Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter

Transcription

1 Colorado Coalition Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter April 2017 Inside this issue: Adams County 12 Five Star Schools Featured Agency Partner: Colorado Dept. of Agriculture Pest of the Month: Millipedes, Centipedes and Sow Bugs Current Pest Sightings CDC Highlights Lung Association Asthma in Schools Resources CCSIPM School District Spotlight: Adams 12 Five Star School with the intent of reducing the impact of IAQ related issues on building occupants with allergies and or asthma. Prior to implementing integrated pest management (IPM) strategies, there was not much thought given to how pest control was performed. The main objective at that time was just getting the pests under control the easiest and most cost effective way possible. Most of the time when you called the pest control contractor they showed up with pesticides, in hand, ready to go to work. Now, with an IPM program, the contractor shows up ready to perform an IPM inspection working with the school to identify a pest control strategy, and letting them know what they can do to resolve the issue without using chemicals. Most frequently eliminating access, harborage, food and water. Some things require help from facilities Maintenance. Items commonly identified are: Keep areas free of trash and food and water Doors being propped open or needing sweeps Harborage near buildings consisting of shrubs etc. Implementing the Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) in the Adams 12 School District By Kevin Delohery, Assistant Director, Facilities Maintenance I have been working in K-12 facilities maintenance with Adams 12 Five Star School District for over thirty years. My first introduction to integrated pest management was when I received a copy of EPA Pest Control in the School Environment: Adopting Integrated Pest Management handbook, printed in 1993 (EPA 735-f ). From that book, we developed a facilities culture of utilizing IPM as a way of doing business. Wanting to take this to the next level, in April of 2012 we began working with Front Range school districts to develop our IPM request for proposal for contracted services, which focused on utilizing IPM strategies to manage pests around and in our buildings. Since that time, Adams 12 Five Star School District has gone to great lengths to reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides inside of our facilities If the issue persists, we will usually perform a thorough inspection followed by a written report to building administration to assist them in modifying behavior. Most of the time, these inspections and reports are well received. I feel after working with many pest control contractors over the years that their roles have changed, going from being a pesticide applicator to being an IPM consultant. They definitely have to understand and support IPM as well as you do to be successful. Anyone close to the IPM program in our district understands and supports the program. It is difficult, but very important, to get staff and students to understand and support IPM as they are the keys to success. In my opinion many ongoing issues are directly related to behaviors not changing. This is my biggest challenge. Many times when I have met with our customers to discuss ongoing issues it is somewhat of an educational experience which I look forward to sharing. Changing the culture and helping 1

2 them understand what we are doing and why we are doing it is my goal. I believe one of my biggest successes has been working with wildlife advocates to incorporate cultural practices and natural controls to control Prairie Dog populations and other wildlife. I also think that our IPM program with the IPM pest control contract has reduced the use of pesticides in our schools tremendously, at little or no added cost. We do not schedule sprays. Over the years I have dealt with just about every animal insect or plant pest common in our area. This has caused stress and been the source of many great stories. Squirrels in the kitchen, raccoons in the basement, pigeons in the HVAC equipment, rabbits, snakes, coyotes and foxes on the playgrounds. Bed bugs, ants, cockroaches and spiders in the buildings and rats and mice everywhere. I have not dealt with bats yet but if I do I ll bet one of you can and will advise me as I have learned a lot from many of you. Colorado Coalition for School IPM Agency Partner Spotlight: Colorado Dept. of Agriculture Unlocking the Mystery around the Use of Disinfectant Products in Colorado Schools but are not limited to desks, tables, keyboards, computer mice. Personal items such as protective eye wear and headphones need to be sanitized between users. Any product used must be intended for the surface it is applied to and all labeled instructions must be followed. Amy also clarified that the intent of the regulation is for school staff to sanitize these surfaces, not the children. If you have specific questions on CDPHE s requirements you can contact Amy at (303) , option 3 or cdphe_iepu@state. co.us. What are antimicrobials? Antimicrobial products kill or slow the spread of microorganisms. Microorganisms include bacteria, viruses, protozoans, and fungi such as mold and mildew. 1 You may find antimicrobial products in your home, workplace, or school. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates antimicrobial products as pesticides, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates antimicrobial products as drugs/antiseptics. As pesticides, antimicrobial products are used on objects such as countertops, toys, grocery carts, and hospital equipment. As antiseptics, antimicrobial products are used to treat or prevent diseases on people, pets, and other living things. If a product shows an EPA registration number anywhere on the label, you know it s a pesticide and By John W. Scott, Pesticides Program Manager, Section Chief - CDA Recently the Colorado Department of Agriculture was contacted by a parent from a local school district requesting information on what the requirements and restrictions may be, for children using disinfectant wipes in schools. As we looked into this further and spoke with EPA Region 8 s School IPM Coordinator, Clyde Wilson, and to the schools themselves; it became apparent that the use of anti-microbial wipes was a regular practice the schools have employed to sanitize hard surfaces in classrooms. The school s purpose for the use of these disinfectant products is based on a requirement that stems from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment s (CDPHE) School Program (SP). I was able to reach out to Amy Gammel, the SP program coordinator, who clarified that, The Rules and Regulations Governing Schools in Colorado requires commonly touched surfaces to be sanitized weekly and whenever visibly soiled. These surfaces include Pesticides Used on surfaces, non-living things Example: wipes for the kitchen or bathroom Regulated by the U.S. EPA NOT meant for use on the body. 2 Drugs & Antiseptics Used in or on living things Example: handsanitizing wipes Regulated by the U.S. FDA 2

3 The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) website is a good resource to obtain more information on anti-microbial products and the difference between sanitizer types at: antimicrobials.html Anti-microbial Pesticide Label Requirements The Colorado Department of Agriculture regulates the use of all pesticides in the State of Colorado. Antimicrobial products, being pesticides, have specific label directions that must be followed as a matter of state and federal law. Anti-microbial hard surface wipes, such as Clorox Wipes, have specific use directions that all users must abide by. A few typical precautionary and use directions are: KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN: This is a general label requirement for all pesticide products. The warning statement requirement may be waived when the registrant adequately demonstrates that the likelihood of contact with children during distribution, storage or use is remote or if the pesticide is approved for use on infants or small children (mosquito repellants). Anti-microbial products intended for sanitizing hard surfaces generally do not have any restrictions on the age of the user. However, EPA hasn t allowed the Precautionary Statements or the Directions for Use to contain any statement which implies that the product may be used by children. A modified Child Hazard Warning statement may be used for products where child contact is expected during normal use. For products requiring a modified statement prohibiting use by children, language will state: Do not allow children to apply product or Do not allow children to play with pet collar. PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS HAZARDS TO HUMANS AND DOMESTIC ANIMALS. CAUTION: Precautionary statements are intended for the user of the pesticide to ensure they know the risks associated with using the product. You ll see warnings such as: CAUTION: Causes moderate eye irritation. Avoid contact with eyes or clothing. Wash thoroughly with soap and water after handling. FIRST AID statements are intended to give the user directions to follow in case of exposure, such as: FIRST AID: If in eyes: Hold eye open and rinse slowly and gently with water for minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present, after the first 5 minutes, then continue rinsing eye. Call a poison control center for treatment advice. Have the product container or 3 Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter April 2017 label with you when calling a poison control center or doctor, or going for treatment. PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS statement provides information on the characteristics of the product, like if it s corrosive or flammable. You ll see statements such as: PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL HAZARDS: Do not use or store near heat or open flame. STORAGE AND DISPOSAL directions will have statements such as: STORAGE AND DISPOSAL: Canister is not intended to be refilled by the consumer: Dispose of wipe in trash after use. Do not flush. Tightly close lid between uses to retain moisture. Nonrefillable container. Do not reuse or refill this empty container. Offer empty container for recycling. If recycling is not available discard container in trash. In the Use Directions section you may find additional information that should be noted to ensure safe use, such as: For surfaces that may come in contact with food, a potable water rinse is required. This product is not for use on dishes, glassware, or eating utensils. Not for cleaning or sanitizing skin. Do not use as a diaper wipe or for personal cleansing. This product will not harm most surfaces including acrylic, sealed fiberglass, etc For toys, rinse with water after wiping with -or- using the product. Remember, the label is the law! 1.What are Antimicrobial Pesticides?; U.S Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances, Office of Pesticide Programs, U.S. Government Printing Office: Washington, DC, Anti-microbials Topic Fact Sheet; National Pesticide Information Center, html

4 Featured Pests of the Month: Milipedes, Centipedes and Sow bugs Millipedes, Centipedes and Sow bugs Millipedes, centipedes and sowbugs are many-legged relatives of Insects. They generally are found in small numbers in damp locations around the yard. Occasionally, they become unusually abundant or move into homes, where they may cause considerable concern to homeowners. Millipedes The most common millipedes are dark brown and reach 1 to 1 1/2 inches when full grown. They are round and elongated, with many small legs. A common description is little black worms crawling in the basement windows. When dead or disturbed, they tend to curl into a tight coil. Figure 1: Common millipedes (Allajulus londenensis). Millipedes do not bite or pose any danger to humans. They feed on rotting organic matter such as leaves and wood and rarely feed on tender green leaves and roots. They spend almost all their time in moist areas, such as under rocks or logs and in lawn thatch. Movement into houses often is sudden and sporadic. Most millipede movement takes place in September and October and again in midspring. Invasions, usually into cellars, often take place shortly after a period of wet weather and end as suddenly as they start. Because millipedes require high moisture, they usually die in a home within a day or two. Chronic problems are associated with damp conditions. Measures taken to dry out moist areas usually are sufficient. The hard body of the millipede, however, remains intact for a considerable time after it is dead. Because millipedes cause no damage in homes other than a minor annoyance, the best way to handle infestations is to wait a few days for the problem to subside, then vacuum the bodies that remain. Remove debris and other favorable habitats from around building foundations to help reduce problems. Seal or caulk openings around the foundation to reduce future millipede problems. Where problems are persistent and severe, insecticides may help reduce invasions. These may be applied around the base of the building foundation out into lawn areas. Usually only shaded sides of the home need treatment. Whole yard treatments are unnecessary and not recommended. However, most sod webworm and white grub treatments applied to lawns will also control millipedes. When millipedes damage garden plants several practices can limit injury. Ripening fruit should be lifted off the soil, on mulch or other surfaces. Fruit that is overly ripe may be left in the garden to divert and concentrate feeding by millipedes. Similarly, millipedes can be concentrated under fruit rinds or moistened newspapers. The millipedes that are found at these sites can then be collected. Garden baits that contain carbaryl (Sevin) may also be used to control millipedes in gardens. Figure 3: Young millipedes in strawberry fruit. (Photo by W. Cranshaw.) Duff Millipede Figure 2: A common species of millipede found in gardens Figure 5: Duff millipede. The duff millipede is an unusual species found in some foothills areas. It reaches only 1/8 inch. It is covered with fine bristles and has a tuft of hairs protruding from the hind end. Superficially, it resembles tiny carpet beetle larvae. Close inspection shows it has far more legs than do carpet beetles. Invasions can involve hundreds of individuals, which crawl over walls, floors and counters. Often they are 4

5 concentrated near areas of high moisture, such as bathrooms, around kitchen sinks, and near outdoor hot tubs and faucets. Although sometimes a significant nuisance, they do not reproduce or survive long in a home. Instead, they develop outdoors on decaying plant matter, fungi and algae. Prevent invasions by sealing the structure. No effective insecticides have been identified to reduce invasions of duff millipedes. It is suggested to keep the area around foundations clean of cover and sources of moisture. Figure 7: Stone centipede. (Photo by W. Cranshaw.) Centipedes In general appearance, centipedes superficially resemble millipedes. However, there are important differences. Centipedes have one pair of legs per body segment; millipedes appear to have two pairs on most segments. A centipede s legs are usually quite prominent. Centipedes are far more active than millipedes, particularly the common house centipede. Most are flattened and elongated. They feed on small Insects and other arthropods. Centipedes usually are less common in homes than millipedes. However, they may be far more conspicuous, particularly the giant desert centipede that can reach 6 inches in length. In homes, centipedes are found most frequently in the morning trapped in bathtubs or wash basins. They also may be seen darting for cover when a light is turned on in a dark room. Occasionally, a startled centipede may run at the person entering the room, giving the incorrect impression that it is attacking. Except for the largest species, centipedes cannot bite through skin, so hazard to humans is remote. Bites are extremely rare, because centipedes are light shy and bite only when being picked up or crushed. The bite of the largest species is reported to cause a sharp, temporary pain, similar to a bee sting. Control is similar to that for millipedes wait out the problem and control moisture sources in and around the home. Infestations usually involve only a few individuals. Extreme situations in homes may require insecticides as indicated for millipedes. Interior applications of insecticides are not recommended. Sowbugs and Pillbugs Sowbugs and pillbugs (roly-polys) are small, gray crustaceans usually found outdoors under rocks or other cover. They feed on decaying vegetable matter and occasionally small plants. They do not bite and are harmless to humans. Figure 8: Pillbug, also knows as Roly-Poly. Figure 9: A pillbug (rolled-up) and sowbug. (Photo by Whitney Cranshaw.) During some times of the year, particularly after extended wet spring weather, sowbugs and pillbugs may move into homes. Their survival is often shorter than for millipedes and centipedes. Because of this and the minor annoyance they cause, control generally is unnecessary. Controls effective for millipedes and centipedes also are effective for sowbugs and pillbugs. By Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University Extension entomologist and professor, bioagricultural sciences and pest management. Colorado State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Colorado Counties cooperating. Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. No endorsement of products mentioned is intended nor is criticism implied of products not mentioned. 5

6 Statewide Current Pests: What Are You Seeing? Cooley spruce gall: April: Insects continue development and usually begin to produce egg sack in late April. May: Eggs hatch and young nymphs move to feed on new growth. Galls are initiated. Honeylocust plant bug: April - Check trees for newly emerged nymphs. May - Nymphs have hatched and begin to damage new growth. (Except High Country Areas) Lilac/ash borer: Flights of adult moths may begin. Nightcrawlers: Tunneling activities and associated lawn lumps continue. Peach tree borer: Larvae causing peak injury to bases of trees at this time. Spider mites on pines: Populations may increase rapidly on ponderosa and other susceptible pines. Spiny elm caterpillar: Small colonies of these caterpillars may be seen on willow, hackberry, aspen, elm and other trees. (Except Southwestern counties) Spinach leafminer: Egg laying and tunneling begins in older spinach foliage. Tick season: The next two months are the peak season for tick activity and spread of Colorado tick fever. Tent caterpillars: April - Early season species, mostly associated with cottonwood in low lying areas, should be rapidly developing. Aspen is another common host. May - Tent caterpillars affecting cottonwood in lower elevations may be completing development. Slugs: Slugs may cause peak damage to seedlings during cooler weather. Southwestern pine tip moth: Egg-laying occurs when new needles emerge on pines. Arapahoe, Douglas, & Elbert Counties Ants: Foraging ants in homes are common until temperatures allow them to seek food outdoors. Poplar twiggall fly: Adults emerge and begin to lay eggs in emerging aspen shoots. Douglas-fir beetle: In forested areas, adult emergence, flights and tree attacks may begin. Brownheaded ash sawfly: Adults may lay eggs during warm days following bud break. Zimmerman pine moth: April: Approximate treatment timing for overwintered larvae. May: Period ending during which larval control is possible. Turfgrass mites: Clover mites continue to feed on lawns and enter homes in nuisance migrations. Midges: Non-biting midges emerge from ponds and mating swarms may be observed over lawns. Miller moths: Flights into areas often begin in early May. Spider mites: Clover mite populations should be peaking and may begin natural decline. Sod webworms, cutworms: Damage to lawns by webworms and cutworms begin at this time. Brownheaded ash sawfly: Pinhole feeding wounds indicate early stage infestations. Walnut twig beetle: Overwintered adults in trunk bark move to branches and begin tunneling. Pine needle scale: Egg hatch may begin during warm seasons. Eastern Plains Counties European elm bark beetle: Preventive sprays should be completed before adults emerge and fly. Ash sawfly: Typical period of peak egg laying. Poplar twiggall fly: Adults emerge and feed on sap from leaves; egg laying may begin. Cutworms: Army cutworm injury may peak at this time. Injury can occur in gardens, lawns, whet and alfalfa fields. European paper wasp: Nest initiation usually has begun. Spider mites: Injury by banks grass mite increases. Miller moths: Flight sometimes begin in early May. 6

7 Millipedes: Cool wet, weather may trigger migrations of millipedes from lawns. Spider mites: Injury by banks grass mite increases. Honeylocust podgall midge: Adults begin laying eggs on new growth. First generation begins. Ash sawfly: Early feeding injury should be present. Optimum time for treatment in most seasons. Seedcorn maggot: Early planted beans, corn, and melons are susceptible to seedcorn maggot damage. Flea beetles: Larvae chew small holes in many garden plants and may kill seedlings. Strawberry injuries: Millipedes and slugs tunnel ripening berries. El Paso & Teller Counties Ants: Foraging ants in homes are common until temperatures allow them to seek food outdoors. Poplar twiggall fly: Adults emerge and begin to lay eggs in emerging aspen shoots. Douglas-fir beetle: In forested areas, adult emergence, flights and tree attacks may begin. Brownheaded ash sawfly: April- Adults may lay eggs during warm days following bud break. May - Pinhole feeding wounds indicate early stage infestations. White pine weevil: Adults move to spruce terminals to mate and lay eggs. Zimmerman pine moth: April - Approximate treatment timing for overwintered larvae. May - Period ending during which larval control is possible. Clover mites: continue to feed on lawns and enter homes in nuisance migrations. Midges: Non-biting midges emerge from ponds and mating swarms may be observed over lawns. Miller moths: Flights into areas often begin in early May. Spider mites: Clover mite populations should be 7 Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter April 2017 peaking and may begin natural decline. Sod webworms, cutworms: Damage to lawns by webworms and cutworms begin at this time. Walnut twig beetle: Adults move from overwintering chambers in bark to branches and initiate new tunnels. High Country Areas Ants: Foraging ants in homes are common until temperatures allow them to seek food outdoors. Aphids on fruit trees: Spray oils on dormant trees to kill overwintered aphid eggs. Douglas-fir beetle: In forested areas, adult emergence, flights and tree attacks may begin. Ips beetles: Ips (engraver) beetles may be active during warm periods. Recently transplanted pines and pines in outbreak areas may need protection. White pine weevil: Overwintered adults may become active and move to terminals of spruce to feed and lay eggs if daily temperatures exceed 50F. Turfgrass mites: Clover mites continue to feed on lawns and enter homes in nuisance migrations. Midges: Non-biting midges emerge from ponds and mating swarms may be observed over lawns. Miller moths: Flights into areas often begin in early May. Spider mites: Clover mite populations should be peaking and may begin natural decline. Sod webworms, cutworms: Damage to lawns by webworms and cutworms begin at this time. Western spruce budworm: Overwintered larvae begin to tunnel buds and flowers. Check for early stages of infestations. Pueblo & Fremont Counties European elm bark beetle: Preventive sprays

8 should be completed before adults emerge and fly. Ash sawfly: Typical period of peak egg laying. Spider mites: Injury by banks grass mite increases. Miller moths: Flights into areas often begin in early May. Spider mites: Injury by banks grass mite increases. Honeylocust podgall midge: Adults begin laying eggs on new growth. First generation begins. Ash sawfly: Early feeding injury should be present. Optimum time for treatment in most seasons. Seedcorn maggot: Early planted beans, corn, and melons are susceptible to seedcorn maggot damage. Flea beetles: Larvae chew small holes in many garden plants and may kill seedlings. Strawberry injuries: Millipedes and slugs tunnel ripening berries. Southwestern Counties Ants: Foraging ants in homes are common until temperatures allow them to seek food outdoors. Aphids on fruit trees: Spray oils on dormant trees to kill overwintered aphid eggs. Turfgrass mites: Clover mites continue to feed on lawns and enter homes in nuisance migrations. Midges: Non-biting midges emerge from ponds and mating swarms may be observed over lawns. Spider mites: Clover mite populations should be peaking and may begin natural decline. Sod webworms, cutworms: Damage to lawns by webworms and cutworms begin at this time. Hackberry psyllid: Adults return to trees and lay Western spruce budworm: Overwintered larvae begin to tunnel buds and flowers. Check for early stages of infestations. Tri-River Counties Poplar twiggall fly: Adults can be found resting on newly emerged and females insert eggs into developing stems. Spider mites: Injury by Banks grass mite increases. Spider mites: Injury by Banks grass mite often increases if dry conditions persist. Clover mite populations should be decreasing. Pine needle scale: Egg hatch may begin during warm seasons. Seedcorn maggot: Early planted beans, corn, and melons are susceptible to seedcorn maggot damage. Flea beetles: Larvae chew small holes in many garden plants and may kill seedlings. Strawberry injuries: Millipedes and slugs tunnel ripening berries. Source: (Yard/Garden Insect Calendars) 8

9 Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter April 2017 CDC Highlights Lung Association Asthma in Schools Resources The Funnies Comic by Gary Larson, The Far Side The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has just released its Strategies for Addressing Asthma in Schools, which includes several Lung Association resources including the Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative Toolkit, links to our Asthma Medication in Schools page, Model Policy for School Districts on Stock Bronchodilators and the Student Readiness Assessment Tool. While primarily a resource for state health departments, this CDC guide, and the Lung Association resources it includes, are useful for anyone interested in creating healthy school environments for students with asthma. Newsletter News By Pierce Hansen, CEPEP Program Assistant It s been my pleasure working on the Colorado Coalition for School IPM Newsletter since last August, but unfortunately my position at CSU is ending due to limited funding. Not to worry though, bright things are on my horizon! I m on the job hunt (let me know if you have any leads ;) ). I ve enjoyed helping to put together this newsletter each month and it was especially neat to hear the stories of school districts getting their IPM programs off the ground. Credits Editors: Clyde Wilson, U.S. EPA Region 8; Assefa Gebre-Amlak, CSU Extension; Frank Peairs, CSU Extension; Thia Walker, CEPEP. Design & layout: Pierce Hansen, Kierra Jewell Pest of the month photo(s): Whitney Cranshaw, CSU Professor & Extension Specialist Going forward, CSU School IPM Program Coordinator Assefa Gebre-Amlak will be editing the newsletter. He will continue to work in collaboration with Clyde Wilson at the EPA. Want to subscribe or unsubscribe? Go to: ccsipm_l Upcoming Events Remember, the CCSIPM listerv is a forum for you to post a message to the entire group! Simply write a message to ccsipm_l@lists.colostate.edu! An Investment in America s Health: CDC s National Asthma Control Program Which Came First? The Bed or the Bug? Bed Bugs 201 Webinar: Tuesday, May 9, :00 3:00 p.m. ET. Followed by a Q&A session: 3:00 3:30 p.m. ET Register Did we miss something? See an error? Please contact Assefa Gebre-Amlak at: Assefa.Gebre-Amlak@colostate.edu (970)