Utah State University Facilities Maintenance

Utah State University

Facilities Maintenance

Indoor Integrated Pest Management
Introduction

Pests are living organisms (insects, mammals, weeds, plant pathogens, etc.) that interfere with the use of or degrade the quality of facilities for human purposes.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) combines biological, cultural, physical, and chemical tools to proactively manage pests while minimizing economic, heath, and environmental risks. IPM emphasizes the use of non-chemical control strategies first minimizing the need for unnecessary pesticide use.
Utah State University (USU) Facilities Maintenance Department, has adopted this IPM plan for the management of domestic and peridomestic pests occurring in buildings under its jurisdiction.
The IPM Plan described in the following pages outlines the procedures to be followed to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors from pests and pesticide hazards while maintaining tolerable pest pressure within USU buildings.
USU IPM Policy Objectives:

• 
  Improve indoor air quality and health by minimizing pesticide use indoors
  
• 
  Outline a plan of action for response to pest sightings and complaints
  

• 
  Develop and pest monitoring and control program ensuring the safety and health of students, faculty, staff, and the public
  

• 
  Prevent loss or damage to structures or property by pests
  
• 
  Ensure the sustainability of the facilities IPM Program
  
• 
  Appoint an IPM Coordinator and Committee
  
• 
  Establish standards for safe pesticide storage and record keeping
  
• 
  Outline pest tolerance thresholds
  

USU’s IPM Plan also incorporates voluntary compliance with the regulations promulgated by the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food for pesticide use and licensing of pesticide applicators.

IPM Coordinator

Todd Hlavaty, USU facilitates maintenance IPM coordinator, will be responsible for the implementation and management of the IPM plan and will coordinate pest management-related communications and actions between USU students, faculty, staff, and the public.

IPM Committee

USU facilities will maintain an IPM committee to annually review and revise USU’s IPM Program, and for assisting the IPM Coordinator in resolving pest related issues as needed. At annual review meetings, minutes will be taken and kept on file by the IPM coordinator and IPM technicians.

IPM Committee Members Include:
Robert D. Edwards _________________________________________________ Date __________________________

Committee Chair, IPM LOAM Specialist
Rob Reeder ________________________________________________________ Date ____________________________

Facilities Maintenance/Loam Director
Kelly Donaldson___________________________________________________ Date ___________________________ Facilities Maintenance Manager
Scott Hampton _____________________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Loam Foreman
Bret Leckie _______________________________________________________ Date ___________________________

Loam
USU IPM Cooperators:

Richard Zubiate, Custodial Supervisor SLC School District

Robin Anderson, Asst. Custodial Supervisor SLC School District

Mervin Brewer, Asst. Custodial Supervisor SLC School District

Clark Burgess, Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF)

Ryan Davis, Entomologist, Utah State University Extension

Posting and Notification of Pesticide Applications

Occupants will receive written or electronic notification 72 hours prior to any interior broadcast, void, baseboard, or crack and crevice pesticide application (excluding spot treatments for isolated pests). Faculty, staff and students will be notified prior the initiation of any insecticide-bait trapping program (but not for non-pesticide trapping/monitoring programs). If a pesticide application must be made in less than 72 hours, then an “Emergency Notification” will be sent out prior to application or no more than 24 hours following an application.

Record Keeping

USU Facilities IPM group will maintain records of all pest control treatments for at least three years, as required by Utah law. All pesticide application information will be recorded using the UDAF Pesticide Application Record Form (Appendix A), and entered monthly into an electronic (Excel) database. Information regarding pest management activities will be made available at USU Facilities Maintenance Department Offices. Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) of all stored and used pesticides will be kept on file and available to the public upon request.

Training

All USU IPM staff will be provided training on the USU Facilities Development and Management IPM policy at hire and during annual update training. Training will include:

• 
  Understanding the rationale and content for USU’s IPM policy and program.
  
• 
  How to properly use pest sighting and pesticide application logs.
  
• 
  Who to contact at the time of pest sighting.
  
• 
  Learning their role in pest control as non-licensed pesticide applicators.
  

Additionally, designated staff including the IPM Coordinator, IPM Site Coordinators and those who conduct regular inspections of USU Facilities Management will receive advanced training on pest identification, biology, and control (provided by USU Extension and other collaborators).

Procedures

1. 
   Prevention
   

USU acts proactively to prevent pests via monthly building inspections, minimizing pest habitat, excluding pest entry into buildings, and reducing food and water availability to pests.

2. 
   Monitoring
   

If a pest is present during an inspection, the inspector identifies the pest and seeks to identify the conditions sustaining the pest to prevent further problems. The inspector will record findings on “The Pest Conducive Condition Checklist” (Appendix B). Prudent management action will be taken using all methods necessary while emphasizing the use of non-chemical methods first. Assistance with pest identification and control recommendations will be provided by the Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab (USU Extension).

3. 
   Action Thresholds
   

Thresholds are predetermined levels of pest pressure needed to take control measures. Common thresholds include pest damage, aesthetic degradation, economic loss, health and legal concerns, and human tolerances and opinion. The USU campus facilities have numerous functions. Thus, an appropriate action threshold for an eating area might vary from an appropriate threshold for a field study office. The IPM coordinator will work with occupants to set appropriate action thresholds for each site.

4. 
   Pesticide Safety and Application
   

USU Facilities Management Department will only apply pesticides after supportive documentation has established the need for such application and every possible IPM alternative has been exhausted. Pesticide application, when necessary, will be performed by a licensed applicator (UDAF) using the least amount and least toxic chemicals possible and only to the specific area involved, when possible. Least toxic substances for the purposes of this IPM program are chemicals with low mammalian toxicity, a narrow range of target organisms, and a short residual. Non-broad spectrum products or formulations will be preferentially selected.
U.S. EPA Definitions Least Toxic Options Include:

Boric acid, silica gels, diatomaceous earth, nonvolatile insect and rodent baits in tamper resistant containers, microbe-based insecticides, biological controls and botanical insecticides (not including synthetic pyrethroids) without toxic synergists.

Least Toxic Options Do Not Include:

1. 
   Pesticides determined by EPA to be possible, probable or known carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, reproductive toxins, developmental neurotoxins, endocrine disrupters, or immune system toxins;
   
2. 
   Pesticides in EPA’s toxicity category I or II;
   
3. 
   Any application of a pesticide using a broadcast spray, dust, tenting, fogging or baseboard spray application.
   

For more information on the toxicity of pesticides and to make sure the pesticide being used meets the least toxic requirement, go to:

http://www.sfenvironment.org/article/residents/leasttoxic-pesticides-for-green-buildings
Application technique and pesticide formulation will be selected as to limit the potential for exposure to humans and the environment, i.e. applications of residual-active pesticides will not be applied to exposed, human-contact surfaces.
Pesticides will be properly stored and disposed of in accordance with the EPA-registered label directions and State or Local regulations. Pesticides must be stored in an appropriate, secure site not accessible to students or unauthorized personnel. A cabinet in a non-student area with a locked and labeled door is advised. The door label will include a warning sign including visual signals for non-English reading adults or children.
Any pesticide application will be recorded using the pesticide application record (Appendix A). Building occupants will be notified of pesticide use 72 hours prior to application via written or electronic communication. If a pesticide application must be made in less than 72 hours then an “Emergency Notification” will be sent out prior to application or no more than 24 hours following an application.
USU Facilities Maintenance Department will not allow any department employee to apply pesticides unless they are licensed by the UDAF. Maintaining the license will require yearly continuing education credits received for completion of certified educational and training programs by UDAF. Licensed applicators must also possess a fundamental knowledge of integrated pest management.

4. 
   Outreach Education
   

In collaboration with the Utah Plant Pest Diagnostic Lab, educational documents concerning pests of concern and their management (fact sheets) will be created and/or disseminated upon request or prior to any significant pest control activity. IPM and pest control training will be provided for USU Maintenance and Grounds staff upon request from USU Extension.

5. 
   Emergency Application of Pesticides
   

A pest outbreak that poses an immediate threat to public health or will cause significant economic or environmental damage is considered an emergency. Emergency pesticide applications require a 24 hour advance notice to building users in accordance with procedures identified under the “Posting and Notification of Pesticide Application” section of this plan.
Examples for Pest-specific Strategies

The following basic strategies will be used for frequently encountered pests. They are sample procedures and do not reflect all the extensive IPM methods at our disposal. The IPM process is used to evaluate and define every individual case in order to determine an appropriate plan of action. A full list of location- and pest-specific management techniques can be located in the School IPM 2015 document:

1. 
   Ants
   
   1. 
      Ants will be identified to species level in order to aid in locating nesting sites preferred food, habits, and appropriate bait selected when necessary.
      
   2. 
      Ants inside buildings will be cleaned up with soapy water, including the areas ants are traversing to in order to eliminate any pheromone one recruiting trail, which ants deposit to help other and find the location of food and water sources.
      
   3. 
      IPM Technicians will attempt to identify or locate the opening providing entry for ants into the building, and assess repair regiments. The IPM Technician can do small cracks or other minor sealing at the time of the assessment. Larger repair issues will be sent to USU Faculties Customer Service.
      
   4. 
      Building and room occupants will be informed of any action they need to take to prevent future problems—cleaning up spilled food or drink more promptly and thoroughly, storing food in sealed containers, repairing, looking or dripping pipes or faucets, etc., more promptly or thoroughly.
      
2. 
   Roaches
   
   1. 
      Roaches will be identified to species level in order to aid in locating nesting sites, preferred food, habits, and appropriate bait selection when necessary.
      
   2. 
      IPM technicians will attempt to identify or locate the opening providing entry for minor sealing, such as drain screens. The IPM technician can do this at the time of assessment. Larger repair issues will be sent the USU Facilities Customer Service.
      
   3. 
      Building and room occupants will be informed of any action they need to take to prevent future problems, cleaning up spilled food or drink more promptly or thoroughly, storing food in sealed containers, repairing dripping pipes or faucets, etc. The idea is to reduce food and water sources.
      
   4. 
      If the above steps fail to correct the problem, contact the IPM Coordinator and discuss additional steps, such as more extensive repairs or select last-toxic pesticides, baits, or gels, preferably in manufactured tamper-resistant bait stations placed in areas in accessible to children and other building occupants.
      

3. 
   Box Elder Bugs
   
   1. 
      Box Elder Bugs will be identified to species level to aid in locating nesting sites.
      
   2. 
      Box Elder Bugs inside will be cleaned up using a pro-coach backpack vacuum cleaner.
      
   3. 
      IPM Technicians will attempt or locate the opening providing entry for Box Elder Bugs in to the building and assess repair requirements by repairing screens and caulking around windows and doors, screen soffit in attic vents. Insecticide treatment has not been very successful in treating Box Elder Bugs inside.
      
   4. 
      If the above steps fail to correct the problem, contact the IPM Coordinator and discuss additional steps such as more extensive repairs.
      
4. 
   Wasps and Yellow Jackets
   
   1. 
      IPM Technicians will attempt to identify or locate the opening for wasps into the building and assess repair requirements. The IPM Technician can do small cracks, or other minor sealing, at time of assessment. Larger repair issues will be sent to USU Facilities Customer Service.
      
   2. 
      Using a pro-coach backpack vacuum or fly swatter will control wasps inside.
      
   3. 
      If the above stops fail to correct the problem contact the IPM Coordinator and discuss additional steps to correct the problem.
      
5. 
   Mice
   
   1. 
      Exclusion is the primary method for mice control. IPM Technicians will attempt to identify or locate the opening providing entry for mice into the building and assess repair requirements. The IPM Technicians can do small cracks or other minor sealing at the time of assessment. Larger repairs will be sent to USU Facilities Customer Service.
      
   2. 
      Habitat reduction is another primary control method, which includes reducing food sources, prompt maintenance of trash receptacles, storing of food in sealed or mouse proof containers.
      
   3. 
      Poison bait will never be used. Non-toxic baits will be used in snap traps when appropriate.
      

Appendix A



Appendix B

Revised: December 11, 2013

Utah State University

Integrated Pest Management (LOAM)

Outdoor IPM Plan

Robert Edwards

IPM Supervisor

USU Facilities (LOAM)

6600 Old Main Hill, Logan, Utah 84322

Phone [phone]

INTRODUCTION

Pests are populations of living organisms (animals, plants, or microorganism) that interfere with the use of educational and other public and private facilities for human purposes. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is an approach that establishes a sustainable approach to managing pests by combining biological, cultural, physical and chemical tools in a way that minimizes economic, health and environmental risks.

Utah State University has an Integrated Pest Management Plan for the grounds under its jurisdiction. The plan outlines procedures to be followed to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and visitors from pest and pesticide hazards.
Objectives of this IPM plan include:

1. 
   Elimination of significant threats caused by pests to the health and safety of students, faculty, staff and the public.
   
2. 
   Prevention of loss or damage to structures or property by pests.
   
3. 
   Protection of environmental quality outside buildings.
   

This IPM plan will be stored in the office of the IPM Coordinator.
IPM COORDINATOR

Robert Edwards IPM Coordinator will be responsible to implement the IPM plan and to coordinate pest management-related communications between Utah State University, service providers, students, faculty, staff and the public.

IPM COMMITTEE

USU IPM and LOAM staff will be responsible for annual review of the IPM program and for assisting the IPM Coordinator in resolving pest-related issues. The committee will address IPM issues as needed and at least annually. Minutes will be taken of committee meetings and kept on file by the IPM Coordinator. Membership will include the IPM Coordinator and IPM technicians and LOAM staff.

POSTING AND NOTIFICATION OF PESTICIDE APPLICATIONS

The IPM Coordinator shall be responsible for periodic notification/education of the procedures for requesting planned and emergency applications of pesticides on facility grounds.

When pesticide applications are scheduled, USU Grounds Services, IPM Service Providers and staff shall provide notification in accordance with law, including:

1. 
   Posting a pest control information sign with the date, time and the product applied in an appropriate area and including contact information for additional details. 72 hour notice will ALWAYS be given when dealing with any child care facility on campus as is required by law. Under emergency situations where life, safety issues or property are at risk, a notice of pesticide application will be given no later than 24 hours after the event.
   
2. 
   Providing this information to all individuals working in the building, when appropriate.
   
3. 
   Providing this information to all individuals who have requested notification of individual applications of pesticides.
   

Where pests pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of students, employees or the public at large, USU Grounds Services may authorize an emergency pesticide application and shall notify by telephone any guardian who has requested such notification.
RECORD KEEPING & PUBLIC ACCESS TO INFORMATION

USU (LOAM), IPM Group, will maintain records of all applications and pest control treatments for at least three (3) years. Information regarding pest management activities will be made available to the public at the USU Grounds LOAM office.

TRAINING

All USU Grounds Services IPM staff will be provided with training and testing at the Cache County Extension Services Building. Training will include the rationale for the IPM policy and program and specific elements including use of the pest-sighting log and prohibition on pesticide applications by non-certified individuals.

GENERAL IPM STRATEGIES

Pest management strategies may include education, exclusion, sanitation, maintenance, biological and mechanical controls, and pre-approved, site-appropriate pesticides.

An Integrated Pest Management decision at USU Grounds shall consist of the following steps:

1. 
   Identify pest species.
   
2. 
   Estimate pest populations and compare to established action thresholds.
   
3. 
   Select the appropriate management tactics based on current on-site information.
   
4. 
   Assess effectiveness of pest management.
   
5. 
   Perform routine inspection and monitoring of Campus facilities for IPM related issues.
   
6. 
   Keep appropriate records.
   

Decisions concerning whether or not pesticides should be applied in a given situation will be based on a review of all available options. Efforts will be made to avoid the use of pesticides by adequate pest proofing of facilities, good sanitation practices, selection of pest-resistant plant materials, and appropriate horticultural practices.

When it is determined that a pesticide must be used in order to meet pest management objectives, the least-hazardous material, adequate for the job, will be chosen.
All pesticide storage, transportation, and application will be conducted in accordance with the requirement of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (7 United States Code136 et seq.), Environmental Protection Agency regulations in 40 CFR, Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations, USU Facilities policies and procedures, and local ordinances.
No person shall apply, store, or dispose of any pesticide on USU property without an appropriate pesticide applicator license. All pesticide applicators will be trained in the principles and practices of IPM and the use of pesticides approved for use by the USU Grounds IPM staff. All applicators must comply with the IPM policy and follow appropriate regulations and label precautions when using pesticides in or around all USU facilities.
All green landscape waste by products such as tree and shrub pruning’s, organic debris, etc. shall be chipped and sent to Stan Laub pit for composting, thus removing it all from the waste stream. The composted product will then be returned to the USU campus for re application to the landscape.
All mowers will use mulching decks in order to eliminate grass clipping waste. Frequent aeration and slicing of turf areas will help maintain a good soil balance with this practice.
Locally adapted plants will be used when appropriate.