IPM in Multifamily Housing Training

IPM in Multifamily Housing Training
Integrated Pest Management in Multifamily Housing IPM in Multifamily Housing Training The notes associated with the slides are for trainers to reference. Text in regular font supplements the information present on the slide. Text in italics gives extra information to be shared with or activities to be done with trainees. Display this slide while trainees arrive. During registration each trainee should 1. sign in; 2. fill out two name tags, one for his or her shirt and one for the table (for the trainer to see); 3. get a binder; and 4. socialize. Determine who is in the audience (names, jobs, and skills). Stay at the registration table and introduce yourself as people arrive. Better yet, get a non-trainer to monitor the registration table so that you can mingle. 1

Beware of this Bug!!!

Background 1980’s bug crew 1990’s contractors and gels
2000 Listening Tour 2001 – 2005 Healthy PH initiative Healthy Pest-Free Hsg 2010 – Environmental Exposure and IPM Intensity

Developed and sponsored by
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Developed and sponsored by Logos on this slide represent entities that have supported the training which was developed by the Northeastern IPM Center under a contract with USDA-CSREES. USDA-CSREES and HUD have an interagency agreement to provide this training to conventional public housing authorities across the country. This training was developed from courses piloted by Rivard’s Resources: IPM; Boston University; Boston Housing Authority; and The National Center for Healthy Housing. A complete list of reviewers is in the Agenda section of the training binder. Disclaimer: This IPM training program was developed by a partnership including the U.S. Department of Agriculture Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Pennsylvania IPM Program, the National Pest Management Association, the National Center for Healthy Housing, and the Regional IPM Centers. EPA, HUD, CDC, and USDA-CSREES provided funding. The materials contained herein present a research-based, balanced, and objective approach to pest management in affordable housing and are intended to be used in their entirety. Any nonobjective or partial use of the materials is not recommended. Products, vendors, or commercial services mentioned or pictured in the trainings or presentations are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be endorsements.

Ask that cell phones be turned off or silenced. Give directions for restrooms and asking questions. 5

Resources Networked resources are available at: The binder is yours to keep Copies of presentation slides HUD’s Voluntary Guidance on IPM Pest fact sheets

By the end of today, you will know
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training By the end of today, you will know Why pests are health threats. How to control cockroaches, rodents, and bed bugs. Why Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is the most effective way to control pests. Your role in the IPM team. This slide lists the course goals. The PHA has committed to support an IPM approach and these are the things trainees will need to know to practice IPM. This course is not designed to license anyone to apply pesticides. Give a quick overview of the agenda and show where it is in the binder. Show trainees other tabs and pockets in the binder. After trainees get an idea of what they will learn, explain that getting their questions answered is a large part of what we want to do. Encourage trainees to ask questions. Suggestion: If a question is asked that will be addressed later in the day, write it on a flip chart (“bin” or “parking lot”) at the head of the classroom so that it is not forgotten.

How have you fought pests?
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training How have you fought pests? Give trainees time to describe what pests they see and how they currently deal with them. 8

Pests cause problems Trigger/cause asthma and allergies Bite Contaminate food Lead people to overreact and ignore pesticide labels Transmit disease Hitchhike in belongings Violate housing codes Mice drip urine and leave their dander wherever they go. Cockroaches leave their poop (frass) and shed skins. All of these in a home trigger asthma attacks and may even cause asthma. Define pesticides as any substance or mixture of substances intended for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest (EPA). The chemicals that people use to kill pests pose a risk. Children are more vulnerable than adults because they are closer to the floor, do not have high tolerance for toxins, and put many things in their mouths. Pregnant women also are more vulnerable to pesticides. In addition, when exposed to pesticides, people with multiple chemical sensitivities experience adverse reactions and will not be able to participate in daily activities. If pesticides are necessary, residents and staff should leave their application to the professional. By using them, they could unnecessarily expose themselves and their families to pesticides and make the pest problem worse. IPM makes homes healthier! 9

Priority pests Cockroaches cause asthma in infants, trigger asthma attacks, and contaminate food. Rodents such as mice and rats carry diseases, bite, destroy property, may cause fires, and may trigger asthma attacks. Bed Bugs and their bites are a nuisance and are expensive to eliminate. These are the top three pests in affordable housing. There are many pests that we could address in the course. Pest Management Professionals (PMPs) take much longer courses to understand each of the pests and that is why they are needed in any pest management effort. Encourage trainees to ask their PMPs questions. If qualified, they should know all the answers or be willing to get them. Bed bugs are not the same thing as dust mites. This is a common misunderstanding. Suggestion: Ask what pests are a problem in the PHA. Make a list of pests that are not cockroaches, rodents, or bed bugs. Try to incorporate the other pests into discussions throughout the day, noting when a control measure being discussed will help control other pests of concern. Reference: The “______ are health hazards” slide in each of the cockroach, rodent, and bed bug presentations. 10

What all pests need Food Water Shelter Shelter Food Water Pests require three things to survive: food, water and shelter. Without any of the three, they won’t “stand up.” The three legged stool illustrates this point. 11

What is IPM? Integrated: Uses multiple approaches that work together. Pest: What the multiple approaches work to fight. Management: Use of the most economical means with the least possible risk to people, property, and the environment. Integrated: sanitation, exclusion, and baits. Pest: cockroaches Management: no more cockroaches! Suggestion: Ask trainees what they think of when they hear “management.” Tell them that they will have to be pest managers, overseeing all of the time and watching for parts of the building system that need to be fixed. 12

What you will gain IPM will give you… A healthier building: Fewer asthma attacks, less exposure to pesticides, and less of a chance you will take pests home. Fewer complaints: A Boston Housing Authority development reduced cockroach work orders by 68% after one year of IPM. Fewer pests: You can stop infestations from growing and spreading disease. More effective than conventional pest management, IPM helps prevent asthma attacks; improves quality of life; coordinates responsibilities; relies on products and practices that work together and minimize exposure; provides longer lasting control aimed at preventing pests; makes better use of limited resources; reduces complaints; lowers pest control costs in the long run; and Is more sustainable than relying on sprays alone. 100% elimination of the priority pests (cockroaches, rodents, and bed bugs) inside each unit is difficult, but can be done and should be the goal. With a team IPM effort, pest problems can be reduced to isolated incidents that get taken care of before they grow and spread. Asthma attacks and allergies can be triggered by any cockroach presence, so their presence should not be tolerated. It is possible to rid a unit of pests and clean up after them so that asthma attacks are reduced. Suggestion: Remember, the audience is PHA staff, not residents. The PHA needs to provide safe housing to its residents, but the fact that IPM repairs will make the workplace healthier for staff too may hit home for the trainees. Do any trainees know someone with asthma? Do trainees have family members or friends who are sensitive to or “allergic” to pesticides? Have trainees ever brought a pest home by mistake? How would their jobs change if residents improved sanitation and there were fewer work orders? Note that work orders will increase at first since residents and staff will be encouraged to use the work order system, but when repairs have been made for prevention, there will be fewer work orders than ever.

Bed Bugs This presentation focuses on bed bugs. It covers the biology, behavior, and what you should do up to the point where the PMP gets involved. From there, follow the pest control company's procedure. Reference: For an evaluation of bed bug control options, see

Outline What they are What they eat Where they live How to think like bed bug Prevention and control Also known as… chintzes or chinches mahogany flats red coats crimson ramblers wall lice the bug that nobody knows This is the outline for the presentation. 15

What is a bed bug? A blood-sucking insect Most active at night Usually feeds at night Although they are usually active at night, bed bugs will feed during the day if hungry. Adult bed bug feeding on a human

Bed bugs are health hazards
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Bed bugs are health hazards Bed bugs do not transmit disease, but they cause secondary infections after people scratch their bed bug bites; result in stress, loss of work, loss of sleep, and financial burden; are unwelcome in our homes and workplaces. Although bed bugs have not been shown to transmit disease, they do have an effect on physical and mental health. Physical effects could result from scratching the welts that show up on some people from the bed bug bite. The elderly and children may not have the self control to stop scratching and infection can result. Many people with bed bugs cannot sleep and suffer negative effects. The stress from having bed bugs, having to treat them, and having to pay for it can take a significant toll. 17

Bed bug life cycle Unfed Fed Bed bugs can be two different shapes, depending on when they last fed. They expand when full of blood and quickly (within a few hours) digest the blood and poop out the excess so that they are flat again. A recently fed bed bug will be plump, but after it digests it is back to being flat. There is an egg in the upperleft hand corner of the picture. Like cockroaches, baby bed bugs look like the adults, only smaller. Bed bugs at various stages of growth.

Bed bug behavior Hide in cracks and crevices, often in groups. Cannot fly, jump, or burrow into skin…they crawl. Hitchhike on bags, furniture, wires, or pipes. Bed bugs will wedge into any crack that a credit card edge can fit into. Most of the time, they are hiding in cracks and crevices near where they last fed. Usually where there is one, there will be more, but they are not dependent on each other, so “loners” can occur. Hiding spots can be in the furniture where people sleep (sofas, recliners, mattresses, box springs, and bed frames), the furniture next to the bed, lamps, alarm clocks, picture frames on the walls, baseboards, the edges of the carpets, electric outlets, and draperies. They can get into other units and be carried home by staff members by hitchhiking on bags and used furniture (especially stuff that was picked up from trash) or by crawling into new units through walls. Bed bugs will always be found crawling, never flying, jumping, or burrowing. Bed bug crawling into a screw hole to hide. 19

Can be confused with… Ticks Cockroach nymphs Other kinds of bug bites Tick Mosquito Bites The photos are of a tick, mosquito bites, a cockroach nymph, and a bat bug, a few of the insects that have been found in the homes of people who thought they had bed bugs. Proper identification can save time, anxiety, and money. The only way to confirm bed bugs is to find live bed bugs, collect a few, and have a professional identify them. Cockroach Nymph Bat Bug

One bed bug, HALF a year… Bed bug females live for about a year and can lay up to 500 eggs during that time. Eggs take five weeks to reach maturity, but many people react to bites from the nymph stages, too. This graph assumes ideal conditions of room temperature and available food two months to reproductive maturity, one egg laid a day, 50% females and is only for six months. Because it assumes no death due to environmental influences, it is not completely realistic, but it does show how a problem could get out of hand. 21

Signs of bed bugs Bites Blood spots Shed skins Dead bed bugs Live bed bugs Bed bugs are small and very good at hiding, so a flashlight is needed to see them (or evidence of them). Keep looking until either a live bed bug is found or all involved feel satisfied that there are no bed bugs. If bed bugs are found, a few should be put on tape or in a re-sealable plastic bag for identification. The photo shows bed bugs that were snuggled next to the screw-in foot of a recliner. It took flipping the recliner over to find them. When the foot was unscrewed, more were found. 22

Bites Bed bugs cannot be confirmed by bites alone. Live bed bugs must be found. There is a myth of bed bug bites always showing up in sets of three in a row: “breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” This is untrue. Bed bugs will come out of hiding to feed when they are hungry (usually once a week), feed until they are full, and then return to their hiding spots, leaving blood spots (bed bug poop) along their route. The bites in a row happen if there are any feeding along the sheet-human intersection or if one is disturbed mid-meal and has to reinsert its mouthpart. Not everyone reacts to the bites, and a person’s reaction to bed bugs may change over time (not reacting at first, but then reacting after being bitten a number of times).

Blood spots Blood spots are bed bug droppings. Bed bugs cannot be confirmed by blood spots alone. Live bed bugs must be found. Blood spots are bed bug poop. Blood spots will be found on sheets, pillow cases, mattresses, and around the spot where they are returning to hide. Bed bugs often hide together (as evidenced in the picture on the left above) but not always. Careful inspection with a flashlight must be done to find the spots where they are hiding…especially the loners. One pregnant female could restart an infestation. The start of an infestation A bad infestation

Shed skins Bed bugs don’t have stretchy skin. When they need to grow up, they shed their outer layer—emerging as a larger version. They do this five times, going from the size of a poppy seed to the size of an apple seed. Shed skins look like hollow bed bugs and are the evidence of this growing process. Bed bug signs on a mattress seam

Dead bed bugs Bed bugs are thought to live about a year in room temperature with regular feeding. Dead bed bugs may be found in units that residents have tried to treat. This is particularly of concern if the bed bugs have been killed on the mattress. Many products are not labeled for use on mattresses. Bottom Top

What bed bugs eat and drink
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training What bed bugs eat and drink Blood Unlike cockroaches and rodents, bed bugs get both their food and water needs from blood. If there is a warm body, they can be happy. The baits intended for cockroaches and rodents will not work on bed bugs because bed bugs do not have chewing mouthparts to eat the bait. Also, boric acid (a stomach poison) will not work for bed bugs since they will not ingest it. 27

Where bed bugs live In the building In any crack or crevice where a credit card edge could fit In anything near where people rest Sanitation plays a role in bed bug control because a cluttered apartment will be nearly impossible to treat. Bed bugs can hide anywhere, and cleaning will unearth them. Vacuuming and washing bed linens often will help keep populations from growing.

Where bed bugs live Beds, sofas, bedside tables, recliners, picture frames… Bed bugs need blood to live, and blood is easiest to get when people are sleeping. So trainees need to look where people rest. When bed bugs are suspected the locations in red should be inspected first. The circles with dark red centers are the places within the unit where people are likely to rest: beds, sofas, and recliners. After feeding, bed bugs hide in nearby cracks. This increases the area one has to inspect to the lighter red ring. Note that the potential infestation area now contains tables, lamps, walls, and carpets. Encourage trainees to think in three dimensions: carpets, table drawers, hanging picture frames, peeling wallpaper, and box springs. The units above, below, and sharing walls with these infestation sites might have bed bugs. = Hot Spot

How do bed bugs spread? Through walls along wires and pipes On anything coming from an infested unit (furniture, backpacks, laundry…) What’s on the other side of the wall? Prevention is key. Since bed bugs are so reliant on humans, they have become very good at staying close to them. In public housing, one infestation can quickly spread throughout the development. The spread usually occurs when: -residents in adjacent units do not inspect regularly, Bed bugs will travel along pipes or on wires if their food source is removed, or if the infestation gets too crowded. If a unit has bed bugs, all adjacent units should be inspected. -management does not have the PMP inspect and possibly treat adjacent units, -infested items are moved through the building without being wrapped in plastic, -infested items intended for the trash are picked up and brought home, -staff visits multiple units per day with bags or equipment -residents visit each other carrying backpacks, -or bed bugs are brought to the laundry room on bedding and people bring them home from this location. If infested items are to be brought to the trash: 1. Cover the infested item with plastic for transport through the building. 2. Once outside, make the item unusable by breaking or cutting it open. 3. Put the broken item inside a covered trash receptacle. All these steps help ensure that bed bugs are not spread into uninfested areas within the PHA. 30

Think like a bed bug After mating once and feeding, a female is ready to lay eggs. To avoid dying, a female may go off and find a hiding spot away from other bed bugs. Although bed bugs are often found in clumps, they are not social insects. One pregnant female that leaves a group to avoid death from repeated stabs (being traumatically inseminated) can restart an infestation. The fix is in the inspection. Thorough inspection in a clutter-free location with a flashlight is necessary to find all bed bug hiding spots and treat them. Traumatic insemination (bed bugs breeding)

Got bed bugs? Now what? If found and controlled early in the infestation, the spread of bed bugs can be stopped. The first responses should be to: Report the problem Not throw the mattress out—cover it Not spray—leave this to the PMP Prevent carrying the bed bugs to other places Prepare the unit for the PMP Bed bugs’ diet is different from that of rodents and cockroaches, so control is different. Although there are many things that a homeowner or resident can do to help treat bed bugs, this training encourages getting a PMP involved ASAP rather than taking time to treat the problem without one. Each pest management company should have instructions for residents on how to prepare the unit for a treatment, which will include laundering and cleaning. Suggestion: if the PHA’s PMP is present at the training, ask him or her what residents are instructed to do and have a discussion about who would help do this preparation for an elderly or disabled resident. 32

Document all observations
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Document all observations Take action promptly. Report: Date What you saw What you did (don’t spray) Refer back to previous discussions of the IPM log.

Use a mattress encasement
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Use a mattress encasement Trap live bed bugs inside. Zip, seal, and check for rips. Leave it on for 1-1/2 years (don’t let it rip). Mattresses and furniture with bed bugs do not have to be thrown away. If mattresses are to be kept, use a fabric mattress encasement. Bed bugs can crawl out of tiny rips so the most important factor in using a mattress encasement is that it does not rip. Vinyl or plastic covers will not work. Encasements with zippers are ideal. The box spring can also be encased. If no food is available within a few hundred feet or they are trapped, bed bugs will go dormant. They are thought to be able to live without feeding for over a year. Because of this, it is critical that the mattress encasement stay on and intact (closed) for over one year. If appropriate, the mattress may be treated with pesticides available to a PMP. Pesticides should not be used on children’s furniture or around chemically sensitive people. Movement of infested items throughout the development may spread bed bugs. If items are moved through the building, make sure they are covered in plastic and made unusable once they are outside (cutting open the mattress in multiple spots will work). Mattresses and furniture don’t have to be thrown out! 34

Place monitors Trap and kill bed bugs Determine how bad the infestation is Two types Interceptors Portable Interceptor Monitors will not control a bed bug infestation, but they will trap and kill some. More importantly, they help find bed bugs or confirm their presence so that management can take further action. Interceptors trap bed bugs that are crawling on or off the bed. They will not work if there is no bed frame. Portable devices each look different, but they all attract bed bugs and trap them. A person does not have to be sleeping in the room. Reference: Rutgers University evaluation of monitoring devices:

Teach people how to control without pesticides
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Teach people how to control without pesticides Follow site-specific instructions from the PMP If there is an infested item, the PMP may have the resident: Encase Destroy, dispose, and replace with metal or plastic Heat treat in a dryer Heat treat then isolate in bags or containers To successfully control bed bugs building wide, a PMP should be involved. Any disruption of the infested area could cause the bed bugs to spread, making control more difficult. Staff and residents should not use pesticides sold for bed bugs. Instead, follow the PMP's instructions for using non-chemical ways of killing them. Encasements were discussed on slide 21. A procedure for disposing of infested items is detailed in the notes section of slide 17. If dry fabric is put in a dryer for 30 minutes on the high heat setting, then all bed bugs and eggs will die. If the resident is washing the fabric, they should do full cycles on the highest temperatures. Dry cleaning will kill bed bugs. In severe infestations, the PMP may have the resident launder fabrics and then keep them isolated in a sealed bag or container until the unit is bed bug free.

Teach people how to prevent
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Teach people how to prevent Keep coats, backpacks, purses, and bags off beds, recliners, and sofas. Don’t bring home used furniture. Look for signs before sleeping. Education throughout a development to help prevent bed bugs is worth the PHA‘s time. Reference: Bed bug poster with a spot where contact info can be filled in.

The PMP might Inspect Take apart furniture Put infested items in sealed plastic bags or discard heavily infested items Use A vacuum Heat or steam Pesticides Much of bed bug detection and control relies on the residents, but once the PMP is involved he or she must inspect and find live bed bugs before treating. Potential damage to items must be considered when using any heat treatment. To be killed, a bed bug or egg must be exposed to 113ºF for one hour or 104ºF for 24 hours. Killing temperatures can be reached in a dryer on hot for one hour. The efficacy of treating a whole unit with heat has not been tested enough to be recommended and may be limited because bed bugs could leave the infested unit for an adjacent, cooler area. Properly applied, steam will kill bed bugs and eggs. “Dry steam” units (that produce minimal vapor) will help avoid moisture problems after the treatment. Steam has no lasting effect so the applicator must go over every inch of an infested item. Moving the nozzle at a rate of 1 foot every 10 to 15 seconds is recommended so that the killing temperature reaches deep within the item. Suggestion: Make sure the question of who is going to take apart and reassemble furniture is answered.

Only PMPs use sprays Sprays are not effective when used by homeowners for bed bug control Sprays cause the bugs to scatter Problem becomes harder to deal with Sprays should not have to be used by the PMP for cockroaches and rodents, but since there are few other options for bed bug management, sprays may need to be used. “Do It Yourself” sprays may be repellent, causing bed bugs to move away from the treated area. Their use can spread the problem, making the bed bugs harder to deal with and MORE expensive for a professional to treat (because of a larger treatment area). PMPs have the expertise and products to treat bed bugs. Residents should focus their efforts on nonchemical control practices. Sprays should not be used in the units occupied by people with chemical sensitivities, or in adjacent or neighboring units, common areas (such as the halls, lobby, laundry room, elevator, or stairs), or along paths of travel. Infants and children, the elderly, and pregnant women are at greater risk for adverse health effects associated with exposure to pesticides and thus it makes sense to use reduced risk practices, follow label instructions, and practice prevention-based approaches that reduce reliance on chemical control measures. 39

A review of what you should do
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training A review of what you should do Report the problem Encase the mattress and box spring Prevent spreading the bed bugs to other places Follow the PMP's instructions 40

Management's role Find out the PMP’s requirements for unit prep and plan ahead! Example: Who takes apart and reassembles furniture? Have the professional inspect and treat units adjacent to the infested one. Communicate the situations/populations in units to the professional (respiratory problems, chemical sensitivities, pregnant women, the elderly, or children present). A team effort is necessary for the control of bed bugs. The next four slides summarize the roles and responsibilities of the team members. Everyone should act in a timely manner.

The PMP's role ALWAYS thoroughly inspects the unit and the adjacent walls. Provides preparation and follow-up instructions in multiple languages. Follows the label—especially when treating mattresses! Returns in three weeks to look for and treat hatched nymphs.

The resident's role Inspect regularly Launder bedding regularly Report bed bug sightings immediately and seek help from staff Use plastic bags when transporting infested items Don’t bring home furniture found on the street Follow preparation instructions from the PMP

Questions? 44

Cockroaches This presentation deals with controlling cockroaches.

Outline Also known as… roaches cucarachas What they are What they eat Where they live How to think like a cockroach Prevention and control Here is an outline of this presentation. 46

Cockroaches are health hazards
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Cockroaches are health hazards Cockroaches and their frass Make asthma worse in sensitive people Cause asthma in preschool-aged children Cause or aggravate allergies Contaminate food, dishes, and counters Are unwelcome in places where we work and play The research on the asthma connections are based on the German cockroaches. Introduce the word “frass,” which is the poop produced by insects. Cockroaches communicate by smelling and tasting frass. For sensitive people with asthma, eight units of cockroach allergen per gram of dust can trigger a reaction. ONE female cockroach will produce 1500 units per day! One cockroach and its frass can be an asthma trigger. An IPM program should work to eliminate the cockroaches and clean up the frass. The repairs and measures taken to control one cockroach will benefit the building in more ways than just pest control. Help the trainees understand that the asthma connection comes from frass and body parts that the cockroaches leave behind. Getting rid of the infestation helps, but does not remove the remains. Cleaning using simple soap (not smelly cleaning agents) will remove the allergens, remove the cockroaches’ mode of communication, and allow residents and staff to see when new evidence shows up. Have the trainees think about all the areas where cockroach infestations could be health hazards: childcare facilities, recreation rooms, workplaces… Reference: National Academies Press, Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures. Executive Summary Institute of Medicine. ISBN See 47

What is a cockroach? An insect Lives in areas where humans provide food and water Active at night If you see cockroaches during the day, the infestation is serious Cockroaches are a good indicator of the need for improved sanitation in an area. Clear up confusion by stating that a “roach” and a “cockroach” refer to the same thing; they are not two different insects. 48

What is a cockroach? Multiple eggs in each egg case Many eggs means many nymphs (babies) Nymphs look like small versions of the adults Trainees don’t need to be experts on all pests, but they need to know the basic biology and behavior of pests in their buildings. Suggestion: avoid using the term “instars.” Nymph is the term used throughout the training. There is no need to explain complete versus incomplete metamorphosis. 49

Common cockroaches hot cool Four types of cockroaches found in public housing are of concern. German Cockroaches have the highest priority. Other kinds of cockroaches exist, but are not covered here because they are not found in large numbers in buildings. These non-pest kinds usually are carried into buildings by accident. Different kinds of cockroaches have different preferences for food and shelter. American cockroaches like hot environments; Oriental cockroaches like cool environments. Brown Banded cockroaches like to be “high and dry.” American and Oriental cockroaches are invaders. They typically enter the home seeking food or water but do not remain in large numbers. German (especially) and Brown Banded cockroaches are infesters. They take up residence in the home when adequate food, water, and harborage are found and their populations may grow exponentially. Trainees should be able to identify American, Oriental, German, and Brown Banded cockroaches. high & dry most common sewers & basements

German cockroach Medium size (3/4''), bronze, with “racing stripes” behind the head Found everywhere, but likes warmth, moisture, and darkness Reproduces quickly Mother carries eggs to term even if she is dead Eats almost anything There is a connection between German cockroach and asthma. German cockroaches live in the areas we live in. They like to be in our homes. They like warmth. They are more effective reproducers than the other cockroaches in a variety of ways. They are quicker to reproduce, the egg cases hold more cockroaches, and the eggs are more likely to survive because they are held inside the mother until one day before they hatch. If she dies, they will still hatch, so it is important to clean up dead cockroaches. 51

Brown banded cockroach
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Brown banded cockroach Small size (1/2'') with side-to-side stripes Found in warm and dry spots, often up high Lives in scattered locations, often behind pictures and appliances Emphasize “high and dry.” Note that destroying one egg case prevents 40 cockroaches from hatching and infesting.

American cockroach Oriental cockroach a.k.a. “palmetto bugs” or “water bugs” Large (1-1/2''); brown color Glides in the air Lives in sewers and basements Likes it hot a.k.a “water bugs” Large (1''); black color Lives in sewers, basements, and mulch Likes it cool American: Warm and wet. In a damp basement behind a water heater would be an ideal place to look for them. They are not as big a challenge as German cockroaches because their populations don’t grow as fast. Unlike German cockroaches, they will stick their eggs to objects near where the living conditions (for a cockroach) are good. Placing the egg case outside makes the eggs susceptible to environmental conditions that could kill them before they hatch. Oriental: These pests are less of a problem than German or American. They are large, flightless, and like it cooler. They tend to come inside when outside areas get dry and they need water. 53

One German cockroach, 1/2 a year… This growth curve is for a German cockroach. A population can get out of hand very quickly. Calculations are based on 40 eggs per case (20 male, 20 female), one month for eggs to develop, one month after hatching they can reproduce. Females develop one egg case a month. The graph assumes no death due to environmental factors and a 1:1 male to female ratio which are unrealistic, but the potential for population growth is a fact, with or without environmental influences. Use this graph and the asthma connection to make the argument that no number of cockroaches should be tolerated. One can become a lot very quickly. 54

Signs of cockroaches Live cockroaches Dead cockroaches and their parts Frass Egg cases IPM doesn’t only deal with the adults that are seen moving around. Cockroaches spend most of their time hiding. To know about cockroaches, trainees need to know all the evidence of their presence. They may only smell them or see frass. If a live cockroach is seen, it usually means that the nest was disturbed or that the infestation is severe. 11 55

Dead cockroaches Dead Left: Sticky trap with German cockroach adults and nymphs (mention that the sticky trap is a tool you will show them). The presence of so many nymphs on the trap indicates it may have been placed near a nest. It is important to note where traps are placed so that patterns like this can be seen and area can be treated accordingly. Right: Brown banded cockroaches that have been squished when the door closed. German cockroaches on a sticky trap Brown banded cockroaches by a door hinge

Frass Door Behind the wall clock Wall clock Frass along the top of a door, under a shelf, and on a wall where a clock was hung (note that when the clock was there the place looked clean…trainees have to know where to look to find signs). Suggestion: use the clock as a review of the kinds of cockroaches. The kind that infested behind the clock were Brown Banded (high and dry). Under a cabinet shelf

Where cockroaches live
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Where cockroaches live Anywhere in a building Prefer spots near water but also need food and warmth In cracks and crevices where their bodies touch surfaces above and below Trainees have to know where to look for cockroaches because they are most active at night and most will be hiding at any time. Cockroaches love appliances that have water associated with them. Suggestion: Have trainees reason that the kitchen is the most likely place (food and warmth from the stove, refrigerator, and under the sink); the bathroom is second because of water. Cockroaches can be found in other rooms as well. Inspection should be done in all rooms (even bedrooms, living rooms), especially when the infestation is bad. If cockroach signs are found in the unit, bait should be placed in all rooms. Take this opportunity to get the trainees to think like a pest and decide where they would want to live. 58

What cockroaches eat Crumbs Grease Trash Cardboard glue Just about anything Cockroaches will survive on most anything. One drop of grease will feed 20 cockroaches for a day…cleaning is important in cockroach control! Under the bag in a trash can 59

Where cockroaches drink
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Where cockroaches drink Sinks Counters Floors Pet bowls Shower stalls Sweaty pipes Refrigerator drip pans and gaskets AC units Cockroaches can live a month without food, but survive only a week without water…removing water sources is important!

IPM practice Cockroaches Need food and water. Are most active at night. Observations: Dog food and water left out. Dirty dishes are left in the sink to soak overnight. Trainees should now apply what they’ve learned. Trainees should suggest that cleaning and drying dishes nightly and picking up pet food at night will go a long way to control the pest at no cost to the PHA. This example shows how knowledge of the pest along with awareness of the environment and a simple change in practices can result in pest management. Suggestion: Discuss the use of the pan under the food and water dishes. This makes it easier to pick up spills from a sloppy eater and may restrict some pests from feeding. What’s the problem here? How would you fix it? 61

Got cockroaches? Now what?
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Got cockroaches? Now what? There is not just one answer. First find out: What kind? How many? Where? Then use solutions that provide: Most effective prevention and control Least risk to residents and staff IPM is tailored to each situation. Practitioners use specific information to make the best decisions about control. What kind of cockroach? It is useful to know which of the cockroach species is present, because the plan for control should match their life cycles and habits. How many? Is this just a beginning infestation, with only a few cockroaches, or a full blown, long-term infestation? The former situation can most likely be handled relatively easily, with fewest interventions. The latter will require everyone’s cooperation to the fullest. Investing time to inspect early will help put together an effective and efficient action plan. Where? Cockroach “hot spots” can be given most attention and may be the source of the whole population. Reference the macro-thinking brainstorm (boiler rooms, trash chutes, or a particularly infested unit). If the most infested units are identified and focused on, the building’s cockroach problem should be controlled. Identifying focus units through inspection should be one of the first steps in an IPM program. It is also important to record vulnerable or sensitive populations and situations: Small children, people with physical, cognitive, and/or environmental disabilities, elderly, pregnant women. Inhabited units will each require a specific plan. Vacant apartments allow more in-depth control to take place, but attempts should still be made to minimize the pesticide residues that might be left behind. 62

Inspect Using a flashlight, look for evidence where cockroaches would find food, water, or a hiding spot: up, down, behind, and under. Think like a cockroach – look in hidden areas. Trash chute Boiler room To inspect effectively, trainees must know to look in areas where cockroaches are living. They should look where cockroaches might hide for the previously discussed signs of cockroaches. A reporting system is crucial so the PMP will know where to apply pesticides (and where NOT to apply), the staff will be aware of units having sanitation issues, and all will know if any units are occupied by vulnerable or sensitive populations. If cockroaches are being reported in clean units, trainees should know to check the adjacent units because they may be generating a cockroach population. Children are often the best inspectors. If there are kids in an area, they should be asked if they have seen the target pest. They may know the source. _____ Reference: How to Control Pests Safely, pp. 2-3 63

Inspect Monitor by placing sticky traps near areas where cockroaches might travel—at corners and near warmth, food, and water. Cockroaches are active at night when people aren’t looking and they hide where people don’t usually look. Monitors help find cockroaches when and where people can’t. Show a sticky trap. A common way to monitor for cockroaches is to use sticky traps. Sticky mineral-based glue is put on paper. There is no pesticide. The paper is folded to keep out other pests out (and the curious cat). In this type, the paper is folded into a triangle. It has glue in small places on the outside to keep it in place. The key is to properly place the trap in a corner or near a water source. A few things to note about the pictures: The traps with cockroaches were in the kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen was worse. The other traps were in the bedroom. The small cockroaches (nymphs) in the lower left photo indicate that the trap was close to the nest. Cockroaches travel only 5 to 10 feet from the nest. Small ones travel less distance. The tongs in the background allow one to avoid touching the cockroaches on the traps. The cockroaches can survive for several weeks on the glue trap. Sticky traps are information-gathering tools. They alert to a growing infestation in common areas, such as trash chutes and trash storage areas. To see changes that indicate a growing population, the sticky traps must be checked and changed periodically. Suggest writing a date and specific location (e.g. Unit 315 Bathroom) on them when placing so that patterns and the time it took to catch the number of cockroaches will be known. The concept of an IPM log will be introduced in the IPM and Pesticide Use section, but take this opportunity to demonstrate how keeping records of trap counts could tell a lot about the problem. Traps that are covered, like the three on the left, above, should be put in a re-sealable bag and brought to the property manager or designated person who will assess the information. Hand out sticky traps and have trainees put them together. Ask trainees to brainstorm areas where sticky traps should be placed. Note that this will be practiced later.

Prevention and control: Sanitation
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Sanitation Good sanitation makes pest control work. Eliminate hiding spots, food, and water available at night by - cleaning the kitchen; - reducing clutter; - throwing away dead cockroaches; - cleaning frass and areas where there were cockroaches with simple soap and water. By “simple soap” we mean non-smelly cleaning products. It doesn’t take much to break the molecules that trigger asthma, but water alone won’t be effective. Strong chemicals will contaminate nearby baits (discussed later). It’s important to remove the frass, since that is the asthma trigger, but not reduce the efficacy of other control tools. Reference: for more information on appropriate cleaning products. 65

Prevention and control: Exclusion
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Exclusion Seal or fix cracks, peeled wallpaper and shelf liners, or holes that cockroaches could get through. Use silicone caulk; copper mesh; screens; or door sweeps on boiler rooms and exterior doors. The left picture shows a wallpapered wall in a bathroom that needs repair work. It’s harboring cockroaches. Making these types of repairs is good for the building and good for pest control. The photo on the right is a crack in the plaster that could be hiding cockroaches. Show and tell the exclusion tools listed, then encourage a discussion about caulk. Although most expensive, silicone caulk will provide the longest lasting control since it adheres to surfaces and holds through the inevitable slight shifting of buildings. Weatherstripping is not pest-proofing. Door sweeps are essential on doors leading to the outside. Young cockroaches want a crevice as thin as a dime. Adult males want a space the thickness of a quarter. Pregnant females want the most space of all to hide: two stacked nickels. All like to be squeezed. Reference: How to Control Pests Safely pp. 6-7 Reference: Bobby Corrigan’s Sealant vs. Caulk Comparison 66

Prevention and control: Baits
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Baits The most effective pesticide option. Won’t work if contaminated by strong- smelling cleaners or other chemicals, pesticide sprays or foggers, or nicotine from cigarette smoke. Use in every room. Baits are the most common and effective pesticide for cockroaches nationwide. Baits and gels rely on roaches wanting to eat them. If baits are contaminated with chemicals that the cockroaches recognize as poison, cockroaches will avoid them. This is often why residents say that baits “don’t work.” They won’t if the resident is also applying aerosol cockroach killers in the same room. Strong-smelling cleaners can have the same effect. Nicotine from smoking will also contaminate the bait. This is one reason why gloves should be worn when placing bait. When cleaning out cabinets before putting in bait stations, strong-smelling cleaners should not be used. Regular soap and water is effective and won’t ruin the bait’s effectiveness. The photos above are of two common methods of delivering baits. The photo on the right shows a bait station. The photo on the left shows the same pesticide in gel form. Small dots (about the size of a pea) of this gel are put into cracks, crevices, and corners where there is frass. It works the same as the bait station but more care must be used to keep it away from curious children. It should be used only in cracks and crevices to keep children from getting at it. When re-applying, old bait should be removed. It lasts about three months—less time than bait stations since it is more exposed to the air. When it dries out, the cockroaches will not be attracted to it. Note that bait storage is also a concern. If baits are stored with herbicides or cleaning products, they may become contaminated and ineffective. This holds true for rodent baits (which will be discussed later). Suggestion: Pass out bait station. Reference: See for more information on appropriate cleaning products. Gel Bait Bait Station 67

IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Baits The bait needs to be the only food in the area—sanitation first! Slow to kill: Cockroaches feed on the bait and take it back to their hiding spots where other cockroaches live. Cockroaches eat the pesticide, and go back to where they like to hide. They die slowly. Other cockroaches feed on the dying cockroach's frass and body and they get poisoned too. Some people don’t trust them because they do not see dead cockroaches. Reassure residents that baits take a little longer to kill cockroaches than conventional sprays or aerosols, but are effective. Sometimes the baits consist of insect growth regulators (IGRs). These products interfere with the cockroach’s ability to grow and reproduce. IGRs are slow acting but very effective. The see-through cover allows the user to see the pesticide in the bait station and tell if the cockroaches have been feeding. The pesticide is the white or brown material in the center. If the bait isn’t being eaten, trainees should first check for other food sources in the area (sanitation first!). If the cockroaches have not fed on the bait after a few days, they should place it in a different area. If that doesn’t work, try a different kind of bait. Bait stations are popular because there is very little risk of pesticide exposure and the container is tamper-resistant. It lasts about three to six months depending on conditions (including how many cockroaches are eating the bait). Sometimes cockroaches learn to avoid a type of bait. If cockroaches stop feeding on the bait, try a new type of bait. It is not a bad idea to rotate baits (choose a bait with a different active ingredient) every 6 months or year. _____ Reference: How to Control Pests Safely, pp Reference: Cincy Cockroach Study PMP’s gel bait applied under a drawer 68

Prevention and control: Insecticidal dusts
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Insecticidal dusts Active ingredients may be boric acid or diatomaceous earth How they kill cockroaches: Scratch their outer layers Dry them out Long-lasting if dry Insecticidal dusts will kill insects in one of two ways, depending on the active ingredient. Dusts that contain boric acid act as stomach poisons. The cockroach walks through the dust and ingests the poison when cleaning itself. Other dusts contain silica, which is like tiny shards of glass. It affects the cockroach's outer layer so that they can't retain enough water to stay alive. Insecticidal dusts can be put in the wall void before replacing the faceplates of electrical outlets. If using metal-tipped bulbs, care should be taken around electrical sockets. Suggestion: Avoid bias. Give trainees the facts about each product and let them discuss and draw conclusions for themselves.

IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Insecticidal dusts Effective if used correctly. Light dusting instead of piles. Use in walls before fixing them. Under and behind cabinets at turnover or when making large repairs…but clean first! Incorrect use of insecticidal dust If the dust can be seen, there’s too much or it’s in the wrong place. If there is a pile, the cockroach will avoid it. Have trainees think of a pile of snow versus a shoveled path. Which would they walk through? Because insecticidal dusts can become airborne easily, a respirator should be worn while applying them and ventilation systems should be turned off. As always, documentation is key. If an inspector finds a white powder in a unit, a record of what it is and where it was applied should be available so that a narcotics or Hazmat crew is not needed. Reference: How to Control Pests Safely page 10 70

Prevention and control: Insect growth regulators (IGRs)
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Insect growth regulators (IGRs) Interfere with cockroach growth and egg hatching In baits, sprays, aerosols, and powders Take a month to work Stay effective for a long time Compatible with other IPM methods; may enhance baits Before approving conventional sprays, PHAs should consider insect growth regulators. Communication between the PMP and the resident will also help the resident understand the service and address pesticide concerns, vulnerabilities, or sensitivities. The goal is to have everyone understand why conventional pesticide sprays are not to be used. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) may be sprayed in cracks and crevices by PMPs using a spray application by a PMP. The PMP may explain, “I am applying a pesticide that makes it so that the cockroaches can’t grow up properly. It’s called an insect growth regulator and it is a pesticide that poses less risk to you and your family than the sprays you may have seen before. Don’t expect to see dead cockroaches right away. IGRs take a few weeks to work.” IGRs can be a good choice when transitioning to an IPM program. IGRs help prevent reinfestation. They prevent cockroaches from maturing, so they cannot reproduce. IGRs are slow-acting (it will take at least two weeks to see a change), but they are a good option when used with bait and dusts. Most stay active for 90 days. Using IGRs for German cockroaches may promote cockroaches feeding more heavily on bait until they die. PMPs should not spray them directly over the bait.

A review of IPM tools Sanitation Exclusion Pesticides: Bait Insecticidal dusts IGRs Suggestion: Have the trainees brainstorm specific tools and which category they belong to. Plastic bags, chip clips, vinegar, soap, sponge, towel, dish drying rack, vinegar, pipe insulation, and gloves are all potential suggestions. 72

Don’t use over-the-counter sprays and foggers
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Don’t use over-the-counter sprays and foggers Over-the-counter sprays and foggers are not part of IPM in multifamily housing They are not compatible with baits There are more effective products than over the counter sprays and foggers that pose less risk and get at the source of the pest problem. Sprays—whether in a pump-up sprayer or pressurized can—deliver pesticides to kill cockroaches. In general, these pesticides repel the cockroaches or kill them on contact. Some items to note: Repelling cockroaches may only chase cockroaches to another unit. Furthermore, it is difficult to reach cockroaches with sprays. As a result, the sprays do not usually get the nest of cockroaches and have limited duration. The quick—and sometimes—visible kill does not last. The sprays may contaminate the baits, rendering them useless. If the bait is contaminated, the cockroach will not go in the bait station to feed. The sprays may result in exposure to people in and around the sprays. Given the effectiveness of baits, this exposure may be unnecessary. Generally PMPs should not be using sprays to kill cockroaches even though many still rely on it—partly because they think the customer expects to see it. There is no need to broadcast spray for cockroaches if IPM is being used. If sprays must be used as a spot treatment in specific areas, premixed are less risky to use than concentrates that must be diluted. Errors in measurement or dilution are avoided and the chance of spills and accidental exposure is reduced. Premixes are available in gallon containers that often include trigger sprayers or may be poured into pressure sprayers. These sprays may be applied only by licensed PMPs. 73

Questions? After questions are answered or written in the parking lot, give trainees a break. To keep the day running smoothly, tell them how long the break is and exactly what time they should be back to the training space. 74

Cockroaches This presentation deals with controlling cockroaches.

Outline Also known as… roaches cucarachas What they are What they eat Where they live How to think like a cockroach Prevention and control Here is an outline of this presentation. 76

Cockroaches are health hazards
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Cockroaches are health hazards Cockroaches and their frass Make asthma worse in sensitive people Cause asthma in preschool-aged children Cause or aggravate allergies Contaminate food, dishes, and counters Are unwelcome in places where we work and play The research on the asthma connections are based on the German cockroaches. Introduce the word “frass,” which is the poop produced by insects. Cockroaches communicate by smelling and tasting frass. For sensitive people with asthma, eight units of cockroach allergen per gram of dust can trigger a reaction. ONE female cockroach will produce 1500 units per day! One cockroach and its frass can be an asthma trigger. An IPM program should work to eliminate the cockroaches and clean up the frass. The repairs and measures taken to control one cockroach will benefit the building in more ways than just pest control. Help the trainees understand that the asthma connection comes from frass and body parts that the cockroaches leave behind. Getting rid of the infestation helps, but does not remove the remains. Cleaning using simple soap (not smelly cleaning agents) will remove the allergens, remove the cockroaches’ mode of communication, and allow residents and staff to see when new evidence shows up. Have the trainees think about all the areas where cockroach infestations could be health hazards: childcare facilities, recreation rooms, workplaces… Reference: National Academies Press, Clearing the Air: Asthma and Indoor Air Exposures. Executive Summary Institute of Medicine. ISBN See 77

What is a cockroach? An insect Lives in areas where humans provide food and water Active at night If you see cockroaches during the day, the infestation is serious Cockroaches are a good indicator of the need for improved sanitation in an area. Clear up confusion by stating that a “roach” and a “cockroach” refer to the same thing; they are not two different insects. 78

What is a cockroach? Multiple eggs in each egg case Many eggs means many nymphs (babies) Nymphs look like small versions of the adults Trainees don’t need to be experts on all pests, but they need to know the basic biology and behavior of pests in their buildings. Suggestion: avoid using the term “instars.” Nymph is the term used throughout the training. There is no need to explain complete versus incomplete metamorphosis. 79

Common cockroaches hot cool Four types of cockroaches found in public housing are of concern. German Cockroaches have the highest priority. Other kinds of cockroaches exist, but are not covered here because they are not found in large numbers in buildings. These non-pest kinds usually are carried into buildings by accident. Different kinds of cockroaches have different preferences for food and shelter. American cockroaches like hot environments; Oriental cockroaches like cool environments. Brown Banded cockroaches like to be “high and dry.” American and Oriental cockroaches are invaders. They typically enter the home seeking food or water but do not remain in large numbers. German (especially) and Brown Banded cockroaches are infesters. They take up residence in the home when adequate food, water, and harborage are found and their populations may grow exponentially. Trainees should be able to identify American, Oriental, German, and Brown Banded cockroaches. high & dry most common sewers & basements

German cockroach Medium size (3/4''), bronze, with “racing stripes” behind the head Found everywhere, but likes warmth, moisture, and darkness Reproduces quickly Mother carries eggs to term even if she is dead Eats almost anything There is a connection between German cockroach and asthma. German cockroaches live in the areas we live in. They like to be in our homes. They like warmth. They are more effective reproducers than the other cockroaches in a variety of ways. They are quicker to reproduce, the egg cases hold more cockroaches, and the eggs are more likely to survive because they are held inside the mother until one day before they hatch. If she dies, they will still hatch, so it is important to clean up dead cockroaches. 81

Brown banded cockroach
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Brown banded cockroach Small size (1/2'') with side-to-side stripes Found in warm and dry spots, often up high Lives in scattered locations, often behind pictures and appliances Emphasize “high and dry.” Note that destroying one egg case prevents 40 cockroaches from hatching and infesting.

American cockroach Oriental cockroach a.k.a. “palmetto bugs” or “water bugs” Large (1-1/2''); brown color Glides in the air Lives in sewers and basements Likes it hot a.k.a “water bugs” Large (1''); black color Lives in sewers, basements, and mulch Likes it cool American: Warm and wet. In a damp basement behind a water heater would be an ideal place to look for them. They are not as big a challenge as German cockroaches because their populations don’t grow as fast. Unlike German cockroaches, they will stick their eggs to objects near where the living conditions (for a cockroach) are good. Placing the egg case outside makes the eggs susceptible to environmental conditions that could kill them before they hatch. Oriental: These pests are less of a problem than German or American. They are large, flightless, and like it cooler. They tend to come inside when outside areas get dry and they need water. 83

One German cockroach, 1/2 a year… This growth curve is for a German cockroach. A population can get out of hand very quickly. Calculations are based on 40 eggs per case (20 male, 20 female), one month for eggs to develop, one month after hatching they can reproduce. Females develop one egg case a month. The graph assumes no death due to environmental factors and a 1:1 male to female ratio which are unrealistic, but the potential for population growth is a fact, with or without environmental influences. Use this graph and the asthma connection to make the argument that no number of cockroaches should be tolerated. One can become a lot very quickly. 84

Signs of cockroaches Live cockroaches Dead cockroaches and their parts Frass Egg cases IPM doesn’t only deal with the adults that are seen moving around. Cockroaches spend most of their time hiding. To know about cockroaches, trainees need to know all the evidence of their presence. They may only smell them or see frass. If a live cockroach is seen, it usually means that the nest was disturbed or that the infestation is severe. 11 85

Dead cockroaches Dead Left: Sticky trap with German cockroach adults and nymphs (mention that the sticky trap is a tool you will show them). The presence of so many nymphs on the trap indicates it may have been placed near a nest. It is important to note where traps are placed so that patterns like this can be seen and area can be treated accordingly. Right: Brown banded cockroaches that have been squished when the door closed. German cockroaches on a sticky trap Brown banded cockroaches by a door hinge

Frass Door Behind the wall clock Wall clock Frass along the top of a door, under a shelf, and on a wall where a clock was hung (note that when the clock was there the place looked clean…trainees have to know where to look to find signs). Suggestion: use the clock as a review of the kinds of cockroaches. The kind that infested behind the clock were Brown Banded (high and dry). Under a cabinet shelf

Where cockroaches live
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Where cockroaches live Anywhere in a building Prefer spots near water but also need food and warmth In cracks and crevices where their bodies touch surfaces above and below Trainees have to know where to look for cockroaches because they are most active at night and most will be hiding at any time. Cockroaches love appliances that have water associated with them. Suggestion: Have trainees reason that the kitchen is the most likely place (food and warmth from the stove, refrigerator, and under the sink); the bathroom is second because of water. Cockroaches can be found in other rooms as well. Inspection should be done in all rooms (even bedrooms, living rooms), especially when the infestation is bad. If cockroach signs are found in the unit, bait should be placed in all rooms. Take this opportunity to get the trainees to think like a pest and decide where they would want to live. 88

What cockroaches eat Crumbs Grease Trash Cardboard glue Just about anything Cockroaches will survive on most anything. One drop of grease will feed 20 cockroaches for a day…cleaning is important in cockroach control! Under the bag in a trash can 89

Where cockroaches drink
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Where cockroaches drink Sinks Counters Floors Pet bowls Shower stalls Sweaty pipes Refrigerator drip pans and gaskets AC units Cockroaches can live a month without food, but survive only a week without water…removing water sources is important!

IPM practice Cockroaches Need food and water. Are most active at night. Observations: Dog food and water left out. Dirty dishes are left in the sink to soak overnight. Trainees should now apply what they’ve learned. Trainees should suggest that cleaning and drying dishes nightly and picking up pet food at night will go a long way to control the pest at no cost to the PHA. This example shows how knowledge of the pest along with awareness of the environment and a simple change in practices can result in pest management. Suggestion: Discuss the use of the pan under the food and water dishes. This makes it easier to pick up spills from a sloppy eater and may restrict some pests from feeding. What’s the problem here? How would you fix it? 91

Got cockroaches? Now what?
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Got cockroaches? Now what? There is not just one answer. First find out: What kind? How many? Where? Then use solutions that provide: Most effective prevention and control Least risk to residents and staff IPM is tailored to each situation. Practitioners use specific information to make the best decisions about control. What kind of cockroach? It is useful to know which of the cockroach species is present, because the plan for control should match their life cycles and habits. How many? Is this just a beginning infestation, with only a few cockroaches, or a full blown, long-term infestation? The former situation can most likely be handled relatively easily, with fewest interventions. The latter will require everyone’s cooperation to the fullest. Investing time to inspect early will help put together an effective and efficient action plan. Where? Cockroach “hot spots” can be given most attention and may be the source of the whole population. Reference the macro-thinking brainstorm (boiler rooms, trash chutes, or a particularly infested unit). If the most infested units are identified and focused on, the building’s cockroach problem should be controlled. Identifying focus units through inspection should be one of the first steps in an IPM program. It is also important to record vulnerable or sensitive populations and situations: Small children, people with physical, cognitive, and/or environmental disabilities, elderly, pregnant women. Inhabited units will each require a specific plan. Vacant apartments allow more in-depth control to take place, but attempts should still be made to minimize the pesticide residues that might be left behind. 92

Inspect Using a flashlight, look for evidence where cockroaches would find food, water, or a hiding spot: up, down, behind, and under. Think like a cockroach – look in hidden areas. Trash chute Boiler room To inspect effectively, trainees must know to look in areas where cockroaches are living. They should look where cockroaches might hide for the previously discussed signs of cockroaches. A reporting system is crucial so the PMP will know where to apply pesticides (and where NOT to apply), the staff will be aware of units having sanitation issues, and all will know if any units are occupied by vulnerable or sensitive populations. If cockroaches are being reported in clean units, trainees should know to check the adjacent units because they may be generating a cockroach population. Children are often the best inspectors. If there are kids in an area, they should be asked if they have seen the target pest. They may know the source. _____ Reference: How to Control Pests Safely, pp. 2-3 93

Inspect Monitor by placing sticky traps near areas where cockroaches might travel—at corners and near warmth, food, and water. Cockroaches are active at night when people aren’t looking and they hide where people don’t usually look. Monitors help find cockroaches when and where people can’t. Show a sticky trap. A common way to monitor for cockroaches is to use sticky traps. Sticky mineral-based glue is put on paper. There is no pesticide. The paper is folded to keep out other pests out (and the curious cat). In this type, the paper is folded into a triangle. It has glue in small places on the outside to keep it in place. The key is to properly place the trap in a corner or near a water source. A few things to note about the pictures: The traps with cockroaches were in the kitchen and bathroom. The kitchen was worse. The other traps were in the bedroom. The small cockroaches (nymphs) in the lower left photo indicate that the trap was close to the nest. Cockroaches travel only 5 to 10 feet from the nest. Small ones travel less distance. The tongs in the background allow one to avoid touching the cockroaches on the traps. The cockroaches can survive for several weeks on the glue trap. Sticky traps are information-gathering tools. They alert to a growing infestation in common areas, such as trash chutes and trash storage areas. To see changes that indicate a growing population, the sticky traps must be checked and changed periodically. Suggest writing a date and specific location (e.g. Unit 315 Bathroom) on them when placing so that patterns and the time it took to catch the number of cockroaches will be known. The concept of an IPM log will be introduced in the IPM and Pesticide Use section, but take this opportunity to demonstrate how keeping records of trap counts could tell a lot about the problem. Traps that are covered, like the three on the left, above, should be put in a re-sealable bag and brought to the property manager or designated person who will assess the information. Hand out sticky traps and have trainees put them together. Ask trainees to brainstorm areas where sticky traps should be placed. Note that this will be practiced later.

Prevention and control: Sanitation
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Sanitation Good sanitation makes pest control work. Eliminate hiding spots, food, and water available at night by - cleaning the kitchen; - reducing clutter; - throwing away dead cockroaches; - cleaning frass and areas where there were cockroaches with simple soap and water. By “simple soap” we mean non-smelly cleaning products. It doesn’t take much to break the molecules that trigger asthma, but water alone won’t be effective. Strong chemicals will contaminate nearby baits (discussed later). It’s important to remove the frass, since that is the asthma trigger, but not reduce the efficacy of other control tools. Reference: for more information on appropriate cleaning products. 95

Prevention and control: Exclusion
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Exclusion Seal or fix cracks, peeled wallpaper and shelf liners, or holes that cockroaches could get through. Use silicone caulk; copper mesh; screens; or door sweeps on boiler rooms and exterior doors. The left picture shows a wallpapered wall in a bathroom that needs repair work. It’s harboring cockroaches. Making these types of repairs is good for the building and good for pest control. The photo on the right is a crack in the plaster that could be hiding cockroaches. Show and tell the exclusion tools listed, then encourage a discussion about caulk. Although most expensive, silicone caulk will provide the longest lasting control since it adheres to surfaces and holds through the inevitable slight shifting of buildings. Weatherstripping is not pest-proofing. Door sweeps are essential on doors leading to the outside. Young cockroaches want a crevice as thin as a dime. Adult males want a space the thickness of a quarter. Pregnant females want the most space of all to hide: two stacked nickels. All like to be squeezed. Reference: How to Control Pests Safely pp. 6-7 Reference: Bobby Corrigan’s Sealant vs. Caulk Comparison 96

IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Baits The most effective pesticide option. Won’t work if contaminated by strong- smelling cleaners or other chemicals, pesticide sprays or foggers, or nicotine from cigarette smoke. Use in every room. Baits are the most common and effective pesticide for cockroaches nationwide. Baits and gels rely on roaches wanting to eat them. If baits are contaminated with chemicals that the cockroaches recognize as poison, cockroaches will avoid them. This is often why residents say that baits “don’t work.” They won’t if the resident is also applying aerosol cockroach killers in the same room. Strong-smelling cleaners can have the same effect. Nicotine from smoking will also contaminate the bait. This is one reason why gloves should be worn when placing bait. When cleaning out cabinets before putting in bait stations, strong-smelling cleaners should not be used. Regular soap and water is effective and won’t ruin the bait’s effectiveness. The photos above are of two common methods of delivering baits. The photo on the right shows a bait station. The photo on the left shows the same pesticide in gel form. Small dots (about the size of a pea) of this gel are put into cracks, crevices, and corners where there is frass. It works the same as the bait station but more care must be used to keep it away from curious children. It should be used only in cracks and crevices to keep children from getting at it. When re-applying, old bait should be removed. It lasts about three months—less time than bait stations since it is more exposed to the air. When it dries out, the cockroaches will not be attracted to it. Note that bait storage is also a concern. If baits are stored with herbicides or cleaning products, they may become contaminated and ineffective. This holds true for rodent baits (which will be discussed later). Suggestion: Pass out bait station. Reference: See for more information on appropriate cleaning products. Gel Bait Bait Station 97

IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Baits The bait needs to be the only food in the area—sanitation first! Slow to kill: Cockroaches feed on the bait and take it back to their hiding spots where other cockroaches live. Cockroaches eat the pesticide, and go back to where they like to hide. They die slowly. Other cockroaches feed on the dying cockroach's frass and body and they get poisoned too. Some people don’t trust them because they do not see dead cockroaches. Reassure residents that baits take a little longer to kill cockroaches than conventional sprays or aerosols, but are effective. Sometimes the baits consist of insect growth regulators (IGRs). These products interfere with the cockroach’s ability to grow and reproduce. IGRs are slow acting but very effective. The see-through cover allows the user to see the pesticide in the bait station and tell if the cockroaches have been feeding. The pesticide is the white or brown material in the center. If the bait isn’t being eaten, trainees should first check for other food sources in the area (sanitation first!). If the cockroaches have not fed on the bait after a few days, they should place it in a different area. If that doesn’t work, try a different kind of bait. Bait stations are popular because there is very little risk of pesticide exposure and the container is tamper-resistant. It lasts about three to six months depending on conditions (including how many cockroaches are eating the bait). Sometimes cockroaches learn to avoid a type of bait. If cockroaches stop feeding on the bait, try a new type of bait. It is not a bad idea to rotate baits (choose a bait with a different active ingredient) every 6 months or year. _____ Reference: How to Control Pests Safely, pp Reference: Cincy Cockroach Study PMP’s gel bait applied under a drawer 98

IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Insecticidal dusts Active ingredients may be boric acid or diatomaceous earth How they kill cockroaches: Scratch their outer layers Dry them out Long-lasting if dry Insecticidal dusts will kill insects in one of two ways, depending on the active ingredient. Dusts that contain boric acid act as stomach poisons. The cockroach walks through the dust and ingests the poison when cleaning itself. Other dusts contain silica, which is like tiny shards of glass. It affects the cockroach's outer layer so that they can't retain enough water to stay alive. Insecticidal dusts can be put in the wall void before replacing the faceplates of electrical outlets. If using metal-tipped bulbs, care should be taken around electrical sockets. Suggestion: Avoid bias. Give trainees the facts about each product and let them discuss and draw conclusions for themselves.

IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Insecticidal dusts Effective if used correctly. Light dusting instead of piles. Use in walls before fixing them. Under and behind cabinets at turnover or when making large repairs…but clean first! Incorrect use of insecticidal dust If the dust can be seen, there’s too much or it’s in the wrong place. If there is a pile, the cockroach will avoid it. Have trainees think of a pile of snow versus a shoveled path. Which would they walk through? Because insecticidal dusts can become airborne easily, a respirator should be worn while applying them and ventilation systems should be turned off. As always, documentation is key. If an inspector finds a white powder in a unit, a record of what it is and where it was applied should be available so that a narcotics or Hazmat crew is not needed. Reference: How to Control Pests Safely page 10 100

Prevention and control: Insect growth regulators (IGRs)
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Prevention and control: Insect growth regulators (IGRs) Interfere with cockroach growth and egg hatching In baits, sprays, aerosols, and powders Take a month to work Stay effective for a long time Compatible with other IPM methods; may enhance baits Before approving conventional sprays, PHAs should consider insect growth regulators. Communication between the PMP and the resident will also help the resident understand the service and address pesticide concerns, vulnerabilities, or sensitivities. The goal is to have everyone understand why conventional pesticide sprays are not to be used. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) may be sprayed in cracks and crevices by PMPs using a spray application by a PMP. The PMP may explain, “I am applying a pesticide that makes it so that the cockroaches can’t grow up properly. It’s called an insect growth regulator and it is a pesticide that poses less risk to you and your family than the sprays you may have seen before. Don’t expect to see dead cockroaches right away. IGRs take a few weeks to work.” IGRs can be a good choice when transitioning to an IPM program. IGRs help prevent reinfestation. They prevent cockroaches from maturing, so they cannot reproduce. IGRs are slow-acting (it will take at least two weeks to see a change), but they are a good option when used with bait and dusts. Most stay active for 90 days. Using IGRs for German cockroaches may promote cockroaches feeding more heavily on bait until they die. PMPs should not spray them directly over the bait.

A review of IPM tools Sanitation Exclusion Pesticides: Bait Insecticidal dusts IGRs Suggestion: Have the trainees brainstorm specific tools and which category they belong to. Plastic bags, chip clips, vinegar, soap, sponge, towel, dish drying rack, vinegar, pipe insulation, and gloves are all potential suggestions. 102

Don’t use over-the-counter sprays and foggers
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Don’t use over-the-counter sprays and foggers Over-the-counter sprays and foggers are not part of IPM in multifamily housing They are not compatible with baits There are more effective products than over the counter sprays and foggers that pose less risk and get at the source of the pest problem. Sprays—whether in a pump-up sprayer or pressurized can—deliver pesticides to kill cockroaches. In general, these pesticides repel the cockroaches or kill them on contact. Some items to note: Repelling cockroaches may only chase cockroaches to another unit. Furthermore, it is difficult to reach cockroaches with sprays. As a result, the sprays do not usually get the nest of cockroaches and have limited duration. The quick—and sometimes—visible kill does not last. The sprays may contaminate the baits, rendering them useless. If the bait is contaminated, the cockroach will not go in the bait station to feed. The sprays may result in exposure to people in and around the sprays. Given the effectiveness of baits, this exposure may be unnecessary. Generally PMPs should not be using sprays to kill cockroaches even though many still rely on it—partly because they think the customer expects to see it. There is no need to broadcast spray for cockroaches if IPM is being used. If sprays must be used as a spot treatment in specific areas, premixed are less risky to use than concentrates that must be diluted. Errors in measurement or dilution are avoided and the chance of spills and accidental exposure is reduced. Premixes are available in gallon containers that often include trigger sprayers or may be poured into pressure sprayers. These sprays may be applied only by licensed PMPs. 103

Questions? After questions are answered or written in the parking lot, give trainees a break. To keep the day running smoothly, tell them how long the break is and exactly what time they should be back to the training space. 104

IPM and Pesticide Use This presentation describes IPM and pesticide use.

Outline HUD’s guidance on IPM IPM in practice Pesticides This an outline of the presentation. 106

Making homes healthy IPM is part of a nationwide Healthy Homes movement to reduce housing-based health hazards. A healthy home is: Dry Clean Ventilated Safe Contaminant-free Maintained Pest-free Give the larger context of IPM: It is part of the Healthy Homes movement. Protecting and maintaining a building for pest control will help make a building healthy to live and work in.

HUD’s voluntary guidance on integrated pest management
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training HUD’s voluntary guidance on integrated pest management PIH guidance since 2006 (PIH (HA)) “Offers the potential efficacy of pest elimination while protecting the health of residents and staff.” “Will extend the useful life of property and, thereby, generate significant savings that offset costs of the pest control operations.” “Effective in preventing moisture intrusion and accumulation.” In the reference section of your manual. On February 3, 2006, HUD issued voluntary guidance on integrated pest management. It revised the document on May 27, In 2009, it renewed the policy without revision. The revised document is included in the course materials and will be discussed over the lunch break. These three quotes are from that document. Suggestion: Point trainees to their copy in the binder. 108

Federal housing must comply with local housing codes
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Federal housing must comply with local housing codes Typical local housing code All structures shall be kept free from insect and rodent infestation. All structures in which insects or rodents are found shall be promptly managed by approved processes that will not be injurious to human health. Proper precautions shall be taken to prevent re-infestation. The community may have a local housing or sanitation code that addresses pest management. These codes typically apply to public housing. The code that is the most stringent must be met. Suggestion: Customize the training by obtaining copies of local housing codes. 109

IPM in practice: Documentation is key
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training IPM in practice: Documentation is key One IPM log in each building. Record: date detailed observations action taken Make sure action is taken promptly. An IPM log is one of the most essential pest control tools. Collecting and sharing facts is important to everyone on the IPM team. Recordkeeping in ONE building log or online system will help make sure everyone’s observations are noted and followed up on. Having all observations in one place helps identify trends and “focus units.” A focus unit has the highest level of infestation in an area (based on sticky trap counts).

IPM in practice: An IPM log
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training IPM in practice: An IPM log Problem Solution Date What’s seen? Initials What’s done? 4/4/08 Door sweep broken AAT 4/7/08 New door sweep installed CAP Reviewing the IPM log will reveal patterns. It will also show the PMP the nature and location of problems so that he or she can respond. The log is the place to track improving sanitation, fixing a water leak, caulking a crack, placing bait, or applying a least risky pesticide. IPM-related information collected during HUD inspections should be transferred to the IPM log. Examples of log entries: where traps and bait stations are placed; notes about resident cooperation to be followed up on by resident services; notes about needed repairs (work orders will need to be filed too) that will be followed up on by maintenance staff. A log book helps communication between maintenance staff and the PMP, as well as between maintenance workers at shift changes. One system for all members of the PHA community will avoid confusion and having all information in one place will make it easier to identify patterns and get to the source of the problem.

At first more work, but then less
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training At first more work, but then less Starting an IPM program may mean more work because of education, repairs, and monitoring. Expect to see increased work orders as pests and pest-friendly conditions that were previously overlooked are reported. THEN…you will get fewer complaints, have fewer pests, and be providing a better place to live. The Boston Housing Authority states that at the beginning of their IPM program a lot of work was requested because unreported problems were finally reported. As the repairs were made and pests were controlled, there were fewer work orders than before the IPM program. IPM is not something that can work when implemented half-heartedly. 112

Another view Invest time and materials for repair and education. Protect through exclusion, sanitation, and careful product choice based on least risk to human health and the environment and compatibility with other management practices. Maintain with monitoring, communication, and documentation so that infestations do not grow. The PHA will have to invest time and money to get caught up on repairs, but these repairs are essential to pest control and protecting the building from the damaging effects of moisture. Once fixed, the building must be maintained. Pest management will be an everyday event because preventative measures will be taken so that pest levels stay very low. 113

Pesticides Why do people tolerate exposure to pests and pesticides? They are used to living with problems Low standards for pest control and maintenance Other priorities Not aware of the problems Cannot envision a better way There is a better way to manage pests than just using conventional pesticides. Suggestion: Ask the trainees why they think people tolerate pests. 114

Routine spraying of pesticides is not the only option
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Routine spraying of pesticides is not the only option We’ve learned a better way. Refer back to the discussion at the beginning of the day about previous practices and their effectiveness. Avoid disparaging pesticides. Put them in context. Pest management using only routine spraying of pesticides is akin to farming cockroaches. The building supplies food, water, and shelter for cockroaches to thrive in, and once a month some are harvested (killed by pesticides). As long as food, water, and shelter are present, the cockroaches will be there too. Pesticides work to kill most of the time, but they do not solve the ongoing problem and may pose unnecessary risk. Routine baseboard spraying is not part of IPM. 115

Concerns with pesticides
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Concerns with pesticides Pests can become tolerant of or avoid pesticides. Risk from exposure may outweigh the benefit of killing pests. Possible harm to pets and wildlife. Certain populations may be especially vulnerable or sensitive to some pesticides: Elderly; children; pregnant women People with breathing or lung disorders such as asthma People with multiple chemical sensitivities Some of the trainees may have experience with resistance (pests don’t die) or aversion (pests avoid baits). Property managers and maintenance crews must identify residents who are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure. Some residents may not be able to tolerate the presence of chemicals, such as gel baits, in their units, or they may feel that admitting a PMP to their unit may expose them to the pesticides present on the PMP’s clothing. Special attention must be given to people with chemical sensitivities so that they receive pest management services that meet their needs. Conventional pesticides should not be used in the units occupied by people with chemical sensitivities, or in adjacent or neighboring units, or in common areas such as the halls, lobbies, laundry rooms, elevators, or stairs, or along paths of travel for disability access. (Under the Fair Housing Act, multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) can constitute a handicap. MCS refers to a condition that causes a person to have severe hypersensitive reactions to a number of different common substances including pesticides and solvents.) People with chemical sensitivities are frequently very knowledgeable about least risky pest control practices and may be helpful in assisting and educating other tenants in achieving the IPM goals. The elderly, pregnant women, and families with children are at greater risk for adverse health effects associated with exposure to pesticides. For these reasons it makes sense to use reduced risk practices, to follow label instructions, and to practice prevention-based approaches that reduce reliance on chemical control measures. Working with these residents is an important part of the property manager’s responsibilities. 116

How to handle illegal and risky pesticides
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training How to handle illegal and risky pesticides Unlabeled Mothballs Chinese Chalk Tres Pasitos Products without a pesticide label are illegal. Examples of illegal pesticides are pictured. The three pictures on the left are of unlabeled packages of mothballs. The fourth photo is Chinese Chalk. People illegally use this unregistered pesticide to kill cockroaches. But the “chalk” could seriously harm people, especially children and pets. The fifth photo is Tres Pasitos—“three little steps” in Spanish. The phrase refers to the number of steps mice take before they die. Insecticide “chalk” (a.k.a. Miraculous or Chinese Chalk) and Tres Pasitos are two common illegal pesticides sold by street vendors or at ethnic markets. Pesticides are illegal when they are not registered by the EPA or the state within which they are used or they are used against the label. Illegal pesticides should not be purchased or used. Illegal pesticides may be stronger than ones that are legal for residential use. People may be tempted to purchase and use illegal pesticides because they are fast-acting. These products are illegal and harmful to people and pets. In Boston, there has been success with pesticide buy-backs where residents are paid for the pesticides they have in their home. Educate residents on the dangers of using illegal pesticides. For example, pesticides that look like candy are risky. Report illegal sales to the EPA or to the state pesticide licensing agency.

Total release foggers (there’s a reason they’re called bombs!)
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Total release foggers (there’s a reason they’re called bombs!) San Diego, CA, July 1992 Augusta, GA, March 2008 Washington, DC, August 2008 The photos above show houses and apartments destroyed by “bug bombs” used incorrectly. Foggers, officially called “total release foggers” (TRF), release a very fine mist of pesticides into the air from pressurized cans. The mist penetrates deeper than a liquid spray. They pose the same risk of exposure as sprays. In the hands of a consumer they are prone to dangerous misuse. The propellant (isobutane or isopropane) that spreads the insecticide through the air is flammable and can create an explosion. Foggers will cover all surfaces, regardless of whether they need pesticide. Foggers may also affect pets. 118

Pesticide risk by application method
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Pesticide risk by application method Less risk of exposure More risk of exposure Tamper- resistant station Gel bait in a crevice Total release fogger Risk of exposure is the risk of coming in contact with a pesticide. Note that touching a pesticide that can be seen is not the only way to be exposed to pesticides. Get trainees to think about pesticides getting into the air and remaining on surfaces even when they can’t be seen or smelled. Another risk to consider is that someone could misuse a pesticide by applying it incorrectly. Suggestion: Have trainees think of and place on the gradient one or two other application methods they have seen.

How to read a label Product name Active Ingredients Signal words: CAUTION = slightly toxic WARNING = moderately toxic DANGER = severe skin or eye irritation DANGER-POISON = highly toxic With an IPM program in place, almost all infestations can be managed with a pesticide that says, "CAUTION" on the label. The EPA takes great care to review the uses of pesticides to avoid impacts to people or the environment. But EPA assumes that people will follow the pesticide label. Read the label carefully! DANGER means that the pesticide product is highly toxic by at least one route of exposure. It may be corrosive, causing irreversible damage to the skin or eyes. Alternatively, it may be highly toxic if eaten, absorbed through the skin, or inhaled. If this is the case, then the word “POISON” must also be included in red letters on the front panel of the product label. Labels list locations where the chemical can be legally applied. Labels are the law. Labels tell you how the product must be used. The following unapproved or “off-label” uses are not only dangerous, they’re illegal: using higher (stronger) concentrations; using the pesticide in places not listed or against pests not listed; not using proper protective equipment; unapproved application techniques; or improper disposal. Pesticides (other than tamper resistant stations containing bait) should be applied only by a licensed PMP.

How to read a label Registration number: “EPA Reg. No.” Precautionary Statements Directions for: Use Storage Disposal Suggestion: With this slide up, have trainees complete the “How to Read a Label” exercise with those next to them. Do not add more questions than what is printed in front of them. Give adequate time for them to discuss with their neighbors. Make sure you give the answers.

Product use and emergencies National Pesticide Information Center Poison Control Center National Hotline NPIC can help answer questions when IPM teams are trying to choose compatible and effective treatments. The Poison Control Hotline should be used in emergencies. Labels also have emergency contact numbers on them.

Questions?

Roles and Responsibilities
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Roles and Responsibilities The goal of this session is to make team members aware of their roles in an IPM program and who they can contact for support. All points on the slides should be addressed. This module is drawn from HUD’s guidance on IPM. Each slide should be discussed by those present, or a representative from the PHA will speak, using the slide for his or her role as a prompt. Slide use will depend on who is present at the training and trainees’ willingness to engage in discussion.

The Property Manager is responsible for IPM
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training The Property Manager is responsible for IPM Hires a qualified pest management professional (PMP) who uses IPM and a contract that rewards success Follows HUD’s IPM Guidance (PIH (HA)) Develops and enforces policies and procedures based on PIH (HA) Manages the PMP Identifies problems, especially with housekeeping and sanitation Monitors and maintain facilities and grounds Because they manage the buildings and issue contracts, the ultimate responsibility for the IPM program rests with the property manager and PHA. You may also want to address the property manager’s policy on PMP visits. The request for proposal should specify IPM practices. 125

The Property Manager is responsible for IPM
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training The Property Manager is responsible for IPM Protects and assists vulnerable and sensitive populations Tracks complaints and program performance Delegates the solutions If unable to assist directly, contacts family member, resident support services, or social services agency Encourages a reporting system Notify staff and residents of upcoming PMP visits Facilitate the IPM log Provide pesticide use notification It is the property manager’s job to ensure communication among all parties and obtain buy-in where needed. 126

Pest Management Professional
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Pest Management Professional Qualifications to consider Green Shield, GreenPro, or Ecowise (in CA) Association membership: National Pest Management Association PMP certification: Associate Certified Entomologist (ACE) or Board Certified Entomologist (BCE) Follows contract to get paid Notifies PHA of upcoming visits Communicates with staff and residents Inspects and monitors for pests Identifies pests Recommends pest-proofing strategies Applies effective and compatible pesticides Documents everything: observations, pesticide usage, suggestions Follows-up quickly when needed If PHA maintenance staff perform the function previously referred to as “extermination,” their role is that of the PMP. The PMP must be licensed if required by the state. Other potential responsibilities, if included in the pest control contract Use the company’s vacuum to initially treat an infested unit. Seal cracks and crevices. Set out sticky traps. Stress the importance of communication as the foundation of IPM. Documentation leaves a paper trail of what needs to be done and who followed up and did it. (E.g. If the PMP noted that the unit was not prepared because the resident is elderly, social services may need to get involved to do the physical prep work.) People may be used to seeing the PMP come and spray. They may feel that no pest control has occurred if there is not some spraying. How does unit preparation get done? Will the PMP always be accompanied by staff? Could a resident who has been trained in IPM accompany the PMP to assist in communicating with the resident? Reference: model RFP available at 127

Maintenance Staff Seal cracks Fix leaks Eliminate moisture problems Install barriers to pest entry and movement Monitor common areas for pests Report observations, problems, and actions Possibly assist with unit preparation Maintenance staff have a crucial role in facilitating IPM and maintaining a healthy building. Maintenance staff need to work closely with the PMP to respond to maintenance problems documented in the IPM log. They also need to get at some of the causes of pest problems: leaks and holes in structures and building components. Maintenance staff may be asked to monitor for pests with sticky traps in common areas and to alert the PMP of new problems. Unit turnover is a great opportunity to clean up units, repair leaks, and seal cracks and crevices. Apply insecticidal dusts behind cabinets at unit turnover if a pest problem has been identified in the unit or area adjacent to the unit. 128

Janitorial / Custodial Staff
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Janitorial / Custodial Staff Keep common areas clean and sanitary (especially trash chutes and dumpsters) Monitor for pests Report problems in units and common areas In this case, we are referring to people who address cleaning and upkeep of common areas such as hallways, stairways, trash management areas and laundry facilities. Ask who does these services in the building. Discuss their roles and how they relate to management and residents. Individuals with these jobs can be good at finding leaks and holes. They should submit work orders for needed repairs. 129

Landscaping and Grounds Crews
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Landscaping and Grounds Crews Monitor for pests (especially rats) Report problems Minimize use of pesticides on grounds Plant choice Doesn’t offer coverage for rat travel and burrowing Resists pests naturally (few pesticides or nutrients required) Plant placement Never touching the building Appropriate sunlight, shade, and moisture for the plant Plant maintenance Mow grass high: 3-4" Mulch grass clippings Shapes rats avoid The landscape surrounding the PHA is a common area that needs to be included in pest control. Rats can be discouraged by proper outdoor landscaping and refuse management. Trees and shrubs touching buildings can create bridges for pests, such as ants, to enter. Those responsible for plant choice, placement, and maintenance should be familiar with IPM and IPM recommendations for the plants being used. Using plants that grow with minimal chemical assistance and do not supply spots for rats to travel and burrow is part of IPM. IPM for grounds covers practices such as watering and fertilization, but the goal is the same: to keep pest populations at tolerable levels by using multiple, economical approaches that pose minimal risk to people and the environment. Lawn care pesticides will make people with MCS sick and are a barrier to access. Vulnerable populations such as infants and pregnant women are at greater risk for adverse health effects associated with exposure to pesticides and for this reason it makes sense to use reduced risk practices, follow label instructions, and practice prevention-based approaches. References: School IPM 2015: A Strategic Plan for IPM in Schools in the US, pages Online at: Shapes rats seek

Resident Support Service Staff
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Resident Support Service Staff Get assistance for residents who are unable to prepare their unit for the PMP due to financial or physical limitations Educate residents about: Pests Proper housekeeping Reporting presence of pests, leaks, and mold Enforce lease provisions regarding: Housekeeping Sanitation Trash removal and storage Encourage residents to allow PMP into unit Resident support services representatives interact with and assist residents. Their representatives may help residents prepare for PMP visits or accompany the PMP on unit visits. Resident support services staff should be aware of and work with both the property manager and PMP to assist residents who are especially vulnerable, such as the elderly and people with disabilities, including those with chemical sensitivities. Introduce the concept of a peer educator. The Boston Housing Authority educates residents and pays them to be IPM peer educators. The IPM-educated residents educate their peers about pests and IPM solutions leading to changes in residents’ behaviors. They can assist in unit preparation before the PMP visits and make follow up visits to ensure behavior has changed. Having these peer educators work closely with a few focus units (often the source of others’ pest problems) can be very beneficial and should be considered in the early phases of IPM program implementation. 131

Resident Notifies management of disabilities or when assistance is needed to participate in an IPM program Gives PMP access to unit Works with staff to find reasonable accommodations if sensitivities exist Prepares unit for PMP visit according to instructions Follows lease regarding Housekeeping Sanitation Trash removal and storage Reports presence of pests, leaks, and mold Monitors unit for problems Helps and educates neighbors The resident has a critical role in IPM—just as important as the PMP’s. Vulnerable and sensitive tenants and their representatives can provide valuable input for safer pest control practices. As part of this training, the Northeastern IPM Center is offering a residents’ briefing that will be made available to the PHA. It is self-directed and will educate residents about pests; tell them how their behaviors can help prevent pests; and tell them about the IPM team that is in place at the PHA. Residents who receive the briefing will receive an “IPM Kit” with tools to help them keep their units maintained and pest-free. Residents at the Boston Housing Authority report that they throw out unnecessary items and are proud to show the PMP what they have done (to facilitate his/her bait application). References: Tenant preparation instructions 132

The results of the team approach
IPM in Multifamily Housing Training The results of the team approach An inspection and monitoring system that finds pests A reporting system that identifies areas of improvement Units are prepared to receive effective treatment Communication that empowers all Fewer pests and a healthier environment 133

Questions? 134

IPM in Multifamily Housing Training

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