Integrated pest management versus traditional pest control

Wayne L. Warren

Modern pest control is often termed IPM--which can be defined as a coordination of several management functions to:

* Identify specific sites of pest infestation.

* Resolve these infestations with short-term control(s).

* Reduce or eliminate the causes of infestation with long-term resolutions.

All controls must include the safest and most cost-effective options available. The critical components of an IPM Program include cleaning, solid waste management, structural maintenance, occupant education and finally, if necessary, appropriate pesticide application. IPM differs from traditional pest control in at least five ways:

* Proactive vs. Reactive

Traditional pest control tends to ignore the reasons why a pest problem exists, but instead reacts to an infestation by temporarily treating the pest with chemicals. IPM may occasionally include an immediate corrective response which includes the use of pesticide(s), however, IPM is mainly a preventive maintenance process that attempts to control pests by reducing their food, water, harborage (hiding places), and entry points.

* Management Process vs. Pest Management Traditional pest control relies on the "exterminator" to solve pest problems. IPM recognizes that the exterminator, alone, cannot do this, and that lasting solutions usually depend on coordinated management initiatives to upgrade sanitation, housekeeping, repair and good occupant operating practices.

* Pesticides Only when Necessary vs. Scheduled Treatment.

Traditional pest control consists of routine pesticide application whether pests are present or not. These chemicals are mistakenly thought of as protective barriers that can "keep the bugs away." (Exterior structural chemicals are an exception). IPM consists of routine inspection and monitoring, but in most cases relies on pesticides only when evidence indicates that pests are actually present, and when non-chemical approaches, such as vacuuming, trapping, etc. have been unsuccessful. This theme will be reinforced throughout this reference.

* Least Toxic Treatment vs. Surface Spraying or Fogging.

Traditional pest control tends to apply pesticide to exposed areas far from where it's needed and use far more of it than necessary. In fact, the "baseboard spraying" and room fogging that is still practiced by some of the pest control industry, is not very effective at killing cockroaches and other pests living deep within furniture, equipment, or structural elements. IPM applies pesticides with precision and restraint. It emphasizes that only the safest compounds, formulations and methods of application are appropriate. Insecticide bait is usually preferable to spray. When sprays are necessary, they are limited strictly to "crack and crevice" applications. Space sprays or "fogging" are reserved for extraordinary situations where no other solution is practical e.g., heat treatment has been advocated for rolling stock pest control. In summary, non-chemical control alternatives are always considered be fore pesticide use.

* Expertise vs. Minimal Training.

Traditional pest control technicians are often required to do very little except operate a compressed air sprayer. IPM requires a much higher standard of expertise. For an IPM program to be successful, it is essential that management have informed technical guidance on all aspects of the pest control effort.

IPM--Inspection and Control

The purpose of an IPM Program is to forestall or prevent infestation, and to control or eliminate existing infestation. Preventive pest management is considered to be the most economical and effective means of protecting patients, employees, visitors and health care facility property.

An optimum program depends on the cooperation of all personnel. Health care facility-wide information on this subject should be made available, stating responsibilities and procedures necessary for a successful program. In addition, a pest management information program should be given to all personnel, identifying responsible program officials and including their titles, location, phone numbers, etc.

IPM Defined

IPM is a decision making process that considers cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical controls. Control mechanisms are selected as each situation war rants. Where chemical control is indicated, specific pest populations are targeted for treatment when they are most vulnerable rather than a general pesticide application. Through the use of appropriate control measures and proper application, IPM can result in a reduction in the use of chemicals contained in pesticides.

IPM Program Objectives

The maintenance and promotion of safe, efficient, and environmentally sound strategies; the prevention or control of disease vectors and other pests that may adversely affect health, impede operations, or damage property, represent the IPM program objectives.

Complying with all appropriate laws and regulations i.e., Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), Tide 29 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 1910.20, Access to Employee Exposure and Medical Records; 29 CFR 1910.132, Personal Protective Equipment; 29 CFR 1910.134, Respiratory Protection; 29 CFR 1910.1200, Hazard Communication; Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and Public Law 92-516, as amended, concerning pesticide use and other pest control procedures.

IPM philosophy and strategies should be incorporated into all relevant aspects of medical care facility pest management planning, training and operations.

Introducing an IPM Program

The term, IPM, has been around for many years, but it has not always been completely understood or followed in a way that would improve the pest management of structures and at the same time reduce the use of chemicals. This technique is especially important in a health care facility environment.

Pests are found in an area because they're getting what they need--food, moisture, shelter; removing these essential ingredients will decrease pest problems proportionately.

IPM means simultaneously improving sanitation; eliminating food and water where it doesn't belong. Reducing clutter, and sealing up gaps and crevices that give pests access or shelter; roaches and rodents, will not live where they can't eat, drink or hide. It is one of the primary goals of the program to identify what measures can be realistically and economically carried out in specific areas to provide "built-in" pest control. IPM can be thought of as a shield against pests, rather than as a reaction to them after they've already become established. A good example of this is: trash compactors should be self contained units, which are far more impervious to rodents.

Six Steps of the IPM Process

The challenge to making IPM work is to use patience and skill, gradually replacing long-term attitudes and habits with that of improved systems. Each pest problem, great or small, usually presents the pest controller with six basic tasks:

* Understanding and Educating the Client.

Most pest control, in and around buildings, is a service to the occupants and is performed at their request. The IPM process, therefore, typically begins with people rather than pests. Client-relations is always a communications challenge. Educating the customer about IPM is essential, but is much more effective if the pest controller first understands customer concerns, as well as expectations. Education begins by explaining whether or not these concerns are warranted and the expectations attainable. As in any service occupation, the ability to listen and communicate is an absolute necessity.

* Analyzing the Pest Problem.

It is a fairly simple process to figure out the identity of most structural pests and why they are present. Exactly where they are coming from can be more difficult to discover, and may require a thorough understanding of pest biology, as well as structural design and construction.

* Taking Short-term, Corrective Action.

Although IPM emphasizes a "preventive maintenance" approach to pests, the real world often demands immediate corrective action for pre-existing problems. In many cases, the use of pesticides for this purpose is unavoidable. However, all parties must understand that each corrective action will be the least toxic of all feasible alternatives. Reluctant clients who feel more comfortable with older (but now Jess appropriate) approaches should be reminded that liability minimization and longterm environmental concern have become overriding pest control imperatives.

* Implementing Long-term Preventive Action.

Ongoing, "built-in" control actions that indirectly reduce pests by minimizing their food, harborage, and access are the heart of the IPM process and fundamental to its success. These actions are often technically simple sanitation or exclusion procedures that are administratively difficult to plan, coordinate and execute. Structural pest prevention is the "applied facilities management" aspect of IPM, and requires that the pest controller have as thorough a knowledge of building operations as of pest biology. It frequently requires the understanding and cooperation of program areas that traditionally have not interacted closely with pest management.

* Inspecting, Documenting, and Evaluating Results.

Skilled inspection is essential to IPM. The evaluation of corrective action should strive to be as efficient as possible, with documentation no more elaborate then necessary. Even the simplest records can usually indicate whether control measures have succeeded or that a new approach is needed. However, the greatest inspection challenge in an IPM Program is to establish routine, proactive, surveillance by trained specialists. Employees serve as a vast pool of "inspectors" for pest sightings, but they cannot be relied on to deled and accurately report conditions conducive to infestation. Inspection of specific areas where pests have been reported should focus on answering four basic questions about the problem:

How are the pests getting in, and can this access be reduced or eliminated?

What are the pests feeding on, and can this food and/or water source be reduced or eliminated?

Where exactly are the pests living, and can these sites be physically altered, removed, or treated with traps.

If a pesticide must be used, what type and application presents the lowest possible risk to health and the environment?

* Getting Back to the Client.

"Closing the Communications Loop" by following up on whether client satisfaction has been achieved, is the step easiest to ignore but critical to an IPM-program's continued support and viability. To put it simply, the IPM Program is not a success unless the client considers it a success. Written by: Wayne L. Warren, CHESP, Retired Director, Environmental Programs Management Office, Department of Veterans Affairs, Copyright 2001.

* This document has been adapted from a Veterans Health Administration Program Guide and the author would like to acknowledge the many hood quarters and field environmental services personnel, as well as the peer to reviewers who contributed to the original document. This Professional Development Series (PDS) document maybe purchased in it's entirety by contacting ASHES Order Services at 1-800-242-2626 and requesting document #197107 "Integrated Pest Management"

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CONTINUING EDUCATION TEST--MARCH 2004

Integrated Pest Management versus Traditional Pest Control

Integrated pest management (IPM) and traditional pest control differ in that IPM is proactive in preventing infestation with pests, whereas traditional methods are reactive, because they tend to ignore the reasons why a pest problem exists and react to an infestation simply by treating it with chemicals.

* True

* False

2. Both IPM and traditional pest control rely on regularly scheduled visits by exterminators to eliminate pests.

* True

* False

3. IPM programs focus primarily on prevention of pest infestation but also employ pesticides where warranted.

* True

* False

4. IPM decision-making considers which of the following control mechanisms?

A. Cultural

B. Mechanical

C. Biological

D. Chemical

E. All of the above

5. IPM can result in reduced use of chemicals.

* True

* False

6. IPM strives to eliminate pests by using which of the following approaches?

A. Improving sanitation

B. Eliminating sources of food and water for pests

C. Eliminating shelter by reducing clutter and sealing gaps and crevices in structures

D. Setting baited traps for pests

E. All of the above

7. The IPM process begins with

A. Pests

B. Housekeeping department

C. Client

D. Administration department

E. Maintenance department

8. IPM uses the least toxic of all feasible alternatives because

A. Clients are always more comfortable with this choice

B. Liability is minimized

C. Long-term effects on the environment are a concern

D. It is more cost-effective

E. All of the above

9. Inspecting, documenting, and evaluating corrective actions used in controlling pest infestation require elaborate records

* True

* False

10. The IPM program is a success only if

A. Pests are totally eradicated

B. The client considers it a success C. Use of chemicals is avoided

D. All employees report sightings of pests

E. All of the above

Test Answers

1. True

2. False

3. True

4. E

5. True

6. E

7. C

8. B&C

9. False

10. B

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