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BMBL Appendix GIntegrated Pest Management
Pest management is an important part of managing a research facility. Many pests, such as flies and cockroaches, can mechanically vector disease pathogens and compromise the research environment. Even the presence of innocuous insects can contribute to the perception of unsanitary conditions. The most common approach to pest control has been the application of pesticides, either as a preventive or remedial measure. Pesticidal treatments can be effective and may be necessary as a corrective measure, but they have limited long-term effect when used alone. Pesticidal applications also present the potential to contaminate the research environment through pesticide drift and volatilization. To control pests and minimize the use of pesticides, it is necessary to employ a comprehensive program approach to pest management that integrates housekeeping, maintenance, and pest control services. This method of pest control is often referred to as Integrated Pest Management (IPM). The primary goal of an IPM program is to prevent pest problems by managing the facility environment in such a way as to make it less conducive to pest infestation. Along with limited applications of pesticides to control pests, pest control is achieved through proactive operational and administrative intervention strategies to correct conditions that foster pest problems. IPM is a strategy-based service. The decision to implement an IPM program should be based not only on the cost of the services, but on the effectiveness of the program's components. IPM is site-specific, and each program should be tailored to the environment where it is applied. IPM services in a laboratory will be different from those in an office building or an animal care facility. Integrated pest management programs can be delineated into various interrelated components which contribute to the "environmental management" approach to controlling pests. These are:
Prior to initiating any type of pest management program, development of an operational framework for IPM services can help to promote collaboration between pest management specialists and facility personnel. This framework can also be used to incorporate facility restrictions and operational and procedural issues into the IPM program. An effective pest management program is an integral part of the facility's management. Including an IPM policy statement in the facility's standard operating procedures can increase awareness of the program. Training on the principles and practices of structural (indoor) integrated pest management and information on IPM programs is available from many sources. Some of these are university entomology departments, county extension offices, the Entomological Society of America, state departments of agriculture, state pest control associations, the National Pest Control Association, suppliers of pest control equipment, and pest management consultants or pest management firms. There are also correspondence courses available from several universities as well as short courses and training conferences on structural pest management. Additional Information
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