Training Your Staff about IPM Janet Hurley, MPA Extension Program Specialist Texas AgriLife Extension Southwest Technical Resource Center
Why Train Aids in understanding Less complaints Raises awareness about IPM needs Makes your IPM program AWESOME
Cooperation: the oil that keeps IPM working IPM is people- oriented Communication skills essential Education is the most often over- looked IPM tactic
Education Staff –Custodial –Maintenance –Food Service Teachers Administrators Parents Students
How Adult’s Learn
Levels of Understanding Awareness –Communication Understanding –Education Trials –Coaching Adoption –Reinforcement Integrated into the Educational Process –Nirvana
How to approach Classroom setting –Standard power point Video –ABC’s of IPM series Interaction –Combination of both –Question and answer session
Let’s watch a video Module 1 –Good for what is IPM –Teachers, parents, general staff Module 2 –Building maintenance crews Module 3 –Food service Module 5 –Upper administration Module 6 –Grounds crews
After the video – what to cover Who are you – IPM Coordinator contact information Reminder about no pesticides Who can make applications – licensed persons only How to report findings – even the structural ones –Door sweeps, cracks in tile/walls, openings around pipes
Explain how they can help Don’t bring in cans of bug spray Never supply home remedies as well Store supplies in tight fitting containers
Tell What they can do Don’t bring Food or Drink in the Classroom Keep personal items like coffee pots and refrigerators to a minimum – explain about custodial. Keep candies or treats in sealed containers Store food type supplies in sealed containers Even the tiniest of crumbs is a full meal for roaches or ants.
Helping the custodial staff Keep the Classroom as Clean as Possible Sanitation, not pesticides, makes the biggest impact on pest populations. Cleaning up after any pets in the classroom and after parties is an absolute must. Empty soda cans, used paper plates, food wrappings, etc. should be placed in the trash can and then hauled to an outside dumpster before the end of the day.
How to reinforce Utilize the DVD & workbooks Get them to discuss their problems Outline your response to common pest problems Remember the 4 steps of IPM
1Prevent pest populations. 2Apply pesticides only as needed. 3Select the least hazardous pesticides. 4Target pesticides to areas not contacted by or accessible to the students, faculty or staff. Remember Four Key Points of IPM
Where to obtain more info
Watch for Web Based Training
Questions Always here to help Willing to conduct site based audits Help with implementing IPM program and/or improving your IPM program Toll Free #