Instead of regularly hiring vendors to spray chemicals to control pest populations, a growing number of building managers are contracting out for Integrated Pest Management (IPM) services. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines IPM as an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of commonsense practices. In combination with available pest control methods, IPM programs use the latest comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. The programs emphasize managing pest damage by the most economical means - with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.
The Janet B. Johnson Parents' Right-to-Know Act of 2000 (Statute 121A.30) requires any school that applies pesticides to notify parents of planned pesticide applications and the potential risks to the health of the students. The act also encourages use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) methods in Minnesota's K-12 schools.
In order for IPM programs to be effective, building managers and occupants must coordinate with the IPM vendor. To ensure success, the workplace must expect to take the following steps:
- Monitor regularly for pests.
- Keep a formal records system for pest levels, date, locations, weather, and other conditions which may give rise to pests.
- Determine what level of pests is acceptable and when control measures are needed.
- Integrate control strategies that are effective against the pest, least disruptive to natural pest controls, and least hazardous to human health and the environment.
- Designate a staff member to work with the pest control vendor and building maintenance personnel to be sure IPM recommendations are followed.
- Maintain an evaluation system to determine the effectiveness of various control measures.
With proper collaboration, IPM programs can be equally, if not more, successful at controlling pests than conventional pest control programs, while also reducing health risks to building occupants. A study on public buildings demonstrated that tenant service requests and pesticide use, both indicators of a successful IPM program, decreased dramatically with the introduction of the IPM program (Greene and Breisch 2002). Although pesticides continued to be applied in certain instances, the volume was reduced. Also of note was the significant decline in the use of spray formulations, which can be easily inhaled by building occupants.
| Get recognized for your IPM sucesses! Schools that have successfully implemented IPM programs may apply for IPM Star certification. Green Shield Certification is available to qualifying pest control professionals and to buildings and facilities where Green Shield standards are attained. |
Minnesota does not provide special certification for vendors trained in IPM practices. However, Minnesota law does require any person applying pesticides for hire to be licensed as a commercial pesticide applicator. Applicators are required to receive training that includes topics related to IPM. As a result, most vendors are at least familiar with the concept. Refer to Specifications for tips on selecting knowledgeable and experienced IPM professionals.
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture's IPM program can provide useful references and information. Contact Jeanne Ciborowski, Integrated Pest Management Program Coordinator, at (651) 201-6120 or jeanne.ciborowski@state.mn.us.
IPM is usually less costly than traditional, chemical-based pest control approaches since regular pesticide spraying is eliminated in an IPM program. However, the costs of properly training building managers and occupants, performing regular inspections, and investing in building and landscaping improvements must be considered in the overall pest management budget.
Although not all components of an IPM program can be carried out by the selected contractor (i.e. structural renovations, daily inspections), thoroughly specifying the required responsibilities of the IPM contractor will greatly enhance the success of the program. Consider inserting the following specifications into your next solicitation for pest control:
- The contractor must not use any pesticides in spray formulation. Pesticide baits and/or trapping devices are acceptable.
- The contractor must communicate with the building's designated IPM coordinator. The contractor must regularly provide feedback to the building IPM coordinator regarding recommendations for improvements in building maintenance, sanitation, etc.
- The contractor must provide training to building managers and other staff, as designated by the building's IPM coordinator.
Adapt the IPM Institute's Model IPM Contract for use in your own contracting process.
Consider adopting an IPM Policy in your building or school. Use the IPM Instritute's Model Policy as a template.
Pest control operators can be located by contacting the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) which can verify licensing of operators in the state. Currently, there are no certification or licensing requirements specific to IPM services. It is recommended that you apply criteria like those listed under Specifications to decide if a particular pest control operator will meet your expectations for IPM services.
For more information about pesticide applicator licensing, call MDA's Licensing and Certification Information Line at (651) 207-6615.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture - Intergrated Pest Management Program
www.mda.state.mn.us/plants/pestmanagement/ipm
This site includes a series of IPM fact sheets, model pesticide notices, strategies for developing IPM policies and practices in schools, and information regarding IPM training workshops and Minnesota's Parents' Right-to-Know Act.
University of Minnesota Extension Service
Intended for individuals, businesses and organizations, this site includes information about pesticide applicator training and certification, implementing IPM in schools, and other approaches that emphasize practical and least toxic pest management strategies. For general questions about IPM, contact your local county extension office.
IPM Institute of North America
www.ipminstitute.org
The IPM Institute, a non-profit organization, maintains a compehensive website that provides information on IPM to individuals, businesses, schools, and governments.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - IPM in Schools
www.epa.gov/pesticides/ipm
EPA's web site includes many helpful resources and web links to establish an IPM program, including a comprehensive brochure titled, "Pest Control in the School Environment: Adopting IPM".
IPM Technical Resource Center
www.entm.purdue.edu/entomology/outreach/schoolipm/
The IPM Technical Resource Center, based out of Purdue University, aims to assist schools and childcare facilities in developing integrated pest management programs.
University of Florida - School IPM
http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/
Aiming to reduce the risk of pests and unnecessary pesticide use by promoting IPM in schools and providing support, resources, and training, the Florida School IPM website contains many resources useful for developing an IPM program.
"Measuring Integrated Pest Management Programs for Public Buildings"
Albert Greene and Nancy L. Breisch
Journal of Economic Entomology 95(1): 1-13 (2002)
http://www.ipminstitute.org/Articles/Greene&BreischJEE.pdf
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board, 4/00. The SWMCB includes members from the Minnesota metropolitan counties of Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, and Washington, with ex-officio members from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
Last Revised November 7, 2008 - 10:20am