Program Information
Landscape & Grounds
The Grounds Maintenance team is committed to providing safe, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing grounds for the Campus community by maintaining our landscape such as plants, groundcover, shrubbery, and trees. Our team also maintains all hardscape and streetscape area within Parnassus, Mission Bay, Mount Zion campuses, as well as outlying campus. In addition, we are managing Mount Sutro Open Space Reserve, to maintains our community commitment, and goals for sustainability, and biodiversity.
Since 2008, the Grounds Maintenance team has eliminated the use of herbicides, such as Round Up, on our Campuses. Our team uses steaming, burning, and other manual technics to control weeds on our Campuses. The Grounds Maintenance staff is responsible for keeping the exterior of our campuses clean, safe, and attractive. Over time, Grounds is moving our older landscaping into more sustainable designs that includes ecological and biodiversity values.
Pest Control - Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
Facilities Services offers a comprehensive suite of pest control services designed to support a safe and sanitary campus environment. Our program includes on-demand response for general structural pests, as well as proactive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) inspections and monitoring to identify and address issues before they escalate. Specialized services include rodent and pigeon mitigation planning, wildlife trapping, and bedbug inspections and treatments. We also provide pest exclusion services through targeted structural repairs aimed at preventing future infestations. In instances involving deceased animals found within campus buildings, our team coordinates prompt and sanitary removal. Additionally, we conduct biohazardous cleanup and sanitation following pest activity to ensure health and safety standards are upheld. These services are designed to address a wide range of pest-related concerns through environmentally responsible and evidence-based practices.
Pest Management and Prevention at UCSF
Facilities Services is committed to maintaining a safe, clean, and healthy campus environment by employing the most environmentally responsible pest control practices available. We follow a comprehensive Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategy that prioritizes prevention and non-chemical solutions. Chemical treatments are used only when necessary and after all other options have been exhausted.
Our Approach
Our IPM program combines multiple methods of pest control based on inspections, monitoring, and reports from building occupants and staff. We implement a five-tiered process:
- Identify and monitor pest activity
- Set action thresholds to determine when intervention is needed
- Prevent pests by removing attractants and modifying environments
- Control pests using the least toxic methods first
- Evaluate data, measure performance, and adjust as needed
When chemical applications are required, only products approved through the City of San Francisco’s pesticide screening process are used. Once UCSF’s Pesticide Approval Update (PAU) is finalized, we will adopt it as our official product list.
Service Hours
Please report all pest sightings immediately to the Facilities Services Customer Service and Support Center at 415-476-2021. One of our contracted pest control technicians will respond within 48 hours of your request. Standard pest control services are available Monday through Friday, 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Service Information
Covered Services effective July 1st, 2025:
Topic | Description |
|---|
Landscape & Grounds | - General landscape maintenance such as greenery
- General hardscape maintenance such as trash, debris clean up, and tripping hazards
- General streetscape maintenance such as litter pick up and tripping hazards
- Roads and walkway repairs
- Irrigation maintenance/shutdown
- Tree care emergency response
- Tree care general maintenance on 3 to 6 years recurring annual plan
- General plants healthcare such as fertilization, insect and disease control
- Sharp pick up outside of buildings
- Graffiti removal
- High clean of organic spill such as feces and vomits
- Special event preparation and cleanup
|
Pest Control Integrated Pest Management | Issues relating to pests can be a threat to the well-beings of our stakeholders and customers within our UCSF Communities. To ensure your safety and comfort, our Pest Control Services include: reliable barrier and exclusion methods by using traps and capture devices; mechanical removal techniques; vacuuming and suction methods as well as limiting chemical, pesticides and rodenticides pest control. One specific area our team takes seriously is using Physical Pest Control Methods comprised in a wide range of options such as: sealing cracks and new innovative VLINK Technology Traps. - Rodent Control: mice and rat
- Crawling Insect Control: ants, roaches, beetles, silverfish
- Flying Insect Control: fruit flies, black flies, gnats
- Migratory Pest Control: stinging insects (such as bees, hornets, wasps), black widow spiders
- Bird Pigeon Mitigation
- Mites and bedbugs control
- Other specialized pest management applications
|
What You Can Do
Pest prevention is a shared responsibility. You can support our efforts by following these best practices:
- Remove all food from tables and cabinets at the end of each day. Store food only in sealed, hard containers (e.g., Tupperware or Rubbermaid).
- Do not leave food packaging in desk-side trash bins overnight. Dispose of all food waste in large common area receptacles, which are emptied daily by Custodial Services.
- Keep lids closed on compost, recycling, and garbage bins.
- Store personal items and office supplies off the floor and on shelves to prevent creating harborage areas.
- Dispose of cardboard promptly to reduce potential nesting material.
- Use caution with secondhand furniture or appliances. Acquire only from reputable or verified sources.
Report these issues immediately:
- Water leaks
- Overflowing or lidless trash receptacles
- Doors and windows that do not fully close
- Project interruption due to noise, projects involving wall penetrations, and any doors being propped or pushed open.
Your observations are essential to the continued success of our pest management program. Together, we can ensure a cleaner, safer campus environment.
