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:
- Prevention. IPM strives for "built-in" control solutions by concentrating on the resources that pests need to enter or live in a particular area. It is a preventive maintenance process that seeks to identify and eliminate potential pest access, shelter, and nourishment. It also continually monitors for pests themselves, so that small infestations don't become large ones.
- Least-Toxic Methods. Pesticides are essential to control pests in many situations. However, IPM aims to minimize both pesticide use and risk through alternate control techniques and by favoring compounds, formulations, and application methods that present the lowest potential hazard to humans and the environment.
- Systems Approach. IPM is not just a pest control contract. This contract must be effectively coordinated with all other relevant programs that operate in and around a building. Plans and procedures involving design and construction, repairs and alterations, cleaning, waste management, food service, and many other activities, should incorporate a pest control perspective whenever possible.
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!
- Indoor Air Quality. Pesticide fumes or particles may linger for days or weeks as air or surface pollutants. Therefore, the old-fashioned "spraying" that once characterized indoor pest control should no longer be permitted on a routine basis inside public buildings. Insecticides approved for normal use should be limited to nonvolatile bait formulations that are either applied to cracks and crevices or concealed inside protective containers. Since baits are generally more effective, spray is becoming obsolete as a standard exterminator's tool.
- Health and Safety in Child Care Space. Children are particularly sensitive to pesticide residues, so the elimination of these chemicals from the air they breathe and the surfaces they touch is of critical importance.
- Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) Compliance. Building occupants who claim sensitivity to pesticides and other chemicals may request that employers make "reasonable accommodations" under the ADA to allow the employees to perform their jobs. In the case of chemical sensitivity, this means the elimination of volatile, sprayed pesticides in the workplace.
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
