Integrated pest management
Pests
Pests are populations of living organisms (i.e., insects, rodents, bacteria and weeds) that interfere with the human purposes for an area. Strategies for managing pest populations will be guided by the species of pest and the threat they pose to people, property and the environment.
Pests will be managed to:
- reduce any potential human health hazard or to protect against a significant threat to public safety
- prevent loss or damage to university structures or property
- prevent pests from spreading in the community or to plant and animal populations beyond the campus
- enhance the quality of life for university building occupants
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) IPM procedures will determine when to control pests and whether to use mechanical, physical, chemical, cultural, or biological means. IPM practitioners depend on current, comprehensive information on the pest and its environment and the best pest control methods. Applying IPM principles discourages unacceptable levels of pest activity and damage by the most economical means and with the least possible hazard to people, property and the environment.
The choice of whether or not to use a pesticide and, if so, which pesticide to use, will be based on a review of all other available options and a determination that these options alone are either not acceptable or feasible. Selected non-chemical pest management methods will be implemented appropriately. The full range of alternative pest control measures, including no action, will be considered. When it is determined that a pesticide must be used to meet important management goals, the least hazardous material will be chosen.
Guidelines and information
The University of the Fraser Valley employs a professional pest control company to deal with pest infestations on all UFV campuses. Services typically include controlling insects; and trapping birds, bats, snakes and rodents. The vendor of contract is responsible for providing timely response treatments and often does so soon after receiving a service request. Urgent calls are expected to be addressed as soon as possible. Pest control service is, in most cases, not charged to the customer.
For your personal safety and that of others, please do not self-treat areas.
Pest control services can be arranged by calling Facilities Management at 604-854-4542. The front desk representative will take your information and arrange to have a pest control representative address your concerns.
Routine service requests from customers may occur in any part of the campus buildings and on campus grounds, and typically includes such problems as:
Insects and rodents inside buildingsRodents outside near buildings and waste collection sitesRemoval of birds and other small animals unable to exit buildingsOdor complaints where removal of dead animal is requiredBee/hornet/wasp/yellow jacket nests inside or outside buildings
The contractor uses pesticides and procedures that have been pre-approved by governing bodies. All pesticide applications and pest control procedures are performed in accordance with federal, provincial, and municipal codes, rules and regulations. The contractor controls vermin in the safest possible manner to humans and non-target species. If chemicals are used, the contractor uses the least toxic yet effective chemicals labeled for each particular use and applied in compliance with label instructions, federal, provinicial, and municipal regulations and university direction. Chemicals that perform well and have positive environmental attributes such as biodegradability and low toxicity are mandated. Spraying or fogging techniques must have prior approval on a case by case basis. Treatment must be made in ways that laboratory animals and insects are protected.
Things you can do to minimize insect and rodent infestation
The key to effective control is to make the environment as inhospitable to pests as possible e.g. minimize food, water and shelter. Some primary control strategies include:
- Storing all food in sealed containers such as Tupperware.
- Minimizing the number of areas where food is kept and eaten.
- Keeping your work area, especially your desk, “food free” discourages unwelcome guests.
- Immediately cleaning up all food and liquid spills.
- Reporting plumbing leaks to Customer Service for repair.
- Minimizing any standing water such as water around house plants reservoirs.
- Placing damp sponges/cloths in sealed zip lock bags.Minimizing shelter availability.
- Limiting clutter including: paper, bags/sacks, cardboard boxes or soft layered materials (clothes).
- Reporting cracks, seams and crevices that might provide an entry way or hiding place for pests.
- Discarding all food waste in the centrally located covered garbage receptacles located in your area.
- Insects such as roaches are nocturnal as are mice and rats.