1. Dr. Tess Grasswitz New Mexico State University Los Lunas
Principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
for Facilities Managers
Dr. Tess Grasswitz
New Mexico State University
Los Lunas

2. 1. Introduction 2. Principles of IPM 3. Planning & implementation
IPM for Facilities Managers
1. Introduction
2. Principles of IPM
3. Planning & implementation

3. 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)

4. Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
What is IPM?
“A multi-tactic approach to managing pests which focuses on prevention or suppression with minimal impact on human health, the environment and non-target organisms.”

5. 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

6. IPM in indoor environments
Mostly common-sense
Fits well with other management concerns:
- Air quality, energy conservation, etc.
Results can be impressive:
Large reductions in BOTH pest incidence AND pesticide use

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

8. Preventative pest management
Holes!

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

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

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

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

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

14. Preventative pest management
Outdoor trash containers

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

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

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

18. 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)

19. Preventative pest management
- Eliminate pests’ basic needs: WATER

20. Pest Monitoring and Reporting
Pest logs
Pest Activity Log

21. Put them in problem areas,
Pest Monitoring
Monitoring traps
Traps:
- Map
- Check regularly
- Record catch
- Replace as needed
Next to walls, under sinks, near ovens, etc.
Put them in problem areas,
NOT everywhere

22. Pest Monitoring
Check behind those cushions….

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

24. Pest Monitoring
Check behind cracks & crevices...
Behind the clock

25. Pest identification First collect your pest!
- Rigid plastic containers
- Kill by freezing
Try NOT to use tape
Artist’s brush (Size 0, 00)

26. Pest identification Resources: NM State University
Bernalillo County Extension Office
1510 Menaul NW Albuquerque, NM Phone:

27. What about pesticides?
Another tool…but choose wisely & use only when necessary
Use the safest possible option (e.g. low toxicity, low volatility baits, gels, etc)
Least amount of product
Check current NM product registrations:
-‘NPIRS Public’ (

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 5. Outdoor IPM Plan – follow model for indoor plan
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

32. 6. IPM program evaluation - Review every 6-12 months
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.