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Integrated Pest Management (IPM)Cristina Gonzalez-Maddux, Research SpecialistInstitute for Tribal Environmental Professionals

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Conventional Pest Management StrategiesUse of pesticidesWhat are some of the major environmental and

ecological concerns?How about human health concerns?

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Ecological and Environmental Impacts of PesticidesSilent Spring, Rachel Carson (1962)Trophic levels and bioaccumulationTransport and runoffPesticides in the atmosphere, & surface & groundwater

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Human Health Concerns Exposure Agricultural applications Home use

“Irritation to eye, nose, and throat; damage to central nervous system and kidney; increased risk of cancer.  Symptoms may include headache, dizziness, muscular weakness, and nausea. Chronic exposure to some pesticides can result in damage to the liver, kidneys, endocrine and nervous systems.

Both the active and inert ingredients in pesticides can be organic compounds; therefore, both could add to the levels of airborne organics inside homes.”

ACTIVITY Can you name the top three active ingredients in… Bonus round – what are health concerns associated with that chemical?

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How prevalent are pesticides in the home?“study suggests that 80 percent of most people's exposure to pesticides occurs indoors and that measurable levels of up to a dozen pesticides have been found in the air inside homes.”

- US EPA, IAQ & Pesticides (2012)

• Survey Question: Do you have any pesticides in your home? If so, have you used them in the last 6 months?

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What is IPM? How is it different than other conventional approaches?

…“an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment.”

USEPA, IPM Principles 2012

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How does IPM work?US EPA’s IPM PrinciplesSet action thresholdsMonitor and identify pestsPreventionControl

What is IPM? National Pest Management Association

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZPeanRqW5s

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Pests of concern for IAQRodents – mice and ratsCockroaches and antsFleas, dust mites, bed bugs

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What do pests require to thrive?Food, water, warmth, shelterStep 1: Assess – Am I providing these key needs?

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Remove FoodEliminates feeding optionsEmpty garbage oftenStore food securely (also pet food)Clean up crumbs, wash dishes right away

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Remove WaterReduces pest-promoting moistureFix plumbing leaks promptlyWipe up spillsEmpty pet dishes at nightDon’t leave water in sink

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Block Pest EntrywaysAccess PointsRepair holes and openings

in wallsAssess home for possible

nesting areas (e.g., eaves) Install screens, doors,

windows, and regularly check on weather stripping

Close doors when not in use

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Decrease Pest HabitatEliminate hiding spaces

and nesting materialsBathe pets oftenAvoid clutter

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Asthma TriggersCockroachesDust (mites)Vacuum and sweep

frequentlyRegular maintenanceChange filter

Change bedding often and wash in hot water

Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Dept.Environmental Public Health

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IPM ResourcesPlease see the “IAQ Resources” document

US EPA – IPM Principles

http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/ipm.htmUSDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture National Roadmap

for IPM, 2004

http://www.csrees.usda.gov/nea/pest/pdfs/nat_ipm_roadmap.pdf

Questions and comments?