nita davidson, ph.d. integrated pest management (ipm) in california schools
TRANSCRIPT
Nita Davidson, Ph.D.
Integrated Pest Management Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in California Schools(IPM) in California Schools
www.schoolipm.info
Hungry?Hungry?
IPM in California SchoolsIPM in California SchoolsWhat’s the Healthy Schools Act?What’s the Healthy Schools Act?
Are pesticides really that scary?Are pesticides really that scary?
Why is pest management in Why is pest management in schools challenging?schools challenging?
What What isis IPM? IPM?
How can we achieve source How can we achieve source reduction of pesticides (i.e., reduction of pesticides (i.e., implement IPM)?implement IPM)?
Argentine antsArgentine ants
The Healthy Schools Act (AB 2260)The Healthy Schools Act (AB 2260)
Legislation signed into law September 2000
Right-to-know lawRight-to-know law
Public schools (K–12)
Voluntary law with mandatory components—IPM is voluntary
Provisions in both the Education Code and the Food & Agricultural Code
Are pesticides really Are pesticides really that scary?that scary?
Putting Pesticides in PerspectivePutting Pesticides in Perspective——
Other Risks Exist, Too!Other Risks Exist, Too!Faulty playground equipment
School bus accidents
Weapons on school grounds
Creepy-crawly critters—stings, bites, transmission of pathogens, broken ankles
Toxics—molds; asbestos; xylene; formaldehyde; lead; bus diesel; contamination of air, water & soil; pesticides
Other toxic substances:Other toxic substances: Children are Children are exposed to solvents, trans fats, exposed to solvents, trans fats, antibiotics, artificial ingredientsantibiotics, artificial ingredients
Cockroaches—asthma
Stinging insects—dermatitis, phobias, anaphylaxis
Gophers—broken ankles
Some Pests Pose Risks to Some Pests Pose Risks to Human HealthHuman Health
Rats & mice—salmonella, hantavirus, plague and other pathogens
Eradicate creepy crawly critters (often reactive rather than preventive)
Use liquids that offer quick knockdown
Use perimeter sprays or cover a large area to ensure a no-pest zone
The scorched earth approachThe scorched earth approach
Delayed (Chronic) Effects—Tumors, cancer, birth defects, blood and nervous system disorders
Allergic Effects—Asthma; skin, eye & lung irritation; multiple chemical sensitivity
RISKRISK == Toxicity x ExposureToxicity x ExposureAcute (Immediate) Effects—Variety of toxic effects and chemical burns
Self-contained baits or traps
Gels or pastes used as crack-and-crevice treatments
Exempted materials—FIFRA 25(b): many essential oils
Antimicrobials—sanitizers & disinfectants
Are all pesticides scary? Are all pesticides scary? Exempt from HSA Exempt from HSA
requirementsrequirements
Baits good; perimeter and broadcast sprays bad!
Insecticidal chalk
Exempt pesticides not used according to label directions
Personal choice does not Personal choice does not always make scary always make scary
pesticides safe pesticides safe
What are some barriers that What are some barriers that complicate adoption of IPM?complicate adoption of IPM?
Diverse habitats
1,000 school districts: from LAUSD to one-room school-houses
Older buildings—although newer ones aren’t pest-proof!
Lack of communication within bureaucracy
Other priorities
Lack of money, training, motivation
Communication!Communication!
Superintendents, administrators
Business managers
Risk managers
Maintenance directors, custodians, grounds staff
Pest control operators
Food service
Teachers
Students & parents
Schools provide an ideal Schools provide an ideal environment for pestsenvironment for pests
Weedy―Argentine ants, gophers, pigeons
Many generations per year
Many offspring
Good hiders―cockroaches
Well adapted to school environments― yellowjackets, weeds
Creatures Typical of School Creatures Typical of School Buildings, Landscape, & TurfBuildings, Landscape, & Turf
Argentine ants
Cockroaches
Rodents mice, rats, gophers
Pigeons and other birds
Weeds
Yellowjackets
What is IPM?What is IPM?IPM = A decision-making strategy that IPM = A decision-making strategy that focuses on long-term focuses on long-term preventionprevention of pests of pests
Inspect for pest and correctly identify; monitor for pest activity; keep records!
Eliminate sources of food, water, and shelter—use exclusion methods (maintenance) and sanitation.
Use non-chemical practices and chemical controls that pose the least possible hazard (low toxicity + minimal exposure).
Routine perimeter spraying is not IPM!
Argentine AntsArgentine AntsSupercolonies—no inter-colony aggressionDisplace native antsBillions and billions—don’t even think about eradication!Favorite food—honeydewFood exchange through trophallaxis ( use baits!)
Emile Zeck
Argentine Ants—Argentine Ants—Management StrategiesManagement Strategies
Conventional Conventional ControlControl
Use perimeter sprays outdoors regularlySpray indoors with liquids and aerosols
IPMIPMMonitor trees and shrubs for honeydew—reduce population in springSanitation! Eliminate food & water sourcesExclusion—seal cracks Use baits (many active ingredients available)Clean up stragglers, but avoid using aerosols
Argentine Ants—Management Argentine Ants—Management Strategies Strategies SanitationSanitation
Indoors Get teachers and students to clean up classroom after they eatEmpty waste baskets daily
OutdoorsRegularly sweep or steam clean outdoor lunch areasClean garbage cans regularly
Argentine AntsArgentine AntsManagement Strategies Management Strategies ExclusionExclusion
(= maintenance practices)(= maintenance practices)Indoors
Seal openings around potential ant runways (e.g., electrical conduits)Seal cracks, install weather stripping
OutdoorsKeep vegetation away from structures Apply tanglefoot around plants that attract ants (when practical)
Take-home messagesTake-home messagesHSA―Right-to-know law; IPM voluntary
Pesticides―not all equal; some are necessary to use
Perimeter & broadcast sprays bad
Use less toxic pesticides & minimize exposure
IPM cleaner, better-maintained schools
Several barriers prevent instant adoption of IPM, but IPM is achievable
IPM is a sustainable way to solve pest problems