Environmental Health & Safety
Pest Control Unit
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Philosophy
The Pest Control Unit considers itself "guardians" of the environment, rather than simply eliminators of pests. This philosophy originates from the fact that the Pest Control Unit is part of the Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S) Department. EH&S is the environmental "watch dot" for the University, and by virtue of the Pest Control Unit being part of this group, shows commitment by the University to use environmentally sensitive pest control methodologies.
Furthermore, EH&S has some internal, regulatory-type powers, enabling the Pest Control Unit to more easily create change that can eliminate potential or actual conditions or factors that create pest problems. Additionally, the Manager for the Pest Control Unit is the University Sanitarian, who has the responsibility to promote the health of the University by ensuring adequate levels of sanitation and sanitary practices are being met. The Sanitarian's Office has a focus and places an emphasis on the over 100 food service areas within the University. Proper sanitation, especially in food service areas, is more effective than any pesticide or pest control device in preventing structural pest infestations.
Preventative techniques include structural and sanitation inspections with appropriate follow-up as well as on-the-job and formal education of the University community. Early detection is also a critical factor in minimizing pest problems. To that end, regular inspections of areas prone to pests as well as timely and accurate communication from the University community is emphasized. When some form of treatment is needed for pests, non-pesticides tools and methods are the first option, and in some sensitive areas, the only option. If pesticides must be used, those that have minimal impact on non-target organisms and the environment and can still provide satisfactory results are chosen. Tolerance levels or thresholds in certain areas may be established with the understanding that a few occasional pests may be less harmful that the pesticides used to eliminate them.
Lastly, the key to success of an IPM program is a combination of commitment and cooperation of both the technician and the customer to plan and actually carry out such a program and put forth the effort every day to ensure its success. At the UofR, not only do our technicians believe in IPM, it is a way of life.
QUESTIONS or COMMENTS?
Contact EH&S at (585) 275-3241 or e-mail EH&S Questions.
This page last updated 12/10/2015. Disclaimer.
