SCHOOL INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT (IPM) PHILOSOPHY Shujuan (Lucy) Shujuan Li (Lucy) Li University of University Arizonaof Arizona Maricopa Agricultural Center Maricopa Agricultural Center Email: lucyli@email.arizona.edu
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Schools Sensitive Environments 4 Schools, child care centers, homes, hospitals, retirement / nursing facilities, restaurants, hotels Challenging places for pest management Host diverse people, confined spaces, different lengths of time
5 Have health problems such as asthma, allergies, or immune system compromising diseases Include diverse physical spaces, indoors and out, that provide ideal entry points and harborages for pests, and require customized solutions to pest problems Diminishing budgets and deferred maintenance worsen these problems
What is a pest? 6 Organisms that are detrimental to humans or their interests Damage crops and structures Impact human or animal health Reduce aesthetic and recreational value Organisms that are out of place!
7 A pest can be a: Plant (weed) Vertebrate (bird, rodent, or other mammals) Invertebrate (insect, tick, mite, or snail) Nematode Pathogen (bacteria, virus, or fungus) Other unwanted organism
Why are there pests? 8 Biological entities Seek food, shelter, and water!
Pests in Schools 9 Bats Flies Ants Head lice Rodents Cockroaches Spiders Weeds Bed bugs Ticks Wasps Snakes Mites Scorpions Bees Birds
Why should we care about pest management? 10 Pests!!! Bite / sting Damage food by entering and feeding Contaminate food and surfaces A nuisance when they invade buildings Cause allergies, asthma and other reactions Vector disease microbes Cause structural damage Cause plant damage
Why should we care about pest management? 11 Actions!!!
Why should we care about pest management? 12 Bills!!! Pests cost money! Repeated pesticide applications Unsafe pesticide exposure can result in costly litigation Unchecked pest infestations
There is a solution! 13 IPM = Integrated (Intelligent) Pest Management! A sensible, environmentally friendly, and effective way to solve pest problems IPM is a team effort!
The IPM Approach 14 IPM is sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, physical, and chemical methods in order to minimize economic, health and environmental risks IPM can be used to manage all kinds of pests anywhere in urban, agriculture, wildland or natural areas
The IPM Approach Physical Mechanical Natural Multiple tactics Cultural Regulatory Biological Genetic Chemical
The IPM Approach 16 IPM focuses on correcting the fundamental reasons why pests are present What are they? When do they show up? Where are they occurring? How did they arrive or get in? Why are they here?
17 The IPM Approach IPM is proactive monitoring and inspecting is constant Promotes environmental health Works indoors and outdoors Pesticides are used only when necessary
The 1. IPM Approach 18 IPM does not rely on one single method to control pests but uses a combination of methods that are: Location specific Dynamic, can be changed to suit the situation Low risk Cost effective
IPM pyramid High risk Intervene Pesticides Physical/mechanical control Cultural/sanitation practices Education & Communication Low risk Prevent
The 1. IPM Approach 20 IPM is a pollution prevention strategy IPM is a pesticide resistance strategy IPM is a risk reduction strategy
4. Key Elements of IPM 21 Identification Inspection and monitoring Reporting Sanitation and waste management Maintenance and pest-proofing Selecting management methods and products Education and communication Evaluation Rules, regulations and policy
4. Key Elements of IPM - Identification 22 Pest identification and location: What is it? Where is it? How did it get there? Why is it there? When is it showing up?
4. Key Elements of IPM - Identification 23 Pest identification is critical! Use good resources Take the help of specialists Handle samples carefully
4. Key Elements of IPM - Identification 24 Pest stages may or may not look the same or cause the same damage
Find the bed bug 1 2 3 4 5 Swallow bug Brown dog tick Apple seed Shiny spider beetle Swallow bug Brown dog tick 6 7 8 9 10 German cockroach nymph Bat bug Mexican poultry bug Cat flea
Proper identification
4. Key Elements of IPM Inspection and Monitoring 27 To detect pest problems as early as possible To address pest conducive conditions before problems occur, especially in pest vulnerable areas (PVA s) like kitchens, and food service areas
2. Inspection and Monitoring 28 The best way to know if or when pests are present is by regular inspection and monitoring What to look for: 1. Pests 2. Signs of pests 3. Pest conducive conditions - pest opportunities inviting pests for food, water, and harborage Mouse poop on a spoon Cockroaches feeding on crumbs
Inspection and Monitoring 29 Where to look: 1. Dark shadowy corners 2. Hard to reach areas 3. Undisturbed places/ under and behind stationary items 4. Warm and/or wet places 5. Food storage and/or preparation areas 6. Waste collection containers and areas 7. Dropped ceilings Tiles in drop ceiling indicating roof or plumbing leak
Inspection and Monitoring 30 Where to look: 8. Warm walls with penetrations 9. Compressor motor voids in equipment 10. Unsealed floors and floor to wall junctures 11. Undisturbed containers 12. Cardboard boxes 13. Clutter
2. Inspection and Monitoring 31 Tools: 1. Monitoring traps 2. Bright flashlight 3. Hand lens
6. Inspection and Monitoring 32 Inspection also involves the regular observation and recording of: The physical condition of buildings and grounds Detection of DIY pest control attempts
7. Key Elements of IPM Pest-conducive Conditions 33 Water is a critically important pest resource Monitor and repair leaks Repair leaky valve boxes Keep flooring and surfaces dry Ensure rainwater drains away from buildings Ensure air-conditioning condensate does not pool in drop ceiling tiles or attics
Key Elements of IPM Pest-conducive Conditions 34 Exposure to mold can cause health problems for sensitive individuals Exposure may cause or worsen conditions such as asthma, hay fever or allergy symptoms
Key Elements of IPM Pest-conducive Conditions 35 Shrubs should be pruned away from buildings and shaped so they do not create places for rodents to hide Keep tree limbs pruned at least six feet away from buildings Remove vines climbing on buildings or growing low to the ground next to buildings
Key Elements of IPM Pest-conducive Conditions 36 De-clutter!
Key Elements of IPM Pest-conducive Conditions 37 Eliminate access to food
4. Key Elements of IPM Inspect, Monitor, Measure 38 Regular monitoring is the most economical and simple strategy to manage pests Using ongoing monitoring tools allows for constant assessment of pest activity when you can not be around Monitoring helps determine pest population levels and how the pests are accessing or being introduced into buildings
Key Elements of IPM Inspect, Monitor, Measure 39 Traps catch 24-7 and help you identify the pest, determine how many there are, assess the direction of travel and determine harborage locations
3. Key Elements of IPM - Reporting 40 Use pest-sighting logs These are a convenient and efficient way to record and report Encourage and reward school personnel for reporting pests
Key Elements of IPM - Reporting 41 Systems allow methodical data tracing which may be legally required Report: Pests found Signs of pests Supportive conducive conditions Pest entryways Unsanctioned pest control attempts
6. Key Elements of IPM - Reporting 42 Recordkeeping is important because it allows: Accurate flow of information from one employee to another Pest management to identify trends in pest populations Documentation of problems and evaluation of solutions Legal compliance
7. 43 Key Elements of IPM Sanitation and Waste Management Waste management = Pest management!
7. 44 Key Elements of IPM Sanitation and Waste Management Maintain garbage chute systems and dumpsters clean and keep dumpster and surrounding areas free of debris
7. 45 Key Elements of IPM Sanitation and Waste Management Place dumpsters on a concrete or asphalt surface 30-50 feet away from building entryways
7. 46 Key Elements of IPM Sanitation and Waste Management Sanitation Clean up after group activities, especially those involving food and drinks Anything with food remains should be placed in trash cans, bagged, and taken to outside dumpsters before the day ends
7. 47 Key Elements of IPM Sanitation and Waste Management Sanitation Common room furniture should be checked and cleaned periodically Upholstered furniture is difficult to keep clean, especially where food is consumed including teachers lounges, and coaches, maintenance or custodial offices Dawn H. Gouge, University of Arizona
Key Elements of IPM Maintenance and Pestproofing 48 Pest-proofing includes preventing pests from the outside getting in, and preventing hitchhiking pests brought in by building occupants and in deliveries from spreading Seal cracks, crevices and holes around exterior wall penetrations
Key Elements of IPM Maintenance and Pestproofing 49 Prevent pest entry Seal your buildings, make sure doors seal and self-close correctly The vertical gap in the doorway (right) should be closed with brushes Exterior doors should never be left propped open. Mice can enter through a ¼ gap. Effective door sweeps can cut pest complaints by 65%!
Pesticides Understand pest mode of feeding/habitat for effective reach Treat only when populations reach action thresholds Time treatments to be least disruptive to beneficials Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides, toxic to many species of insects Select targeted, low-risk pesticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, insect growth regulators, and baits formulated to attract only the target pest Read the label the label is the LAW!
When using pesticides Use pesticides only when necessary & be selective when you choose a product Use least hazardous options first Attempt to preserve natural enemies Select least toxic materials Use broad-spectrum insecticides as an absolute last resort
Pesticides are important tools. They should be used effectively and safely Teacher desk drawer
Key Elements of IPM Education and Communication 54 Form partnerships with surrounding groups: Your pest management professional Non-governmental organizations working to improve environmental health and safety University Extension Your department of health and State Lead Agency responsible for regulating pesticides
15. Key Elements of IPM Education and Communication 55 Outreach events in schools Non-conventional education
15. 56 Key Elements of IPM - Evaluation Your IPM program should be evaluated annually to determine what is working and what is not? Are pests persisting? Are there any emerging issues? Are pest management methods and products the least hazardous and effective? Are there community communication challenges or education needs?
15. Rules, Regulations and Policy 57 Notifications
Common Problems No monitoring in PVAs No PMP hours with staff Excess pesticide use e.g. 143 applications for 3 schools in one year No ID e.g. red ants or sugar ants Poor knowledge e.g. mice have no bones No communication with or education of faculty and staff OTC pesticides Poor partnerships IPM costs more.
IPM must be compatible with current operations Doing what you do now---just think pests!!! Security = monitoring Energy conservation = exclusion Sanitation = nothing to eat Clutter control = no place to live Food Water Shelter
Have a policy for each pest Response plan Thresholds Management protocols Communication protocols Prepare Your School IPM Plan https://extension.arizona.edu/sites/extension.arizona.e du/files/pubs/az1669-2015.pdf
When transitioning from a traditional monthly treatment service to an IPM program, costs usually decreased in the long-term
Take-home message IPM is the best way to manage pests in your environment!
Contact Shujuan (Lucy) Li, Ph.D. Assistant in Extension, Public Health IPM Arizona Pest Management Center University of Arizona - Maricopa Ag. Center 37860 W. Smith-Enke Road Maricopa, AZ 85138-3010 Office: (520) 374-6251 lucyli@email.arizona.edu