1. UF, IFAS, IPM Program Director
Definition of IPM for
University Housing
Norm Leppla
UF, IFAS, IPM Program Director

2. Dr. Norm Leppla
Professor of Entomology, University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences
Established the first comprehensive UF IPM program in 2001 and serve as director
Began cooperating with the Department of Housing and Residence Education beginning in 2008 to advance IPM in UF student housing
Read slide.

3. What is IPM?
IPM is the coordinated use of pest and environmental information and available pest control methods….
to prevent unacceptable levels of pest damage by the most economical means….
with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment.
I appreciate the opportunity to characterize IPM.
What is IPM? This definition of integrated pest management is simplified from the National Road Map for IPM developed by the USDA, Office of Pest Management Policy in IPM practices are coordinated and based on accurate information and available methods (For an extreme example, DDT is not registered and therefore not available)! Prevention is the goal, rather than remediation. Levels can be considered thresholds for pests, and pest problems can be real or perceived. IPM methods must be affordable and safe.

4. IPM in University Housing by Changing Attitudes and Behavior
Often, IPM in university housing can be accomplished by changing the attitudes and behavior of the residents. Sometimes this is a challenge! We provide our residents with information on pest prevention and encouraged them to contact the Department of Housing and Resident Education rather than use over-the- counter insecticides. We also routinely inspect the apartments and require residents to practice good housekeeping. This photograph is an actual example of unacceptable housekeeping we encountered.

5. What are the Basic IPM Activities?
Biological knowledge
Monitoring and inspection
Act to control pests when necessary
Choose least-risk options
Long-term, preventative practices
Evaluation and records
Pesticide management
Continual improvement
What are the Basic IPM Activities? Action is based on knowledge of the pest’s biology, including its accurate identification. For example, certain pests occur at certain times of the year and not at other times. Monitoring and inspection are continuous at a level that assures pests are detected before they are difficult to manage. As in the definition of IPM, pests are controlled only after a threshold is reached. The safest, least-risk methods are used but they must be effective. Long-term pest prevention is preferred over reacting to immediate problems. Records are kept on pest species and abundance, and on pesticide use. For instance, recording “cockroaches” is not sufficient because different cockroaches have different biologies. The integrated pest management process is continually evaluated and improved.

6. Low-Risk IPM Methods Vacuum Insects from Harborages
Low-risk IPM methods include vacuuming insects from harborages and sanitation, rather than the use of chemical insecticides. We provide the residents with these 1-liter spray bottles and instruct them in how to mix a 6% solution of dishwashing detergent. Residents often spray insecticides with no knowledge about pests or the chemicals!
Detergent versus Insecticide

7. IPM Decision-Making Process1 2
How do we decide how to handle a pest complaint or siting?
The IPM Decision-Making Process begins with either a pest complaint by a resident or pest sighting during a routine service inspection. The potential infestation is assessed and action taken only if a threshold is reached (This is pathway #1). Pathway #2 is taken only if an action threshold is reached. An IPM option is selected, used and evaluated. Additional action is taken if the pest problem is not solved (This is pathway #3). If the problem is solved, monitoring is resumed (This is pathway #4). For example:
Pathway #1- A dead cockroach was found in a closet. This was below an action threshold.
Pathway #2- A trail of ants was observed on a kitchen counter. This was above an action threshold.
Pathway #3- The counter top was washed with a detergent solution. However, the ants returned, so cracks in the wall were sealed.
Pathway #4- The ants did not return, so the problem was solved and monitoring was resumed. 3 4

8. Information on IPM in Florida
Additional information is available at the IPM Florida website (