1 DCHA Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Training Agenda – NOT A SLIDE, FOR TRAINER USE ONLY[Slide 2] Introductions and Group Discussion (10 minutes) Presenters Introduce themselves, background, and qualifications Who’s who show of hands – laborers, foremen, mechanics, property management, etc. Who’s in the house [Slides 3-23] IPM Part 1 - (15 minutes) DCHA Specific Pests IPM Introduction HUD’s Approach Prevention and Remediation [Group Activity, Slides 29-37] Identifying signs of pests. (10 minutes) [Slides 38-46] Roles, Responsibility, Reporting and IPM Checklists (10 minutes) [Group discussion, Slides 46-48] Getting residents on board with IPM (10 minutes) [Hand out certificate of course completion] (5 minutes)
2 Integrated pest managementDCHA: Healthy and Sustainable Communities Please help me welcome Shelia Glenn and Patricia Dunlap to the front!
3 This slide is just here to started getting you accustomed to looking at pictures with bugs. There will be more.
4 The problem with pests…Trigger/cause asthma and allergies Contaminate food Lead people to overreact and ignore pesticide labels Transmit disease Bite Hitchhike in belongings Violate housing codes Pests are a big deal, especially for housing authorities. Can I see a show of hands of people who have seen pests in a unit in the last month? Here is why we care about pests [talk through points on slides] Good pest management can make homes healthier!
5 PRIORITY PESTS FOR DCHAThese are the bugs that pose the biggest problems here at DCHA. Cockroaches cause asthma in infants, trigger asthma attacks, and contaminate food. Rodents such as mice and rats carry diseases, bite, destroy property, may cause fires, and may trigger asthma attacks. Bed Bugs and their bites are a nuisance, are expensive to eliminate, spread rapidly, and create psychological harm.
6 All pests need 3 things *Preventing or removing these conditions conducive to infestation will prevent pests As we go through the presentation today, keep the following in mind: All pests need three things - food, water, and shelter
7 Integrated pest managementHierarchy of IPM Education is most important and is foundation for healthy, effective management… with pesticides as a last resort.
8 IPM in Multifamily Housing TrainingIPM and Healthy Homes Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a key part of a nationwide Healthy Homes movement to reduce housing-based health hazards. A healthy home is: Dry Clean Ventilated Safe Contaminant-free Maintained Pest-free Maintaining a building with minimal pests will help make the building healthy to live and work in – especially for kids. That’s why it’s a key focus of the national Healthy Homes movement. The Healthy homes movement was started by the federal government to prevent childhood diseases and injuries.
9 IPM is Nothing new HUD and GSA implemented IPM since 1995… Nothing new or unproven – just best practices. HUD defines the goal of IPM as managing: “IPM is pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. To undertake IPM, property managers should be committed to ongoing or continuous monitoring and record keeping, education of residents and staff, and good communication between residents and building managers. IPM methods involve restricted access to food/water, sanitation and waste management, mechanical control, natural control agents, physical barriers, structural maintenance, and, where necessary, conservative application of pesticides."
10 IPM in Multifamily Housing TrainingWhat DCHA Will Gain IPM will give you… A healthier building: Fewer asthma attacks, less exposure to pesticides, and less of a chance you will take pests home. Fewer complaints: A Boston Housing Authority development reduced cockroach work orders by 68% after one year of IPM. Fewer pests: You can stop infestations from growing and spreading disease. More effective than conventional pest management, IPM: Helps prevent asthma attacks; Improves quality of life; Coordinates responsibilities; Relies on products and practices that work together; Minimizes exposure to toxins; Provides longer lasting control aimed at preventing pests; Makes better use of limited resources; Reduces complaints; Lowers pest control costs in the long run; and Is more sustainable than relying on sprays alone. 100% elimination of the priority pests (cockroaches, rodents, and bed bugs) inside each unit is difficult, but can be done and should be the goal. With a team IPM effort, pest problems can be reduced to isolated incidents that get taken care of before they grow and spread. Asthma attacks and allergies can be triggered by any cockroach presence, so their presence should not be tolerated. It is possible to rid a unit of pests and clean up after them so that asthma attacks are reduced. Suggestion: Remember, the audience is PHA staff, not residents. The PHA needs to provide safe housing to its residents, but the fact that IPM repairs will make the workplace healthier for staff too may hit home for the trainees. Do any trainees know someone with asthma? Do trainees have family members or friends who are sensitive to or “allergic” to pesticides? Have trainees ever brought a pest home by mistake? How would their jobs change if residents improved sanitation and there were fewer work orders? Note that work orders will increase at first since residents and staff will be encouraged to use the work order system, but when repairs have been made for prevention, there will be fewer work orders than ever.
11 HUD’s 10 Elements to Successful IPM1) Communicate Policies: Communicate policy to all building occupants, admin, contractors and maintenance personnel 2) Identify Problems: Identify pests and environmental conditions that limit the spread of pests. 3) Monitor and Track: Establish an ongoing monitoring and record keeping system for: 4) Set Thresholds for Action regarding pest population levels (by species) 5) Improve Non-Pesticide Methods, including: mechanical pest control, sanitation, waste management and natural control agents 6) Prevent Pest Entry and Movement by monitoring and maintaining structures and grounds, including: Sealing cracks, eliminating moisture, and adding physical barriers 7) Educate Residents and Update Leases to reflect proper housekeeping and reporting of pests, leaks, and mold 8) Enforce Lease provisions regarding resident responsibilities regarding housekeeping, sanitation, and trash removal/storage. 9) Use Pesticides Only When Necessary with preference for products that, while producing the desired level of effectiveness, pose the least harm to human health and the environment, and, as appropriate, notifying property manager before application. 10) Post Signs or other warnings notifying of pesticide use.
12 Concerns with PesticidesIPM in Multifamily Housing Training Concerns with Pesticides Pests can become tolerant of or avoid pesticides. Risk from exposure may outweigh the benefit of killing pests. Possible harm to pets and wildlife. Certain populations may be especially vulnerable or sensitive to some pesticides, such as: Elderly; Children; Pregnant women People with breathing or lung disorders such as asthma People with multiple chemical sensitivities Some of the trainees may have experience with resistance (pests don’t die) or aversion (pests avoid baits). Property managers and maintenance crews must identify residents who are especially vulnerable to chemical exposure. Some residents may not be able to tolerate the presence of chemicals, such as gel baits, in their units, or they may feel that admitting a PMP to their unit may expose them to the pesticides present on the PMP’s clothing. Special attention must be given to people with chemical sensitivities so that they receive pest management services that meet their needs. Conventional pesticides should not be used in the units occupied by people with chemical sensitivities, or in adjacent or neighboring units, or in common areas such as the halls, lobbies, laundry rooms, elevators, or stairs, or along paths of travel for disability access. (Under the Fair Housing Act, multiple chemical sensitivities (MCS) can constitute a handicap. MCS refers to a condition that causes a person to have severe hypersensitive reactions to a number of different common substances including pesticides and solvents.) People with chemical sensitivities are frequently very knowledgeable about least risky pest control practices and may be helpful in assisting and educating other tenants in achieving the IPM goals. The elderly, pregnant women, and families with children are at greater risk for adverse health effects associated with exposure to pesticides. For these reasons it makes sense to use reduced risk practices, to follow label instructions, and to practice prevention-based approaches that reduce reliance on chemical control measures. Working with these residents is an important part of the property manager’s responsibilities. 12
13 Does this mean no pesticides? Ever?!It doesn’t mean no chemicals – it just means the right product and the right amount How do we control them? Prevention Identification Exclusion & Denial (keeping them out) Sanitation Food and Water (removing the sources) Physical Controls / Mechanical Controls (traps) Biological / Chemical Controls Baits and Gels Steam Treatment Insect growth regulators Ongoing monitoring Pesticides Biological Controls Physical / Mechanical Control Design & Sanitation
14 Prevention: IDENTIFICATIONSEE THE CREATURE… BE THE CREATURE: WHAT TO LOOK FOR AND WHERE - Seeing pests and insects Pest droppings / Frass Chew/gnaw marks Holes in walls or baseboards Evidence of nesting (in nooks and crannies, behind appliances and inside cabinets) Odd smells Ex: Mice – musty, urine / rats – ammonia / bed bugs – sweet, musty / roaches – oily odor (soy sauce) Grease marks Rats tend to always take the same path and they are “touch-loving” so they leave dark grease marks along their path Warm cavities for insects (inside TVs, computers, smoke alarms)
15 Prevention: Places to lookBoiler room Trash dumpsters Trash chute Behind appliances
16 Identification: Bed BugsIPM in Multifamily Housing Training Identification: Bed Bugs Bites Blood spots Shed skins Dead bed bugs Live bed bugs (live bugs must be found to confirm infestation) Bed bugs are small and very good at hiding, so many times a flashlight is needed to see them (or evidence of them). Keep looking until either a live bed bug is found or all involved feel satisfied that there are no bed bugs. If bed bugs are found, a few should be put on tape or in a re-sealable plastic bag for identification. The photo shows bed bugs that were snuggled next to the screw-in foot of a recliner. It took flipping the recliner over to find them. When the foot was unscrewed, more were found. Blood spots are bed bug poop. Blood spots will be found on sheets, pillow cases, mattresses, and around the spot where they are returning to hide. Bed bugs often hide together (as evidenced in the picture on the left above) but not always. Careful inspection with a flashlight must be done to find the spots where they are hiding…especially the loners. One pregnant female could restart an infestation. 16
17 IPM in Multifamily Housing TrainingGot Bed Bugs? Now What? If found and controlled early in the infestation, the spread of bed bugs can be stopped. The first responses should be to: Report the problem Not throw the mattress out—cover it Not spray—leave this to the PMP Prevent carrying the bed bugs to other places Prepare the unit for the PMP Bed bugs’ diet is different from that of rodents and cockroaches, so control is different. Although there are many things that a homeowner or resident can do to help treat bed bugs, this training encourages getting a PMP involved ASAP rather than taking time to treat the problem without one. Each pest management company should have instructions for residents on how to prepare the unit for a treatment, which will include laundering and cleaning. Suggestion: if the PHA’s PMP is present at the training, ask him or her what residents are instructed to do and have a discussion about who would help do this preparation for an elderly or disabled resident. 17
18 Prevention: Exclusion & DenialFor a hole, crack or gap: Stuffing holes with copper mesh discourages rodents from gnawing through repairs and is essential for gaps caulk could not bridge. (Stainless steel may also be used, but avoid regular “steel wool," which will rust and deteriorate over time). Then seal over the mesh with caulk, putty, or spackle to deter rodents and cockroaches. The photo on the right shows a completed repair. Stuff it Seal it Check it often
19 Sanitation Keep things clean Declutter Don’t let water poolFix leaks immediately Clean up food Take out trash daily
20 Physical controls: TrapsIPM in Multifamily Housing Training Physical controls: Traps Effective and reusable More ARE better Check often Placement is key Traps come in several forms, demonstrate traps and pass them around. Snap traps. Cheap, easy, and effective. The newer style is much easier to set, clean, and empty the rodent. These traps work like binder clips. Glue traps. Cheap and easy, but not recommended because the rodent takes a long time to die and makes noises that can be disturbing to residents. Adult mice and rats will usually avoid glue traps as well. Curiosity traps. Can be very effective. They come in many styles, but you must check them often and may be left with a live animal that needs to die. Electronic traps. Expensive. Electrocutes a mouse with a small electrical charge. One can dump out the mouse without touching it. Live traps are available and recommended. But, need to have a plan of what to do with it. Ultrasonic devices. Have not been shown to be effective. Baits could be: fabric, dental floss, food…rodent populations will have preferences for the food that is normally available to them (e.g. rats next to a restaurant that throws away a lot of chicken will prefer chicken). Reference: Preventing Rats on Your Property, pp 11–12. 20
21 Chemical controls: BAITsThe most effective pesticide option. Won’t work if contaminated by strong- smelling cleaners or other chemicals, pesticide sprays or foggers, or nicotine from cigarette smoke. Use in every room. The bait needs to be the only food in the area—sanitation first! Slow to kill: Cockroaches feed on the bait, take it back to their hiding spots, feed their friends, and THEN they’ll drop dead. Bait Station Baits are the most common and effective pesticide for cockroaches nationwide. Baits and gels rely on roaches wanting to eat them. If baits are contaminated with chemicals that the cockroaches recognize as poison, cockroaches will avoid them. This is often why residents say that baits “don’t work.” They won’t if the resident is also applying aerosol cockroach killers. Strong-smelling cleaners can have the same effect. Nicotine from smoking will also contaminate the bait. If a resident or trainee is a smoker, gloves should be worn when placing bait. When cleaning out cabinets before putting in bait stations, strong-smelling cleaners should not be used. Regular soap and water is effective and won’t ruin the bait’s effectiveness. Adult cockroaches, eat the pesticide, and bring the pesticide back to the nymphs. The nymphs in the nest eat it and die. The adult cockroach dies too. Baits are very effective, but they take up to a month to work. Some people don’t trust them because they do not see dead cockroaches. Sometimes the baits consist of insect growth regulators (IGRs). These products interfere with the cockroach’s ability to lose its outer shell (exoskeleton) or grow a new one. IGRs are slow acting but very effective. The see-through cover allows the user to see the pesticide in the bait station and tell if the cockroaches have been feeding. The pesticide is the white or brown material in the center. If the bait isn’t being eaten, trainees should first check for other food sources in the area (sanitation first!). If the cockroaches have not fed from the bait after a few days, they should place it in a different area. If that doesn’t work, try a different kind of bait. Bait stations are popular because there is very little pesticide exposure and the container is tamper-resistant. It lasts about three to six months depending on conditions (including how many cockroaches are eating the bait). Sometimes cockroaches learn to avoid a type of bait. If cockroaches stop feeding on the bait, try a new type of bait. It is not a bad idea to rotate baits (choose a bait with a different active ingredient) every 6 months or year. Gel Bait
22 Monitor Continual monitoring of the building for pest activity, facility and operational changes can protect against infestation and help eliminate existing ones Staff needs to be the daily eyes and ears of the IPM program And, use your residents as resources too! Employees need to be aware of the sanitation issues that affect the program and should report any signs of pest activity. After mitigation has taken place, continue to monitor those areas to ensure the pests have been fully eliminated
23 IPM Do’s and Don’ts DON’T rely on eye witness statements alone to keep track of pests. DO monitor using glue boards and sticky traps in high-risk locations where food, water and shelter are present. Date them and locate them on a map or diagram so that they are checked regularly. DON’T ignore record keeping. DO use pest sighting logs to record and track pest activity to determine pest reduction. DON’T place the responsibility for pest management on one individual. DO involve all staff members, including property managers, maintenance, pest management professionals (PMP), and tenants. Remember that IPM is also people management! DON’T spray pesticides without letting people know. DO keep pets and children away from areas where pesticides have been applied by posting notification signs. DON’T use fogging devices, contact sprays, or mothballs. They don’t work and they are harmful to people’s health. DO use pest specific methods of mitigation and removal. DON’T dispose of leftover pesticides and pesticide containers in the trash. DO read the label to find out how to dispose of properly and dispose through hazardous waste if needed. DON’T assume that twice as much is better! DO always read and follow label directions. Too much pesticide can endanger people’s health.
24 *Group Activity* 10 images of pest problemsIdentify potential problem (telling signs and likely pests) What do we do? How do we control them? Prevention Identification Exclusion & Denial Sanitation Food and Water Physical Controls Biological / Chemical Controls Ongoing monitoring
25 Bed bug stains
26 Mouse droppings by a smart strip
27 Cockroach frass
28 Grease stains from rats
29 Bed bug excretion
30 Rat poop and urine
31 Leak under sink mold water for pests cracking of cupboards and access for pests
32 Signs of bed bugs near outlets
33 Responsibilities It takes everyone to manage pests properly, including: PMPs, Management, On-site staff, and Residents Contractors
34 IPM in Multifamily Housing TrainingPMP's role Provides Training and Guidance Provides preparation and follow-up instructions to on-site staff and residents as needed. Performs treatment for major pest problems Is fully aware of the products and methods they are using and their potential harm Performs ongoing reporting of pest issues.
35 IPM in Multifamily Housing TrainingManagement's Role Liaison for the PMP – ensuring units and grounds are prepared for the PMP to carry out inspections and treatments. Report (potential) pest concerns to PMP. Communicate the situations/populations in units to the professional (respiratory problems, chemical sensitivities, children, etc.). Communicate to resident the pest protocol, what to expect from the PMP, and next steps. Communicate expectations to residents about how to prep their units. Inspect the day before PMP visit to see if unit has been properly prepared. Residents don’t prep their units, even after notice. Preparation needs to be super clear, management should inspect units day before to see if its been prepped
36 Management’s role – informing residentsInforming tenants on how to identify, report, and prevent pests is a key factor in successful pest control. In order to ensure tenants are aware of their role, provide: Information to tenants about the IPM plan and their role should be shared during move-in and at annual re-sign
37 IPM in Multifamily Housing TrainingStaff & Contractors Empty dumpsters on a property specific schedule Damage furniture left out for the trash so it can’t be reused – also a resident responsibility Perform regular sweeps - doing visual checks for pests and potential pest issues Be very cautious when working in units—never set items on or under beds, recliners, or sofas! Informs resident on how they can best prevent and mitigate pests. Maintain structural barriers to exclude pests – fixing gaps and holes, sealing, and fixing leaks. Keep doors closed – loading dock, maintenance shop, trash and compactors rooms The purpose of trash management to control bed bugs is to limit the chances that discarded, infested items will be brought back into the building. A team effort is necessary to control bed bugs. It is not the job of the housekeeping or maintenance staff to clean all the units, but if support service staff know of residents who cannot inspect (poor eyesight, weak, or disabled), they should find a way to help the resident clean and inspect. Need to communicate to contractors around the importance of sealing penetrations, contractors responsible for dumpster and recycling
38 IPM in practice: Documentation is keyIPM in Multifamily Housing Training IPM in practice: Documentation is key There should be one IPM log in each building Record: date detailed observations action taken An IPM log is one of the most essential pest control tools. Collecting and sharing facts is important to everyone on the IPM team. Recordkeeping in ONE building log will help make sure everyone’s observations are noted and followed up on. Having all observations in one place helps identify trends and “focus units.” A focus unit has the highest level of infestation in an area (based on sticky trap counts).
39 This will be it’s own separate checklist.
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41 IPM in Multifamily Housing TrainingThe Resident's Role Launder bedding regularly Report bed bug and other pest siting immediately Don’t bring home furniture found on the street Follow preparation instructions from the PMP Routine cleaning up to reduce clutter and keep home in good repair Pest proof your food by putting it away at night and storing in pest free containers Take out trash daily and use a tight-fitting lid – use garbage backs Report holes, cracks and leaks to maintenance asap BBQ grilles need to be cleaned Don’t leave pet food out, and don’t feed feral animals – birds, squirrels, or cats
42 IPM in Multifamily Housing TrainingHAD BED BUGS The Waldor Astoria in New York had bedbugs. We need to convince residents that there is nothing to be ashamed of in reporting the presence of bedbugs. Fight Stigma
43 what we’re telling residents: Avoid Asthma and Allergy TriggersHOW TO ELIMINATE THE TRIGGERS: Maintain a pest free home Use a good housekeeping routine – clean the corners and vents in your home regularly Check cupboards often for pests and mold Do NOT bring in used furniture and bedding (especially mattresses) Get your pets treated for fleas and other pests Do not use pesticide foggers – they are ineffective and contain products harmful to your health Report leaks (plumbing, roof, and toilets) as soon as possible – small problems can become big one’s quick Use your bathroom and kitchen fans If you smoke, smoke outside at least 20ft away from home Trainer: Ask, who in room has asthma. Ask if students have someone in their immediate family with asthma. Ask student to explain what triggers their or their family members asthma attacks. Note in most states about 10% of the population has had asthma at some point in their lifetime. Review asthma triggers: Dust mites – live off our dead skin and in fabrics and plush toys. Known to both cause asthma and trigger attacks. Shown in picture on bottom row, far left Environmental Tobacco Smoke – known to cause asthma in small children are exposed and also trigger attacks. Pests -- Cockroaches and Mice feces. Known to trigger asthma attacks. Mice feces are shown on bottom row, far right. Cockroach is shown on bottom row, middle picture Moisture or Mold – known to trigger asthma attacks and breathing problems. A key point is you don’t need mold, damp environments put us at risk of asthma and other breathing problems.
44 What we’re telling residents: maintaining a pest free homeReport pest problems to management immediately Keep floors clean and free of food and drink debris Dispose of trash and garbage daily Cleanup dishes, countertops and appliances daily Immediately cleanup spills and food debris Remove clutter from home Check for mold and leaks and report to management Keep exterior doors closed
45 DOEE’s Healthy Homes ProgramFocuses on households containing child with asthma Educates family on how to maintain a Healthy Home Provides customized Care Plan to minimize ongoing exposure to asthma triggers
46 DOEE’s Healthy Homes ProgramTracks progress in controlling asthma through quarterly Asthma Control Tests Encourages referrals from DCHA Referrals to DOEE’s Healthy Homes Program should be made by submitting form found at
47 You Are Done! Hand out Certificate of Completion Completely! Pick up your Integrated Pest Management Certificate of Completion
48 ACTIVITIES CONVENTIONAL IPM Program Strategy Reactive Pest Control Preventative Pest Control Resident Education Minimal Extensive Spraying and Fogging Rare Rodent / Bird Control Poisons Exclusion / Trapping
49 “Exterminator” Pest Management ProfessionalIn IPM, the focus is not on exterminating pests but managing them! Through: Preventative infrastructure measures Maintaining pest-free conditions Proper identification Appropriate mitigation (with pesticides as a last resort) Ongoing monitoring IPM is done with the help of PMPs It takes everyone to manage pest property, including: PMPs, management, procurement, on-site staff, and residents.
50 Chemical controls: Insecticidal DustsIPM in Multifamily Housing Training Chemical controls: Insecticidal Dusts Effective if used correctly. Active ingredients may be boric acid or diatomaceous earth How they kill cockroaches: Scratch their outer layers Dry them out Plug their breathing holes Light dusting instead of piles. Use in walls before fixing them. Under and behind cabinets at turnover or when making large repairs…but clean first! Incorrect use of insecticidal dust Insecticidal dusts will kill insects in one of two ways, depending on the active ingredient. Dusts that contain boric acid act as stomach poisons. The cockroach walks through the dust and ingests the poison when cleaning itself. Other dusts contain silica, which is like tiny shards of glass. It scratches the insects so they lose water and dry up. Boric acid can be put in the wall void before replacing the faceplates of electrical outlets. If using metal-tipped bulbs, care should be taken around electrical sockets. Suggestion: Avoid bias. Give trainees the facts about each product and let them discuss and draw conclusions for themselves. If the dust can be seen, there’s too much or it’s in the wrong place. If there is a pile, the cockroach will avoid it. Have trainees think of a pile of snow versus a shoveled path. Which would they walk through? Because insecticidal dusts can become airborne easily, a respirator should be worn while applying them and ventilation systems should be turned off. As always, documentation is key. If an inspector finds a white powder in a unit, a record of what it is and where it was applied should be available so that a narcotics or Hazmat crew is not needed. Reference: How to Control Pests Safely page 10
51 Chemical controls: Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs)IPM in Multifamily Housing Training Chemical controls: Insect Growth Regulators (IGRs) Interfere with cockroach growth and reproduction: when they shed to grow up, the new exoskeleton doesn’t fit In baits, sprays, aerosols, and powders Take a month to work Stay effective for a long time Compatible with other IPM methods; may enhance baits Before approving conventional sprays, PHAs should consider insect growth regulators. Communication between the PMP and the resident will also help the resident understand the service and address pesticide concerns, vulnerabilities, or sensitivities. The goal is to have everyone understand why conventional pesticide sprays are not to be used. Insect growth regulators (IGRs) may be sprayed in cracks and crevices by PMPs using a spray application by a PMP. The PMP may explain, “I am applying a pesticide that makes it so that the cockroaches can’t grow up properly. It’s called an insect growth regulator and it is a pesticide that poses less risk to you and your family than the sprays you may have seen before. Don’t expect to see dead cockroaches right away. IGRs take a few weeks to work.” IGRs can be a good choice when transitioning to an IPM program. IGRs help prevent reinfestation. They prevent cockroaches from maturing, so they cannot reproduce. IGRs are slow-acting (it will take at least two weeks to see a change), but they are a good option when used with bait and dusts. Most stay active for 90 days. Using IGRs for German cockroaches may promote cockroaches feeding more heavily on bait until they die. PMPs should not spray them directly over the bait.
52 But please, please do not use Total Release FoggersIPM in Multifamily Housing Training But please, please do not use Total Release Foggers Augusta, GA, March 2008 San Diego, CA, July 1992 Washington, DC, August 2008 The photos above show houses and apartments destroyed by “bug bombs” used incorrectly. Foggers, officially called “total release foggers” (TRF), release a very fine mist of pesticides into the air from pressurized cans. The mist penetrates deeper than a liquid spray. They pose the same risk of exposure as sprays. In the hands of a consumer they are prone to dangerous misuse. The propellant (isobutane or isopropane) that spreads the insecticide through the air is flammable and can create an explosion. Foggers will cover all surfaces, regardless of whether they need pesticide. Foggers may also affect pets. 52
53 How to handle illegal and risky pesticidesIPM in Multifamily Housing Training How to handle illegal and risky pesticides Educate residents on the dangers of using illegal pesticides. For example, pesticides that look like candy are risky. Report illegal sales to the EPA or to the state pesticide licensing agency. Unlabeled Mothballs Chinese Chalk Tres Pasitos Examples of illegal pesticides are pictured. The three pictures on the left are of unlabeled packages of mothballs. The fourth photo is Chinese Chalk. People illegally use this unregistered pesticide to kill cockroaches. But the “chalk” could seriously harm people, especially children and pets. The fifth photo is Tres Pasitos—“three little steps” in Spanish. The phrase refers to the number of steps mice take before they die. Insecticide “chalk” (a.k.a. Miraculous or Chinese Chalk) and Tres Pasitos are two common illegal pesticides sold by street vendors or at ethnic markets. Pesticides are illegal when they are not registered by the EPA or the state within which they are used or they are used against the label. Illegal pesticides should not be purchased or used. Illegal pesticides may be stronger than ones that are legal for residential use. People may be tempted to purchase and use illegal pesticides because they are fast-acting. These products are illegal and harmful to people and pets. In Boston, there has been success with pesticide buy-backs where residents are paid for the pesticides they have in their home. To find a pesticide licensing agency, use the map at Products without a pesticide label are illegal