Pesticide education search tool (PEST): A new IPM application from the national pesticide information center

In 2013, the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) launched a new tool for mobile devices and desktop computers called the Pesticide Education Search Tool (PEST).  PEST is intended to provide the general public with verifiable integrated pest management (IPM) approaches to common pests in residential environments and designed to help people make pest control decisions after evaluating a broad range of options. To date, PEST is populated with 14 pests, mainly consisting of insects found in homes, as well as the garden and yard.  PEST can be accessed at: http://npic.orst.edu/PESTapp and includes a short video tutorial to assist users with navigation and usability.  Once a pest is selected, a series of short, bulleted IPM techniques is outlined.  These techniques were assembled from credible informational sources, particularly extension services and peer-reviewed literature.  If someone choses to use a particular pesticide, PEST enables users to enter the unique pesticide registration number and download the product label and other relevant information.  PEST was developed as a web-based application that can be displayed on a variety of smart phones, tablets and browsers.  NPIC is a cooperative agreement between Oregon State University and the Environmental Protection Agency, with the goal of providing objective, science-based information on pesticides and related issues.