Key Factors in Implementing Integrated Pest Management
Implementing integrated pest management (IPM) is not a simple process. However, as an IPM coordinator or facility manager, there are several factors you can focus on that can help lead to a successful outcome. These include:
- ensuring that the IPM team meets regularly;
- implementing an effective education and outreach program; and
- providing excellent training.
Regular IPM Team Meetings
Regular IPM team meetings enable all parties to understand their roles and responsibilities. At the initial team meeting, set IPM goals and action thresholds and discuss a pesticide use plan. Use this information to develop an IPM plan that details responsibilities, action thresholds, and treatment methods. In IPM in Buildings see the IPM Program Review Form in Appendix A for a checklist to support the design and implementation of your IPM program.
Education and Outreach
Education is of paramount importance to allow IPM stakeholders to execute their roles and responsibilities confidently and appropriately. IPM training and education should be recorded in your IPM Plan. Seek to partner with key stakeholders in your community. This is especially important in buildings such as schools in which the occupants are more susceptible to the health effects from pests.
Partnership suggestions include:
- IPM professionals should be encouraged to participate in or become members of local environmental advisory/strategy committees or counsels.
- Pest management professionals (PMPs) should join local environmental and community health organizations to promote the benefits of IPM.
- Building managers and key participants should use local laws/ordinances to leverage funding to support their IPM programs.
Mechanisms of this nature can also lead to generating an internal funding source that supports the programs existence.
Training Resources
EPA has IPM resources for schools and buildings.
Every state and territory of the United States has an IPM coordinator. These individuals are usually located at land grant universities and are aware of research and training opportunities for IPM in their university, state, and region. See IPM coordinators directory.
Four Regional USDA IPM Centers train and communicate. Recent projects led by IPM Centers include IPM in housing and schools.
Information on IPM in affordable housing. This project is managed by the Northeastern IPM Center with funding through an interagency agreement between U.S. Housing and Urban Development and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The IPM Institute of North America promotes IPM use in all settings. It has a wealth of IPM standards and contacts for resource information and operates several IPM certification programs including:
- IPM Star for schools; and
- GreenShield Certified for Pest Management Professionals.
The National Pest Management Association administers the Green Pro Certification program and has an array of educational and training materials.