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Summary of Part A. Structural IPM and EcoWise Certified Standards

Basic principles of Structural IPM are covered in this course. This includes a discussion of monitoring, recordkeeping, partnership with a customer, treatment thresholds, how to apply IPM treatments for pests such as ants, cockroaches, and rats, and the various tools available for the IPM Practitioner.

IPM methods are also compared and contrasted with the methods of conventional pest control.

The course shows how the EcoWise Certified definition of integrated pest management leads logically to the EcoWise Certified Pesticide Application Standards. These standards require application of the minimum amounts of reduced risk pesticides, and they are discussed in detail. The introduction to the EcoWise Standards is a starting point for those that want to take Part B and become an EcoWise Certified IPM Practitioner. The Standards also provide a detailed blueprint for how to do reduced risk, prevention based IPM.

There is a section on water quality that provides information on how to reduce pesticide contamination of water, while providing good pest management.

Here is an excerpt from the course:

If you are a licensed pest management professional, you already know a lot about controlling pests. But your job is bigger than just taking care of pest problems. You have an important role in society, and must learn to deal with the concerns of your customers and the possible impacts of your job on a larger world. A number of customers may have health problems and worry about pesticide exposure. Water quality regulators may be concerned that perimeter applications of pesticides will lead to water contamination. Members of the public may want to avoid pesticide exposures when they enter public buildings or play with their children in public parks.

Many pest management companies that recognize their role in the greater society have started to provide “green” or IPM services. These services emphasize non-chemical methods and minimize pesticide applications. There is certainly more than one way to achieve this goal, but a proven approach is the IPM method.

IPM methods lead to better pest management and to a reduction in pesticide use. One practitioner of this method, Dr. Albert Greene of the U.S. General Services Administration converted about 100 federal buildings to IPM management in the 1990s. He reduced pest complaints by 89% and pesticide applications by 93%. Implementation of IPM in 140 buildings at NASA’s Ames Research Center, in Mountain View, CA reduced pesticide applications by 87%. Since San Francisco started its IPM Program in 1996, gallons of pesticides applied have been reduced by 85%. In 70% of the San Francisco treatments, no pesticides at all are used. There are many other examples.

Because of the proven success in pesticide reduction, many California municipalities have adopted IPM ordinances and policies. California, along with many other states, has a law requiring the use of IPM programs in schools. Water agencies in California encourage use of IPM methods because IPM can reduce pesticide contamination of water. In these instances, IPM is actually part of a political process as well as a pest management method. It allows the community to take control of pesticide use by establishing rules for pesticide applications on public property. The rules can include an accepted list of pesticides and an exemption process for emergency situations. The San Francisco IPM Ordinance is a model of this approach, and a copy of the ordinance can be found at the San Francisco website, www.sfenvironment.org. Other municipalities including the City of Santa Barbara have followed this model.

So there are many good reasons why pest management companies and professionals should convert to IPM. Reducing daily pesticide exposure may have positive benefits on an applicator’s health. Learning to provide quality pest management services while reducing pesticide applications can lead to improved professional recognition. Once your company is recognized as a leader “green” pest management, IPM contracts with government agencies, hospitals, schools, and other such clients should be easier to secure. But the most important reason is that IPM is a better way to do pest control.

If you want to apply to take the course, use this link:

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