springs. 

The County of San Diego Department of Agriculture/Weights & Measures (AWM) has partnered with CDFA, California Invasive Plant Council, Department of National Parks, Borrego Springs Revitalization Committee, and several other agencies to aid in the eradication of this invasive weed. Currently, AWM’s priority is the development and systematic distribution of outreach to obtain Right-of-Entry Authorization permits from property owners with known infestations of Volutaria. The plant produces a moderate number of seeds that spread along roads, although large plants may produce thousands of seeds; eradication of this Noxious weed is unattainable unless we can locate and treat weeds prior to seeding and thus eliminate the seed bank.  

Desert Knapweed (Volutaria)
Desert Knapweed (Volutaria) Bloom

If you believe Volutaria tubuliflora is located on your property (see CalFlora map), please help eradicate this invasive weed by filling out the Right-of-Entry Authorization form and emailing it to IPC.AWM@SDCounty.CA.gov. 

CalFlora Map