E n v i r o n m e n t a l Health & Safety

April 2001Environmental Health & Safety2 What is IPM? Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the coordinated use of physical, biological and cultural controls, and least-toxic pest control products and techniques, to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment.

April 2001Environmental Health & Safety3 Why IPM? Serious questions have been raised about the use of pesticides. –Health Effects –Environmental Contamination –Pest Resistance NYS Attorney General Mandate –Adopt least toxic pest management policies and practices. –Reduce or eliminate pesticide use. –Select the least toxic pesticides.

April 2001Environmental Health & Safety4 IPM Program Integrated Pest Management involves: –monitoring pest populations, –establishing tolerance levels, –modification of habitats, –utilization of least-toxic controls, –keeping records and evaluation of performance on an ongoing basis.

April 2001Environmental Health & Safety5 Key Element The key to an effective IPM program is to eliminate sources of food and water, remove materials that provide shelter, and to prevent entry into your home or building.

April 2001Environmental Health & Safety6 General Housekeeping Close all screens, windows and doors. Collect and dispose all scrap paper, boxes and other debris. Vacuum and mop floors regularly. Empty all garbage containers daily. Inspect plants regularly for pests.

April 2001Environmental Health & Safety7 Good Sanitation Allow food and beverages in designated areas only. Prohibit storage of food in desks, file drawers and lockers. Store food and condiments in tightly sealed containers. Dispose of all scrap food promptly. Clean all dishes, appliances, and utensils thoroughly and regularly. Clean behind and underneath appliances, cabinets, etc. Clean and disinfect all surfaces. Clean and dry all mops, buckets and sponges promptly.

April 2001Environmental Health & Safety8 Building Maintenance Report all building maintenance problems to the Physical Plant Fix leaking pipes, faucets, and other plumbing fixtures. Clean grease traps and floor drains routinely. Install weather-stripping and door sweeps. Caulk wall and floor cracks and crevices. Install and maintain screens in doors, windows, vents and floor drains. Keep loading docks clean of food waste, garbage and debris. Seal pipe chases and other penetrations. Keep shrubs, grass and mulches at least one foot away from buildings. Prune shrubs and remove leaves from around buildings on a regular basis.

April 2001Environmental Health & Safety9 Prevent Pest Populations All plumbing should be in good repair. Any cracks in walls or around plumbing and electrical conduit should be well sealed. Proper screening or other devices should be in place around air vents, windows, doors, etc.

April 2001Environmental Health & Safety10 What about using pesticides? Glue boards Traps Bait stations Boric acid Gels Crack & crevice sprays Routine or scheduled spraying of chemicals in the absence of pests is irresponsible, ineffective and expensive, and therefore, will not be done.

April 2001Environmental Health & Safety11 Target Pesticides Properly Crack and crevice treatments, such as puffing dusts into wall voids or treating cracks with gel baits drastically reduces exposure potential. Targeting surfaces with residual sprays places pesticides where children and staff may contact them.

April 2001Environmental Health & Safety12 Select the Least Hazardous Material

April 2001Environmental Health & Safety13 Conclusion Even the most skillful and precise application of pesticides will not solve pest problems. The control of pests can only be accomplished through a comprehensive effort that includes inspection, maintenance and constant vigilance by occupants. Thank you for your help!