Lago Vista adopts integrated pest management policy to limit pesticide use in public spaces

Lago Vista City Council voted unanimously to adopt an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) policy that prioritizes non-chemical and low-toxicity pest controls for city-owned parks, playgrounds and other public spaces. The policy sets a hierarchy of methods—cultural, mechanical, biological, then least-toxic chemicals—and establishes reporting and review requirements for pesticide use.

Councilor Shane Song, who brought the item forward, said the policy was drawn up to codify safer practices already being discussed with community advocates and to align city operations with Texas law. Supporters at the meeting, including local residents and experts, urged the council to adopt the policy to reduce community exposure to restricted-use pesticides in areas where children and pets gather.

Speakers at the meeting included Kim (representing a nonprofit that assists municipalities with IPM transition), Cheryl McLaurin (an agronomy professional), and residents who said they had experienced ant and weed problems on sports fields. Some outside experts cautioned that fully organic programs can require more labor and may be more expensive; the council’s motion includes language directing staff to continue reviewing emerging products and to report annually on applications that move beyond organic or low-toxicity methods.

The council asked staff and community partners to keep reviewing new, less-toxic tools and to report those findings back to council. The motion approved also asked the city attorney to review and correct any erroneous permit-number citations in the policy text before final adoption.