2010 SF Environment Pesticide List

Jason, the best thing to do is to compare the active ingredients of your products to those listed on the SF Reduced Risk list. Brand availability is going to vary around the world, so that isn't the most effective way to monitor these products. Check the active ingredient and concentration to determine which tier the product would fall under. The solution you propose for your second question is exactly right. Try to find least-toxic alternatives that fall under the Tier 3 criteria for as many situations as you can. When Tier 3 product are unavailable or ineffective for a particular pest problem, use a Tier 1 or Tier 2 product after providing at least 72 hours notice to your building occupants via the universal notification procedures outlined in your IPM Plan.

The key thing to remember is that IPM does not ban the use of Tier 1 or Tier 2 pesticides. The intent of IPM is to promote the use of least toxic methods, or Tier 3 pesticides, whenever possible. If those products aren't available or effective, you are allowed to use Tier 1 and Tier 2 products, but you MUST fulfill the requirements of universal notification. Building occupants must be notified at least 72 hours in advance of application or within 24 hours after an emergency application. Emergency conditions are usually defined as "immediate threat to health and/or safety of building occupants.", like a swarm of bees or something like that.