Nita Davidson, Ph.D. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in California Schools

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IPM in California Schools What’s the Healthy Schools Act? Are pesticides really that scary? Why is pest management in schools challenging? What is IPM? How can we achieve source reduction of pesticides (i.e., implement IPM)? Argentine ants

The Healthy Schools Act (AB 2260) Legislation signed into law September 2000 Right-to-know law Public schools (K–12) Voluntary law with mandatory components—IPM is voluntary Provisions in both the Education Code and the Food & Agricultural Code

Are pesticides really that scary?

Putting Pesticides in Perspective— Other Risks Exist, Too! Faulty playground equipment School bus accidents Weapons on school grounds Creepy-crawly critters — stings, bites, transmission of pathogens, broken ankles Toxics — molds; asbestos; xylene; formaldehyde; lead; bus diesel; contamination of air, water & soil; pesticides

Other toxic substances: Children are exposed to solvents, trans fats, antibiotics, artificial ingredients

Cockroaches —asthma Stinging insects — dermatitis, phobias, anaphylaxis Gophers —broken ankles Some Pests Pose Risks to Human Health Rats & mice —salmonella, hantavirus, plague and other pathogens

Eradicate creepy crawly critters (often reactive rather than preventive) Use liquids that offer quick knockdown Use perimeter sprays or cover a large area to ensure a no-pest zone The scorched earth approach

Delayed (Chronic) Effects — Tumors, cancer, birth defects, blood and nervous system disorders Allergic Effects — Asthma; skin, eye & lung irritation; multiple chemical sensitivity RISK = Toxicity x Exposure Acute (Immediate) Effects — Variety of toxic effects and chemical burns

Self-contained baits or traps Gels or pastes used as crack- and-crevice treatments Exempted materials—FIFRA 25(b): many essential oils Antimicrobials—sanitizers & disinfectants Are all pesticides scary? Exempt from HSA requirements Baits good; perimeter and broadcast sprays bad!

Insecticidal chalk Exempt pesticides not used according to label directions Personal choice does not always make scary pesticides safe

What are some barriers that complicate adoption of IPM?

Diverse habitats 1,000 school districts: from LAUSD to one- room school-houses Older buildings— although newer ones aren’t pest-proof! Lack of communication within bureaucracy Other priorities Lack of money, training, motivation

Communication! Superintendents, administrators Business managers Risk managers Maintenance directors, custodians, grounds staff Pest control operators Food service Teachers Students & parents

Schools provide an ideal environment for pests  Weedy― Argentine ants, gophers, pigeons Many generations per year Many offspring  Good hiders ―cockroaches  Well adapted to school environments― yellowjackets, weeds

Creatures Typical of School Buildings, Landscape, & Turf Argentine ants Cockroaches Rodents  mice, rats, gophers Pigeons and other birds Weeds Yellowjackets

What is IPM? IPM = A decision-making strategy that focuses on long-term prevention of pests Inspect for pest and correctly identify; monitor for pest activity; keep records! Eliminate sources of food, water, and shelter— use exclusion methods (maintenance) and sanitation. Use non-chemical practices and chemical controls that pose the least possible hazard (low toxicity + minimal exposure). Routine perimeter spraying is not IPM!

Argentine Ants Supercolonies—no inter- colony aggression Displace native ants Billions and billions—don’t even think about eradication! Favorite food—honeydew Food exchange through trophallaxis (  use baits!) Emile Zeck

Argentine Ants— Management Strategies Conventional Control Use perimeter sprays outdoors regularly Spray indoors with liquids and aerosols IPM Monitor trees and shrubs for honeydew—reduce population in spring Sanitation! Eliminate food & water sources Exclusion—seal cracks Use baits (many active ingredients available) Clean up stragglers, but avoid using aerosols

Argentine Ants—Management Strategies  Sanitation Indoors Get teachers and students to clean up classroom after they eat Empty waste baskets daily Outdoors Regularly sweep or steam clean outdoor lunch areas Clean garbage cans regularly

Argentine Ants Management Strategies  Exclusion (= maintenance practices) Indoors Seal openings around potential ant runways (e.g., electrical conduits) Seal cracks, install weather stripping Outdoors Keep vegetation away from structures Apply tanglefoot around plants that attract ants (when practical)

Take-home messages HSA―Right-to-know law; IPM voluntary Pesticides―not all equal; some are necessary to use Perimeter & broadcast sprays bad Use less toxic pesticides & minimize exposure IPM  cleaner, better-maintained schools Several barriers prevent instant adoption of IPM, but IPM is achievable IPM is a sustainable way to solve pest problems