Guidance on the management of pesticides in local government pest control programs

Local government authorities (LGA) in metropolitan and regional Western Australia are responsible for controlling pests within their jurisdiction. Many consider the use of pesticides to be the most efficient and cost-effective option. Those LGA's that use pesticides face several challenges including the: 

• Potential for pesticides to harm peoples health
• Potential for pesticides to contaminate the environment
• Public acceptance of pest control with pesticides
• Communication of risks to the public
• High cost of implementing alternative efficient pest control methods.

The Guidance on the management of pesticides in local government pest control programs (PDF 547) is written for local government officers that are responsible for managing pests in their jurisdiction and aims to guide the development of pest control programs that incorporate a pesticide management policy (using integrated pest management principles) and pesticide use notification plan.

A pest control program that adopts the framework above can promote:

• Better management of the use of pesticides
• More effective use of contracted pest management technicians 
• An increased level of community awareness in and involvement with the program and;
• The adoption of a more consistent and considered approach to the management of pest control programs.

More information

Chemical Hazards
Phone: 9222 2000
Email: DOH.ChemicalHazards@health.wa.gov.au