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 2000Right-to-know lawRight-to-know lawPublic schools (K–12)Voluntary law with mandatory components—IPM is voluntaryProvisions 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 equipmentSchool bus accidentsWeapons on school grounds

Creepy-crawly critters—stings, bites, transmission of pathogens, broken anklesToxics—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—asthmaStinging insects—dermatitis, phobias, anaphylaxisGophers—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 knockdownUse 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 disordersAllergic 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 trapsGels or pastes used as crack-and-crevice treatmentsExempted materials—FIFRA 25(b): many essential oilsAntimicrobials—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 chalkExempt 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 habitats1,000 school districts: from LAUSD to one-room school-housesOlder buildings—although newer ones aren’t pest-proof!Lack of communication within bureaucracyOther prioritiesLack of money, training, motivation

Communication!Communication!Superintendents, administratorsBusiness managersRisk managersMaintenance directors, custodians, grounds staffPest control operatorsFood serviceTeachersStudents & parents

Schools provide an ideal Schools provide an ideal environment for pestsenvironment for pests

Weedy―Argentine ants, gophers, pigeons

Many generations per yearMany 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 antsCockroachesRodents mice, rats, gophersPigeons and other birdsWeedsYellowjackets

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 voluntaryPesticides―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 achievableIPM is a sustainable way to solve pest problems