A closer look at the Washington Commission on Integrated Pest Management and the importance of structural pest control representation.
Written by Billy Olesen, WSPMA State Pest Association Representative (SPAR)
The Washington Commission on Integrated Pest Management, or WCIPM, traces its roots to 1995, when the Washington Legislature created the Washington State Commission on Pesticide Registration. Its original purpose was to help pesticide users secure and maintain registrations for minor uses within the state.
In 1999, the Legislature expanded the commission’s mandate, authorizing it to support the full range of pest management options, including biological, cultural, and chemical controls.
Today, WCIPM funds research and demonstration projects that address unmet pest management needs throughout Washington. Its work spans agriculture, forestry, aquaculture, structural pest control, rights-of-way, noxious weeds, nurseries, greenhouses, landscapes, ornamentals, and mosquito control.
Commission membership includes representatives from industry segments such as forest protection, food processing, agricultural chemicals, and professional pesticide application. Ex officio members also represent Washington State University, the Washington State Department of Agriculture, the Department of Ecology, Labor and Industries, the Department of Health, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Although the commission’s work has historically leaned heavily toward agriculture, its scope is expanding to include structural pest control. That shift is one reason WSPMA’s representation at the table is so important.
A recent Eastern Washington tour helped connect policymakers, researchers, regulators, and industry leaders around pest threats and integrated pest management strategies. A Western Washington tour is also planned for 2026. These efforts create opportunities to ensure that the challenges facing structural pest management professionals are included in broader policy and research discussions.
The 30th Annual WCIPM Specialty Crop Tour brought together growers, researchers, industry representatives, legislative staff, and state and federal regulators for an in-the-field look at pest management throughout Western Washington.
The stop at Point Defiance Zoo was especially meaningful for the structural pest management industry. The zoo was added to the tour route this year, and Sprague Pest Solutions participated as the pest control presenter.
Ashley Roden and Sprague’s branch manager led the presentation, walking participants through rodenticide use, cockroach control, and other urban pest management challenges. Their presentation gave attendees a firsthand look at how structural pest management professionals protect public health while working in complex and sensitive environments.
Holding the presentation at a zoo added an important dimension. Seeing the animals and facilities up close helped attendees understand that pest management can be performed safely and responsibly, even near sensitive wildlife.
The stop was also valuable because of the wide range of regulators in attendance. Representatives included staff from the Washington State Department of Health, Labor and Industries, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and other state and federal agencies involved in health standards, pesticide applications, and product registrations.
Bringing these different regulatory perspectives together in one location and exposing them to the structural pest issues WSPMA members manage every day helps build understanding that can be valuable when future policy questions arise.
The Skagit Valley portion of the tour began with a rolling tour of Fir Island before moving through several operations that demonstrated the variety and importance of Northwest specialty crop agriculture.
Stops included pumpkin production at Bay Baby Produce, Brussels sprouts and spinach seed at Skagit Valley Farm, cut flowers and greenhouse production at Washington Bulb Company, and vegetable seed production at Washington State University’s Mount Vernon Research and Extension Center.
The afternoon continued with potato production at Knutzen Farms, berry production at Sakuma Brothers, vegetable production at Boldly Grown Farm, and cabbage seed crops. Participants also learned about the ditch and tide gate systems that help keep Skagit Valley farmland productive and workable.
The day concluded with a social hour and dinner at Bowman Bay State Park near Deception Pass, followed by a ferry ride home.
One of the strongest takeaways from the tour was the diversity of the participants. WCIPM brings together growers, researchers, regulators, agency staff, and industry representatives and places them in the field rather than around a conference table.
Legislative aides and university researchers walked the same fields as representatives from WSDA and USDA. At the zoo, those same decision-makers were able to see structural and urban pest management challenges firsthand.
These shared experiences help create a better understanding of how pest management decisions affect industries, communities, public health, and the environment. They also help ensure that structural pest management professionals have a voice as research priorities and public policies continue to develop.