Integrated Pest Management Managing insects w/o pesticides- An ecological approach

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Integrated Pest ManagementManaging insects w/o
pesticides-An ecological approach
J. Ponessa, Ph.D.
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Do we really need to have a guy come and spray
every month?
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Roach Control (Major Asthma triggers)

• What makes a roach HAPPY?
• Food
• Water
• Warmth
• Shelter
• To control roaches
• Make these things hard to get

• Roaches are excellent survivors, among best in
  history of the world
• Adaptation to their environment is their key
  strategy

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Roach Control Tips

• Food
• Empty garbage often
• Store food securely (Also pet food)
• Clean up crumbs, wash dishes right away

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Roach Control Tips (cont.)

• Moisture
• Fix plumbing leaks promptly
• Wipe up spills.
• Empty pet dishes at night
• Dont leave water in sink

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Roach Control Tips (cont.)

• Shelter Get rid of hiding places
• Caulk, fill cracks openings
• Store your stuff

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Dust Mite Control

• Dust Mites are major asthma triggers
• IPM facts to know Mites like
• Warmth
• Skin flakes
• Humidity
• Best mite habitat?

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Dust Mite Control (cont.)

• Your bed is the best mite habitat!
• Breaking the (life) cycle
• Plastic mattress cover
• Launder bedding in hot water

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Dust Mite Control (cont.)

• Carpet, rugssecond best mite habitat
• Hard floors best small rugs better than carpet
• Short nap better than long
• Vacuum regularly with good vacuum

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Pesticides

• Read labels, follow directions
• Dont use more than necessary
• Think about other ways to control pests
• Integrated Pest Management (IPM)

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Pesticides (cont.)

• Low toxicity pesticides
• Sticky traps
• Boric acid

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CONTROLLING PESTS- Summary

• Dont leave food or garbage out
• Store food in airtight containers
• Clean all food crumbs or spilled liquids right
  away
• Wash dishes soon after use
• Keep surfaces clear of clutter
• Fix moisture problems
• Remove boxes, newspapers from your home
• Make sure trash is stored properly and emptied
  daily
• Try using poison bait, boric acid (for
  cockroaches), or traps before using pesticide
  sprays

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Asthma Instructional Module