How to Get Rid of What's Bugging You
Schools are prime candidates for an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach to controlling unwanted vermin.
Misconceptions
Many people have misconceptions regarding IPM. For example, some believe that IPM precludes the use of pesticides. For most pest situations, however, a pest control product is necessary. With IPM, applications are made only when and where necessary before or after steps to eliminate conditions contributing to the infestation are corrected. Every building has its own pest control issues and conditions, which requires custom designed IPM programs.
Another misconception of pest control is the belief that every room must be serviced every month or quarter. However, a large portion of the building may have no pest activity, and most classrooms rarely, if ever, experience a pest problem. Most efforts should focus on areas where pest activity is most likely to occur, such as kitchens, dining areas, boiler rooms, and the exterior.
Identify Problem Areas
How are areas identified as high risk for pests? The visual flashlight survey by a qualified pest service technician will reveal most pest activity. Experience has shown that each facility will show patterns of activity at certain times of the year. These areas will require the most attention. The rest of the building may be placed on an "as needed" service status, with inspection on a less frequent basis.
Plan Action
Following the survey, the pest control company should submit to the principal an IPM evaluation that includes:
Integration is Key
In order to minimize the use and need for pesticide use within any building, IPM requires a cooperative effort by both the building management and the pest control company. The company's role is to identify problems and recommend treatment, but if the recommendations are not addressed, additional treatments often will become necessary. A great deal of IPM involves removing or limiting the potential sources of food, water, and hiding places available to pests. Examples include regular cleaning schedules, sealing exterior holes and cracks, keeping doors closed, repairing water leaks, and ensuring tight-fitting weather stripping on all exterior doors.
Many states require parents to be notified prior to any pesticides being applied on school grounds. The service provider can help create parental notices. Services should always be provided after school hours or on Saturdays.
An effective IPM program requires planning, and building managers should ask for references. Service providers experienced in IPM will take time to analyze each situation and provide a site-specific plan to address it.
Doug Cissel
Executive Director
Conference for Catholic Facility Mangers, Washington, DC
www.ccfm.net
Valuable Resource
The Conference for Catholic Facility Mangers (CCFM): 1) provides a forum and a network for persons having responsibility for diocesan or religious community-owned properties, 2) promotes the spiritual and personal growth of its members in their special ministry of serving, and 3) fosters the professional development of each member through the mutual sharing of knowledge and experience.
Articles by Doug Cissel are a new feature in Issue-Gram. They will provide basic information about what services are available and what national companies are working to make environmentally friendly products.
A brochure titled "Protecting Children in Schools from Pests and Pesticides" and other resources about Integrated Pest Management are available from the Environmental Protection Agency at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ipm/index.htm.
From Issue-Gram, Vol. 12, No. 2, Spring 2002
Copyright NCEA