Structural Pest Control

Preventing Pest Entry and Sanitation

Insect and animal pests enter a work or living area because they are invited in.  They pursue food and shelter needs with the same loyalty as any adopted pet.  Building occupants play the biggest role in preventing pest infestations. Leaving doors open or removing screens gives ready access to pest, both insects and rodents, to enter looking for warmth and food. Pests can also be brought into spaces inside luggage, potted plants, or other articles coming from infested areas. Sanitation is critical to preventing pests' access to food. Food should be stored in sturdy, sealed containers and kept off floors or in lower cabinets where pests have easy access. Food intended for ESA's should be given to same security.  Spills or food preparation equipment should be cleaned promptly.  Don't overlook food waste on items put into trash or materials being saved for compost. These should be sealed or removed to outside containers from office, academic, or residential areas as quickly as possible.

Integrated Pest Management

The College is committed to using integrated pest management procedures for control of structural pests across all areas of campus.

Integrated pest management (IPM) is an effective and sustainable approach to managing structural pests. IPM uses information on the life cycle of pests and their interaction with the environment to manage pest damage with the least hazard to people, property, and the environment.

IPM pest controls include cultural, physical, biological, and chemical methods.

1. Cultural: Avoidance of situations that create favorable conditions for pests (e.g., sanitation)
2. Physical: Removal of insects at various stages when numbers permit
3. Biological: Use of beneficial biological agents that control growth of pests (generally not used for structural control)
4. Chemical: Use of  pesticides including organic, natural, or inorganic materials

This list is prioritized from first defense to last resort. When chemical pesticides are necessary, a preference is given to control methods that maximize public safety and minimize environmental risk.

Reporting and Notification Procedures

The community should report all pest conditions to facilities and grounds using the work order system. This includes a specific category for Pest Control. Facilities and grounds will work with a licensed pest control contractor with experience in IPM controls to conduct inspections, identify the pests, monitor the population, make recommendations, and implement control practices in accordance with IPM principles.

Should chemical treatment be necessary residents will be notified at least 48 hours before the proposed treatment. Any resident concerns and requests to reschedule the application should be made to housing operations within 24 hours of posting of the notice.

For non-residential areas, notice will be given at least 24 hours before the proposed treatment; any occupant concerns or requests to reschedule should be made to facilities and grounds within 12 hours of posting of the notice. Community members may request notification of at least 48 hours for a particular area that contains their offices or which they regularly frequent by submitting a written request to facilities and grounds.

Applications of disinfectants, algaecides, antimicrobials, paints, stains, wood preservatives, and insecticidal baits in tamper-resistant bait stations or in generally inaccessible locations such as wall and floor voids do not require the notification procedures.

Notification may be waived when there is an immediate threat to public safety or health as determined jointly by the director of environmental health and safety and director of facilities and grounds with notification to the director of housing operations and dean of students for all residential areas. As much notification as is feasible will be given in these situations.

Material safety data sheets are available for all products used and a log book is kept of all pesticide applications.

Over-the-Counter Pesticides

No over-the-counter pesticides should be stored or used in campus structures without permission of facilities and grounds with the exception of mosquito/tick repellants. Applications of EPA registered pesticides will only be done by a licensed applicator. Use of antimicrobial disinfectants and physical pest control devices (e.g., mouse traps, fly paper) are not restricted.

For additional information, please contact environmental health and safety (ext. 6620).