Pesticide Usage

University Pesticide Policy

The University of Northern Iowa recognizes the benefit and strategic advantage that is attained through the development and maintenance of high-quality campus environments at the University.

The landscape emphasis will be placed on cultural, mechanical, and biological controls that promote plant health and vigor with minimal reliance on the use of herbicides and fertilizers.

In buildings, the emphasis will be placed on State Health and Safety Codes affecting sanitation and management practices (integrated pest management) to reduce harborage for pests and minimize the use of pesticides (insecticides*).

Herbicides, pesticides (insecticides*), and fertilizers used shall be those judged to be the least harmful, based on available information. Applications shall be scheduled only when needed, and targeted so as to maximize their effectiveness with minimal potential negative environmental effects. They shall be stored, mixed, and applied in accordance with recognized safety guidelines.

*term added for clarification

The Cabinet

April, 1993

Usage Notification

All turf areas treated with herbicides will be marked prior to and for 24 hours following any pesticide treatment in compliance with the Iowa Groundwater act of 1987. In addition those persons whose name has been placed on the University Notification Registry for current year shall receive periodic notices outlining the general schedule for herbicide applications on campus.

Spot application of selective, post emergence herbicides for control of broadleaf weeds in turf will begin annually on the Monday following spring commencement ceremonies. The initial treatment will be completed within two (2) weeks. Periodic spot spraying of selective, post emergence herbicides for control of broadleaf weeds in turf will occur until August 23rd at which time the use of this chemical will cease for the season.

Application of non-selective herbicides to vegetation in pavement cracks, as an edging tool and in mulch/shrub beds will continue periodically on a spot spray basis through out the year until fall frost. Use of pre-emergent weed control will be utilized in planting beds (not turf) throughout the month of May.

Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) are available for all chemicals used. If you would like a copy of a label and/or an MSDS please contact the UNI Physical Plant at 273-4400.

We will make an ongoing effort to provide supplemental information to members of the registry to keep them apprised of planned activities. Due to the special weather conditions that are a prerequisite to safe application practices, it is not practical to identify specific days on which particular areas will be sprayed. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles by design eliminate massive treatment measures in favor of small and targeted treatment at times when treatment would be most effective.