| The first part of the presentation defines Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and pesticides, and then explains the relationship between the special vulnerability of young children and pesticides use in child care centers. The second part of the presentation enumerates the actions needed to eliminate pests through IPM. We discuss how pests sneak into centers, and what types of conditions they are looking for. Specific IPM steps are described, such as setting pest thresholds, inspecting for evidence, monitoring for pests, and identifying points of entry. The audience is shown how to eliminate the pests’ ways of entering child care centers by creating and maintaining barriers, and shown why sanitation and maintenance are so important. By starving pests out, eliminating food and water, and then taking away their homes and harborage, especially clutter, pests are no longer happy in their surroundings, reducing most pest problems to an occasional invader.
Then the audience is given a tour of pest vulnerable areas in Child Care Centers, such as: kitchen and food prep areas, food and supply storage areas, nap time areas, classrooms, classroom closets and storage areas, coat storage, and bathrooms. Outdoor issues such as standing water and garbage / dumpster areas are also discussed.
Part 3 discusses the essential ingredients for developing an IPM program in Child Care Centers. It reviews what should be included in the plan and the responsibilities of your Child Care IPM coordinator and why staff involvement is important for a successful program. We also tout the both the health and economic benefits of IPM when implemented in your child care center. |
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