Reducing risks associated with pests and pesticides through itegrated pest management.

My efforts with the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program address the management of risks associated with pests in community (non-agricultural) settings, and the risks associated with controlling such pests. Public awareness of pesticide exposure risks has increased greatly. Commonly used pesticides are being pulled from the market because they pose too much risk to human health. Integrated pest management techniques are essential to maintaining pest populations at acceptably low levels while reducing pesticide use and risks. Sensitive areas, such as schools, day care facilities, and hospitals are national priorities for IPM research, education, and outreach. Emerging pests, such as disease-vectoring mosquitoes and ticks, and bed bugs, are also becoming priorities for the pest control industry and public health agencies. This program effort is needed because the practice of urban pest management in buildings and in the landscape must become safer, more sustainable and more environmentally sound. Everyone is potentially affected by the risks of pests and pesticide use in the human environment, however sensitive populations, such as children, are often the focus of Community IPM. Urban and Community IPM projects are being conducted nationwide. My efforts in New York and the Northeast region are only part of a larger and growing body of expertise and information that is bringing about change in management of risks associated with pest management in communities.

I focus on the promotion of IPM. I have given over 200 lectures to a variety of audiences: academic, professional, and layperson. I have demonstrated the practice of IPM in many settings, including schools, child care facilities, educational farms, correctional facilities, homes, an airport, parks, offices, food service areas, and on historical properties. These facilities need safer and more effective pest management. By explaining and demonstrating an IPM approach, many facilities managers have become interested in the practice of IPM. I have evaluated alternative and non-chemical pest management methods objectively. I have organized several workshops that served to network academics and professionals, educate pest control practitioners, and promote IPM technology. Several colleagues and I developed a survey of the US pest management industry about bed bugs, an emerging pest issue. From the results, needs and gaps in knowledge can be evaluated and addressed. I have interacted with staff from over 80 public schools in New York, helping facilities managers develop and implement IPM programs in their schools, or providing diagnosis and control recommendations for specific issues. I also serve on two county-wide pesticide phase-out committees, where IPM is replacing the need for routine pesticide use on county properties. From this service, I have interacted with other pesticide reduction programs in California and aided a new program in New York City.

Schools are adopting IPM policies and practices and relying on the IPM program, which results in a safer, healthier environment for children. School and municipal facilities managers are enthusiastic and willing to try alternatives to chemical pesticides. Pesticide reduction and pesticide notification are being implemented successfully in many communities, resulting in better environmental quality and fewer risks to human health. Advocates and pest control professionals are able to work together as a result of my program's involvement of them in committees. Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension have earned more respect from environmental and health advocates and the pest control industry. Pest control professionals in structural and turf/landscape are learning ways to incorporate IPM practices into their business and how to charge for IPM services. They are better educated and able to explain to their customers why IPM practices are important. The survey of the pest management industry about bed bugs has nationwide scope and includes an effort to characterize the extent of the problem in the United States, as well as document the way professionals are managing it with fewer pesticide tools than before. This project has yielded valuable information about the resurgence of bed bugs, current control efforts and gaps in our knowledge. Lawmakers have acknowledged that Cornell is a resource for the development of public policy about bed bugs management issues.

Integrated Pest Management

• Federal Formula Funds - Extension (e.g., Smith Lever, RREA)
• Other USDA (e.g., Water Quality, Special Grants, NRI)

• Craig Hollingsworth
• Howard Ginsberg
• Kirby Stafford, III
• Richard Pollack
• Daniel Dickerson
• Jeffrey Hahn
• Brad Kard
• Michael Waldvogel
• Laurel Hansen
• Joyce Rodler