Principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Facilities Managers

Dr. Tess Grasswitz

New Mexico State University Los Lunas

IPM for Facilities Managers

1. Introduction 2. Principles of IPM 3. Planning & implementation

Importance of indoor pests Pests & pesticides: - liability/bad publicity - health issues: - spread diseases - can trigger asthma attacks Asthma triggers include: - cockroach particles (cuticle, droppings, etc) - rodent materials (dander, droppings, etc) - some pesticides (especially aerosols)

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) What is IPM?

“A multi-tactic approach to managing pests which focuses on impact prevention or suppression with minimal on human health, the environment and non target organisms.”

IPM: how it works IPM - Uses multiple tactics to avoid or suppress pests: - Cultural controls - Prevention & avoidance - Monitoring & pest identification - Treat the correct pest in the correct way - When (and only when) it’s there - Thresholds?

- Chemical controls are used as a last resort… …and should be the least toxic options

IPM in indoor environments

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Mostly common-sense

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Fits well with other management concerns: - Air quality, energy conservation, etc.

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Results can be impressive: Large reductions in BOTH pest incidence AND pesticide use

Preventative pest management Basic principles: - Pests need FOOD, WATER & SHELTER - Aim to prevent access to ALL 3 1. Shelter - Exclude pests from buildings: - holes!

Holes!

Preventative pest management

Preventative pest management Excluding pests from buildings: - door fitting - door sweeps - window screens

Preventative pest management Excluding pests from buildings: - sealing - drains - escutcheon plates

Preventative pest management Excluding pests from buildings: - Packaging - Remove from boxes - Carefully inspect incoming goods - Discard leaking or damaged containers

Preventative pest management Basic principles: - Eliminate Food, Water and Shelter - Trash

Preventative pest management Dumpsters should be: - Away from entrances (50+ ft) - Free of holes (screen drain holes) - ALWAYS covered - Emptied & cleaned regularly - Never overflowing

Preventative pest management Outdoor trash containers

Preventative pest management Outdoor trash containers - Good lids - Strong bags

Preventative pest management - Eliminate Food, Water and Shelter - Clutter

Preventative pest management Eliminate pests’ basic needs: FOOD - 1 large crumb & a drop of water = 3 weeks food for one German cockroach

Preventative pest management

- Clean up food & drink spills quickly & thoroughly - Rinse mops/buckets after clean-up - Rinse all containers for recycling (e.g. soda cans)

Preventative pest management - Eliminate pests’ basic needs: WATER

Pest Monitoring and Reporting Pest logs Pest Activity Log

Monitoring traps Pest Monitoring Traps: - Map - Check regularly - Record catch - Replace as needed Next to walls, under sinks, near ovens, etc.

Put them in problem areas, NOT everywhere

Pest Monitoring Check behind those cushions….

Pest Monitoring UV Flashlight Floor under room light… …and under UV light

Pest Monitoring Check behind cracks & crevices...

Pest identification First collect your pest!

- Rigid plastic containers - Kill by freezing Artist’s brush (Size 0, 00) Try NOT to use tape

Resources: Pest identification NM State University Bernalillo County Extension Office 1510 Menaul NW Albuquerque, NM 87107 Phone: 505-243-1386

What about pesticides?

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Another tool…but choose wisely & use only when necessary

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Use the safest possible option (e.g. low toxicity, low volatility baits, gels, etc)

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Least amount of product

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Check current NM product registrations: -‘NPIRS Public’ (http://state.ceris.purdue.edu/)

Getting started: Implementing IPM Works best when entire facility is involved: Everyone!

Organize: - Pest management group of key personnel - List pests & problem areas - List current actions & outcomes - Designate an IPM coordinator - Create an IPM plan

Getting started: IPM Plans Why bother?

- Gathers all pest-related information together - Focusses thought - Saves TIME - Accountability What to include?

1. IPM policy statement (optional) - Demonstrates commitment to IPM - Outlines objectives

Getting started: IPM Plans 2. General Information - Contact details for IPM coordinator - Plan preparer & date 3. IPM team - Names (including contractors) - Contact details - Roles & responsibilities - Include any certified applicators/license details

IPM Plans (continued) 4. Indoor IPM Plan - List identified pests & problem areas (include maps) - Monitoring plan/reporting structure - Management plans for each pest: - Non-chemical methods & chemicals, as necessary - Include planning for future/high-profile pests - Pesticide use & storage: - Site, inventory control (include registration checks) - Product labels & Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 5. Outdoor IPM Plan – follow model for indoor plan

IPM Plans (continued) 6. IPM program evaluation - Review every 6-12 months - What’s working & what’s not - Revise if necessary 7. Update IPM knowledge regularly - Keep abreast of new developments, laws & products - Attend meetings, conferences, PCT, etc.