IPM Training- Janet Hurley, MPA Extension Program Specialist II Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

IPM is an approach to managing pests that is 1. Anti chemical 2. Based on biological control 3. Environmentally sensitive 4. Multi-stepped 5. Don’t know

IPM takes advantage of which of the following pest control tactics? 1. Non-chemical and organic controls only 2. Sanitation, mechanical controls, biological controls, and pesticides 3. All available techniques except pesticides 4. Don’t know

Pest control is important to schools for which of the following reasons? Health and safety of staff and students Federal government requires it Administrator decided it was important Don’t know

What is IPM? ► Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a system of controlling pests in which pests are identified, action thresholds are considered, all possible control options are evaluated and selected controls are implemented. Control options, which include biological, chemical, cultural, physical, and mechanical methods, are used to prevent or remedy unacceptable pest activity or damage. Choice of control options is based on effectiveness, environmental impact, site characteristics, worker/public health and safety, and economics.

Why You Should Care About IPM? ► Reduction of pests ► Less pesticide exposure ► Fits well with existing tasks ► Aids with building repairs and design ► Do what you are doing now – just think pests!

History of IPM in Schools in Texas ► Pesticide misapplication in a rural school district prompted legislation ► Mandatory best management practice for all Texas schools

► Acute Effects: Harmful or fatal if swallowed or inhaled. ► Delayed Effects: Tumors, cancer, birth defects, blood and nervous system disorders. ► Allergic Effects: Asthma and skin, eye and nose irritation. Harmful Effects of Pesticides Caused by Excess Exposure

Common Pests in Schools ► Cockroaches: Skin fragments and feces are the most common cause of asthma in urban youth. ► Ants: Fire ant stings cause several human deaths per year. ► Rodents: Deadly hantavirus is transmitted by rodent urine and feces.

► Reduced pesticide use. ► Healthier learning environment for our children. ► Better long-term control of pests. ► Reduced liability of school districts. ► Cleaner and tighter building – works well with environmental programs Benefits of IPM

Ingredients of an IPM Program

The IPM pyramid Biological controls Cultural / Sanitation Practices Physical / Mechanical controls Pesticides

What Pest’s Need to Survive FoodWater Harborage

What You Can Do ► Get to Know the IPM Coordinator and Pest Management Staff. ► Communicate your pest sightings to the IPM Coordinator ► Use pest sighting logs when available ► Comply with Pest Control Operators/IPM Coordinator recommendations

What to Watch For and Help ► Keep the Classroom as Clean as Possible  Make notes when clutter is becoming an issue ► Sanitation, not pesticides, makes the biggest impact on pest populations. ► Cleaning up after any pets in the classroom and after parties is an absolute must. ► Empty soda cans, used paper plates, food wrappings, etc. should be placed in the trash can and then hauled to an outside dumpster before the end of the day.

Special Areas of Interest ► Breakfast in the classroom  Ensure custodial staff and teachers have a plan to address spillage ► Culinary arts  Develop protocol with district staff to ensure deep cleaning during the summer

Special Areas of Interest ► Special needs rooms  Usually cluttered  Have food items ► Teacher Lounges  Food, food and more food  Who’s responsible for cleaning.

Real World Examples ► Ants trailing into garbage can If you see it – report it!

Inside cabinets, under and behind appliances in culinary arts wing were filthy. Not a lesson that should be conveyed to students. Old rat droppings were found under the stove.

Sanitation is abysmal it’s a poor reflection on the district. Clutter makes it impossible to clean and inspect, and provides harborage for many kinds of pests. If it’s not your job, then who’s is it?

Sanitation Supplies ► Should be neat and orderly ► Should be free of dirt and debris

Mops should be hung up to dry, unlike these that are contributing to mold and mildew growth on the walls. Dumpster lids should be kept closed. Cardboard is a known harborage for many pests.

Organic Recycling ► Ensure lids are closed and not easily opened by wildlife

Recycling Programs Good Can YOU think of some bad examples What about splash back?

Storage Rooms

Classrooms

Other Areas to Monitor and Report ► Doors ► Ceiling tiles

Let’s Review ► Don’t bring pesticides from home ► Never supply home remedies as well ► Store supplies in tight fitting containers

TX School IPM Rules ► IPM Program Adopted by School Board ► Designate person – IPM Coordinator ► Must post 48 hours in advance of any treatment ► Starting in Sept. posting for outdoor treatments ► Must notify parents ► Non-chemical control options must be considered first, then apply least toxic second (Green Category)

Essentials in an IPM Program ► Identify ways to prevent pest entry ► Deny pest access to food, water and harborage ► Monitor areas that are likely to attract pests regularly ► Identify the pest accurately ► Then assess the best options to control the pest  Remember that cleaning is an option

Import IPM Principles ► Cultural Controls  Reduction of clutter ► Help Teachers to achieve this goal  Keep food and treats in sealed containers ► Sanitation Controls  Identify areas that need special attention  Trash cans and recycling areas are harborage sites  Spillage behind containers on walls – food for ants and cockroaches.

Import IPM Principles ► Mechanical Controls  Report areas that need maintenance action ► Door sweeps, pipe chases, ceiling tiles ► Physical Controls  Don’t remove snap traps and sticky traps  If the area needs cleaning pick up and replace  Note when sticky traps have not been replaced or are old

IPM is an approach to managing pests that is 1. Anti chemical 2. Based on biological control 3. Environmentally sensitive 4. Multi-stepped 5. Don’t know

IPM takes advantage of which of the following pest control tactics? 1. Non-chemical and organic controls only 2. Sanitation, mechanical controls, biological controls, and pesticides 3. All available techniques except pesticides 4. Don’t know

IPM reduces the need for pesticides by: 1. Tolerating pests 2. Relying only on non-chemical control options 3. Using several types of pest control tactics 4. Don’t know

IPM is Everyone’s Responsibility