Integrated Pest Control

The County's Integrated Pest Control (IPC) Program works to keep our communities safe and healthy by managing weeds and pests, by:

• Controlling weeds along County roads, airports, and public rights-of-ways.
• Removing certain invasive weeds from both County and non-County properties.
• Managing structural pest problems at County-owned buildings.*

*Note: We do not offer pest control services for private homes or businesses.

How IPC Controls Weeds

The IPC program uses computerized trucks and hand-held equipment to apply herbicides precisely where needed. Keeping weeds under control along roads and in flood control channels helps protect our communities and the public by improving visibility and making sure safety pull-off areas are easy to use, reducing the risk of fires, and keeping drainage clear to prevent flooding.

Integrated Pest Management

All IPC staff are certified pesticide applicators trained in the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which means we use the safest and least toxic way to deal with pests. We only use pesticides when necessary and target specific pests to reduce environmental impact.

IPC is dedicated to protecting the environment, wildlife, and public health across the region. We choose non-pesticide methods for pest control whenever possible, following County of San Diego Board Policy F-45.

Invasive Weeds

Invasive weeds are non-native plants that spread quickly and disrupt local ecosystems, crowding out native species and changing habitats. The IPC team works to find and remove these harmful plants to help protect San Diego's biodiversity and support healthy landscapes. We also work to educate the public on how to prevent the spread of invasive weeds and pests.

To learn more about invasive weeds, you can use these platforms to help identify and record your sightings:

• Calflora: A nonprofit database providing information on wild California plants
• iNaturalist: An online forum and community for naturalists

If you have been contacted by the County about an invasive weed on your property, please help us by completing a Right-of-Entry Authorization form. This will allow the County to work on your property.