West Virginia School IPM Managing Pests and Pesticides for a Healthy School Environment

Understanding Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Integration: Using a variety of means to manage a pest for long term solutions. Pests are not the problem, but a symptom of a problem. Eliminate the problem and the symptom is dealt with long term. Cultural, Sanitation and Maintenance Practices are the cornerstone element to a pest free school.

Examples of IPM Practices Eliminating food, water and harborage areas Stinging insects can cause anaphylaxis Some pests (i.e., flies, mosquitos) can spread disease

Asthma and Pests In a single school year asthma accounts for 12.8 million missed school days, making it the leading cause of school absenteeism (Akimbami 2006). Students with persistent asthma and asthma related absences achieve lower test scores and lower academic achievement (Moonie et al. 2008) Triggers include: Pesticides, Cleaning Products, Aerosols, Cockroaches, Rodents, etc. IPM reduces exposure to pests and pesticides and has been shown to lower asthma six times more than conventional spraying (Nalyanya et al. 2009)

Other Health Risks From Pests & Pesticides Pests Rodents and Cockroaches are key asthma triggers Stinging insects can cause anaphylaxis Some pests (i.e., flies, mosquitos) can spread disease Pesticides Asthma triggers Unknown long term exposure impacts in some cases

Background on WV School Integrated Pest Management National initiative to minimize pesticide use in schools led by Environmental Protection Agency. US Bills introduced to nationally mandate IPM (would be more stringent than WV Rule) West Virginia Legislature passed School Pest Management Law in 1996 (Title 61 Series 12J) authorizing WV Dept. Agriculture to regulate use of pesticides in schools 23 states now have required IPM at schools; additional states require certain components such as parent notification of pesticide applications

Synopsis of WV IPM Rule (Title 61 Series 12J) Requirements for all Public and Private Schools as well as Day Cares No routine use of pesticides. All applications must follow a 4 level procedure: 1: Non-chemical control measures 2: Least Hazardous Pesticides (baits, dusts) with low exposure and min Caution on label 3: Crack & Crevice/Spot Treatments 4: Broadcast Applications or pesticides with Warning or Danger on label Maintain IPM File in School Office (containing maps of treatments, pest monitoring data, labels/MSDS for pesticides used in case of emergency care, adopted action thresholds, sanitation & maintenance reports) Parents and Employees notified 24 hrs in advance of level 3 or 4 application. Restricted entry period enforcement.

Cockroaches The most significant pest for health risks German cockroach is the quickest to populate and is the most difficult of the cockroach species to control Oriental cockroaches (water bugs) do not populate as quickly and typically live in drains, basements, damp, dark areas. Most necessary step is proper sanitation, cultural practices and elimination of water & food sources. Baiting is extremely effective

Rodents All schools at risk Mice are very opportunistic and can enter through a hole the size of a nickel Urine, saliva and feces can trigger asthma Eliminating entry points is a major point of emphasis Eliminating food sources and routine monitoring Mechanical trapping and baiting

Bed Bugs The Pest of the 2010’s Take blood meals from sleeping humans Bat Bugs look very similar Number One Rule: DO NOT PANIC and overreact. If found on child or belongings there is no need to send child home. Similar to head lice, the School Nurse should continue to monitor the student and belongings until situation is resolved. Sample letters are available to send home to parents of student educating them on bed bug management at home. Also, a sample notification letter is available to send to parents of students in the classroom to minimize hysteria and educate them on how to monitor properly. Treatment of room is typically ineffective and should only be performed by a licensed professional pest control business with experience in bed bug management.

Head Lice Not a Pest Control Situation Use of pesticides on people is not regulated by the WVDA, but use of pesticides on the environment is. Treating entire rooms is unnecessary and unsafe Since lice pose minimal risks, pesticide use on humans should be determined by a physician

Communication and Involvement Pest Control cannot be handed off to a contractor. IPM involves effort from all stakeholders. Facilities that are pest efficient are also energy efficient. Pressure to eliminate pests without understanding regulation and biology leads to violations and greater health risks Indoor & Outdoor Pest Control Professional Facilities/Maintenance Staff Administration, Faculty, Food Services and Health Care Professionals Stakeholders such as Parents, Health Dept. Sanitarians, etc.

Philip Smith School IPM Compliance WV Dept Agriculture Also check out youtube.com/schoolIPM

Akimbami L.J The State of Childhood Asthma, United States, Advance Data from Vital and Health Statistics: no. 381, Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics, 2006 Moonie, S., Sterling, D.A., Figgs, L.W., and Castro, M The relationship between school absence, academic performance, and asthma status. J. School Health 78(3): Nalyanya G., J.C. Gore, H.M. Linker and C. Shal German cockroach allergen levels in North Carolina Schools: Comparison of Integrated Pest Management and conventional Cockroach control. J Medical Entymology 46: