Integrated Pest Management Policy

Town Council approved its first integrated pest management (IPM) policy in October 2024, formalizing our commitment to protecting public health and promoting environmentally responsible and sustainable landscaping. The policy prioritizes best land management practices, the use of organic products, and the reduction of chemical use.

The new IPM policy applies to all properties, road rights-of-way, and facilities owned, operated, or managed by the Town of Hilton Head Island. It does not apply to residential or commercial properties within the Town that are not owned or managed by the Town.

In addition to requiring preventative and organic solutions to pest control, the IPM policy also provides:

• Public notification requirements before and after the use of pesticides.
• Improved record-keeping and reporting.
• Approval procedures for the use of pesticides.
• Posting of an annual report on all pesticide use.
• Independent third-party review of the annual pesticide use report.
• Collaboration with community organizations, schools, and other stakeholders to promote the adoption and awareness of IPM throughout the community.

View the Integrated Pest Management Policy

Public Notifications on Pesticide Use

As part of our commitment to transparency and public safety, the Town's new policy outlines the type of information made available regarding pesticide applications in public areas. You may have noticed signage posted at parks andother community spaces. These are designed to keep you informed.

How to Read a Pesticide Application Sign

Each sign provides key details about the pesticide treatment being conducted. Here's what you'll find:

1. Area of Application: Specifies the exact location where the pesticide is or was applied.
2. Target Pest: Identifies the specific pest(s) the pesticide is intended to control.
3. Product Name: Indicates the commercial name of the pesticide used.
4. Active Ingredients: Lists the chemical components responsible for pesticide's effectiveness.
5. EPA Registration Number: A unique number assigned to the product by the Environmental Protection Agency, which can be used to find the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and additional product information.
6. Date of Application: The date when the pesticide was or will be applied.
7. Re-Entry Interval (REI): The minimum amount of time that must pass before the treated area can be safely re-entered.

These notifications are part of our effort to ensure you stay informed and safe while enjoying public spaces.

Example Pesticide Application Sign

Resources