GSA Structural Pest Control Business Practices

These standards have been mandatory since 1989 for Federal buildings operated by the U.S. General Services Administration, National Capital Region.

Background

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - modern, responsible pest control is often termed "Integrated Pest Management." IPM can be defined as: A coordinated system of technological and management practices to control pests in a safe and environmentally sound manner. It is a process for minimizing pesticide use and risk while maximizing the control of pests that affect public health, impede operations, or damage property. IPM is mandated on Federal property by Section 303 of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996 (PL 104-170). An IPM program for buildings emphasizes three fundamental elements:

Pesticide Issues For Public Buildings

Following are the three most important pesticide issues for public buildings. All pertain to pesticide products that are difficult or impossible to apply precisely, or that can readily drift away from the immediate application site. Just because a pesticide product is used legally does not necessarily mean it is appropriate for a public building!

Guidance Documents

The NCR Regional Entomologist is GSA's national point of contact on pest control issues, and can provide a wide range of additional guidance documents, including contract specifications, desk guides for building managers, training materials, and information on the latest control technologies. Please contact:

Dr. Albert Greene
Chief, Building Services Branch
GSA, WPYA-B
7th and D Streets, SW
Washington, D.C. 20407
e-mail: albert.greene@gsa.gov