PESPWire Spring 2014

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Re-«idMftj»l & Comme
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2

IPM in Unique
Settings

continued from page 1

ProBest's first line of
defense is to locate entry
points and seal them. If this
is unsuccessful and pests
still show up, "we use dusts
and gels that can be placed
within voids and hidden
away from people".

ProBest seals holes such as this one found at
Precious Treasures with caulking and either
steel or copper wool to prevent pest access.

ProBest has had a great
deal of success in utilizing IPM
methods to treat pest problems for their
customers. For example, they have
used encasements/mattress covers as a
way to manage bed bugs. Keith noted
that "if bed bugs can't find a hiding
place, they are easier to find and treat".
They also found that glue boards, a
staple of IPM programs, were a great
monitoring system to gauge the extent of
an infestation.

Not one to shy away from a challenge,
ProBest took on the complexities
of using IPM techniques in unique
settings such as child day care centers
and wildlife rehabilitation facilities.
Specifically, they have worked with
Precious Treasures Child Care in
Chandler, AZ and Liberty Wildlife in
Scottsdale, AZ. Both daycare centers
and wildlife rehab facilities pose novel
challenges to pest management.

Due to the sensitive enviromnent of a
daycare center, ProBest works closely in
partnership with their daycare customers
to ensure the safety of the children
and staff from pests and the misuse
of pesticides. As with other childcare
centers and settings, at Precious
Treasures pest control is a two way
street.

Child care centers work with ProBest
because they understand the importance
of pest prevention prior to utilizing
pesticides. Keith explained, "Over
the years we have discussed [with the
center] how German Roaches love
to hide in boxes, so their staff take
the boxes apart and store the food in
containers if possible. When children

spill tilings we ask them to clean up the
spills ASAP, and this helps to prevent
ants. We also provide fact sheets they
can send home to prevent the spread of
bed bugs."

Kay Woods, founder
of Precious Treasures,
appreciates the pest
control approach taken
by ProBest. "ProBest
has been very proactive
with informing Precious
Treasures Childcare and
our parents about the pros
and cons regarding pest
control chemicals, treatments, use of
pesticides and regulatory requirements",
praised Kay. "ProBest pre-schedules
ALL of our pest control services on
specific dates and times to eliminate
children or staff contact with products.
ProBest also provides Precious
Treasures with a monthly awareness
newsletter, emergency outbreak alerts
and notifications, an itemized list of
products used at our center, and acts as
a liaison for preventative care by being
an information resource for our staff,
children, and parents."

At Liberty Wildlife, which focuses
on rehabilitating wildlife native to
Arizona including birds of prey,
secondary poisoning of the raptors from
rodenticides is a great concern. ProBest
addressed this and other
unique challenges through
IPM.

Pest control at a wildlife
rescue center can be
especially tricky due to the
pest-conducive conditions
that can exist. ProBest has
been offering their services
pro-bono to Liberty
Wildlife, and tackled
a challenging rodent
infestation with IPM.

Environmentally sensitive pest control
is important to Liberty Wildlife, as
Terry Stevens, their Operations Director,
explained through ProBest, "Part of our
educational message is enviromnental
protection and sustainability. Since we
have a large contingent of rehabbing
and permanent resident wild animals

Keeping trash cans clean and rasied off the
ground on wooden pallets goes a long way in
eliminating a food source for rodents at Liberty
Wildlife. Probest also recommends that plastic
trash cans be replaced with metal once they
become worn, as rodents can chew holes in
plastic.

in enclosures that are largely open-
air, rodent and pest control is a large
consideration. Our rodent population
has all but been eliminated through the
efforts of Keith and his staff at ProBest
in the face of some rather unique
problems presented by our facility.
ProBest is constantly working with us
and trying to find better and safer ways
to control rodents in a very tough and
often unique venue."

ProBest approached the rodent
infestation at Liberty Wildlife by
starting with how food was stored, as
the ability of the rats to access food
had allowed the rat population to build
up. Once ProBest eliminated the food
source, they turned to reducing the
infestation through the use of snap
traps. "We decided not to use any type
of rodenticides, as we were greatly
concerned about secondary impacts. If
the rats digested bait and then ended up
within reach of one of the birds of prey,
which could have harmed the rescued
raptors, whereas snap traps allowed us
to capture and remove without using any
rodenticides," described Keith. "We also
investigate any products prior to use, as
some products may be more hazardous
to birds or specific wildlife."

In addition to being a Gold Member,
ProBest has earned the GreenPro
designation allowing them to qualify
for LEED points. Keith
Birkemeyer and ProBest
are constantly striving
to sustainably offer pest
control services that are
effective, yet low impact
on human health and the
enviromnent.

Companies like ProBest
strive to make IPM a
cornerstone of their pest
management practice.
It's that commitment and dedication
that help expose more people to IPM
techniques, and fewer people to excess
pesticide use.

www.callprobest.com

www.epa.gov/pesp

-------
ESP Wire Spring 2014

School Nurses Keep

Kids Healthy By
Keeping Pests Away

EPA's vision is for all of the Nation's
children to be covered by a verifiable
and ongoing school integrated pest
management (1PM) program. EPA has
developed its school IPM program
using meaningful, sustainable, and
measureable elements that offer
tangible results. Since 1996, EPA
has invested over $3.2 million in
extramural resources to support over
40 demonstration, outreach, and
educational projects on school IPM. This
investment lias yielded many successes
and opportunities to collaborate with
national organizations and other kid-
focused experts.

Beyond extramural resources, EPA has
also been building partnerships and
collaborations that promote and support
school 1PM, demonstrate the value of
school IPM, and provide information
about the tools available to schools
interested in developing their IPM
program. One such collaboration is
with the National Association of School
Nurses (NASN).

Photo: NASN

Both EPA and NASN share similar
goals: keeping students healthy, safe,
and ready to learn. In challenging
financial times, building collaborative
partnerships can go a long way in
promoting healthy schools when funds
aren't available.

EPA is placing an emphasis on
wholesale activities that create demand
for school 1PM programs, leverage
resources, and expand its school IPM
allies. In the wholesale approach EPA
is working with larger organizations.

states, universities, and non-
governmental organizations to advocate
for school IPM adoption.

As school IPM is a collaborative effort,
building partnerships results in the
biggest gains in schools' adoption of
verifiable, sustainable IPM programs.
Working together, EPA and allies like
NASN can recruit
and enroll new

^ivAsn

National
Association of
School Nurses

schools and
large influencing
organizations to
join the network
so that increased

adoption of SIPM will be realized.

EPA is collaborating with NASN to
offer webinars on school IPM that
will highlight the important role
school nurses play in promoting IPM.
Periodically, EPA also plans to share
ideas and examples of school IPM
strategies for schools to adopt through
NASN's Weekly Digest. Finally, EPA
plans to attend their national meeting
to ensure further and continued
collaboration.

EPA and NASN collaborated on an
article for the S'ASX School Nurse
journal that is expected to publish this
summer or fall. Here are excerpts of the
article that explain how school nurses
play a role in an IPM program.

Chronic conditions, such as asthma,
may impact the student's ability to stay
in school and actively learn. The school
nurse plays a vital role in our children 's
school environments and is a key
member of the team that can lead health
advancements. The em'ironmental health
experts in schools are the school nurses
who provide guidance about health and
assessment of risks.

School nurses contribute to the school's
action plans for reduction of pests of
public health importance. School nurses
continually collaborate with students,
school staff members, parents, and
community members to keep students
Safe and to promote healthy habits
conducive to learning.

As part of their critical role, school
nurses should be engaged in the
communications and decision making
loop regarding pests issues and any
pesticides applied on school grounds.

The school
nurse can play
a critical role in
helping to prevent
the triggers for

chronic ailments „ , . =»

rests, such as this Cjerman
that may affect cockroach, can cause allergic
learning These reactions and trigger asthma

attacks. By helping to implement
triggers include IPM, school nurses can improve

vests and the ky educing

risks from pests and pesticides,
consequences of Photo: eXtension.oyq

their presence.

By providing for the safety and care of
students and staff, the school nurse can
advocate for the adoption of Integrated
Pest Management (IPM) as the
preferred approach your school can use
to solve its pest problems.

School nurses are in the critical
position of advocating for the health
of all students, and school staff.

School nurses are all about prevention.
Preventing health issues related to pests
and pest management allows students to
stay in school, in their seats, and ready
to learn.

It is a worthwhile challenge to promote
an IPM program at your school. If
there is already an IPM program in the
school, get involved by joining your
school's safety committee, school health
committee, or IPM committee. If an IPM
committee does not exist, start one. Be
sure to include students. School nurse
contributions go a long way in reducing
the risk posed by pests and pesticides.

For more information on NASN, visit
their website at www.nasn.org

www.epa.gov/pesp

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4

PESPWire Spring 2014

Prepare Your
Playgrounds for
Spring Using IPM to
Manage Pests

EPA recommends utilizing integrated
pest management (IPM) techniques in

and around playgrounds to manage pest
problems. As IPM is an effective and
environmentally sensitive approach to
pest management, it protects human
health by reducing exposure to pests and
pesticides. The following IPM tips can
help keep playgrounds a healthy space
for outdoor fun!

Mosquitoes

Keep

mosquitoes
from breeding in
your playground
equipment by
monitoring play
structures and
toy interiors for
standing water
as they can double as prime mosquito
breeding habitats if water is left to sit
for more than 4 days. Tires easily collect
rainwater and become a convenient
breeding habitat for mosquitoes. A single
tire that collects
water can produce
tens of thousands
of potentially
disease carrying
mosquitoes over
the course of a
single season.

Source reduction
is the primary step
in managing mosquito populations, and
no standing water means no mosquitoes!
Keep all outdoor areas free of standing
water including: playground equipment.

toys, garbage cans, plastic trash cans,
duinpsters, and gutters. Many styles of
child play equipment, including tires,
may need to have drainage holes added.
In most cases, this can be accomplished
by using an electric drill.

Stinging Insects

Yellow jackets, bees, wasps and hornets
are beneficial
insects but are
unwelcome on
playgrounds due to
their painful stings
and potentially
dangerous allergic
reactions to those
stings. Some are
important predators
of caterpillars, others are scavengers that
help control pests, and all are pollinators
essential to a healthy ecosystem. The
objective of stinging insect management
in schools is to reduce child encounters
by eliminating prime foraging habitats
through good sanitation practices and
awareness.

If there is a chronic problem with
bees or other stinging insects around
playgrounds, outdoor lunch areas, or
school athletic fields, inspect the area
to locate the nests.
Nests can be found
in the ground,
under eaves, and
in wall voids of
buildings. Ground
nests are frequently
located under
shrubs, logs, piles of rocks, and other
protected sites. Nest openings in the
ground or in buildings can be recognized
by observing the insects entering and
leaving.

The least environmentally destructive
ways reduce stinging insect numbers
is to modify the habitat on school
grounds. Reduce the access to food,
and to use physical controls such as
trapping and nest removal. In spring
and early summer yellow jackets and
other stinging insects are attracted to
protein foods. Any food left outdoors,
open garbage containers or uncovered
compost piles should be removed or

covered. Wasps imprint food sources,
and will continue to search an area after
the food has been removed. The cans
should be emptied frequently and the
lids and cans should be periodically
cleaned of food wastes. Garbage cans on
school grounds should have removable
lids with vertical spring-loaded swinging
doors.

Ticks

Prevent tick-borne diseases around
playgrounds through a variety of
methods including landscape sanitation,
plant selection to deter and resist
deer browsing, and direct tick control
methods. Remove leaf litter, brush, and
weeds at the edge of the lawn in early
spring. This will significantly reduce the
abundance tick nymphs throughout their
peak activity period.

Keep grass mowed on all school
grounds including sports fields. Create a
nine foot buffer zone between vegetation
and all grounds used for children's
activities. Trim tree branches and shrubs
around the lawn perimeter to let in
more sunlight. Keep paths clear from
vegetation to a width of at least one
sidewalk (54 inches).

Area-wide pesticide treatments may be
needed in areas of high tick incidence.
Consult with your local authorities
to determine appropriate tick control
methods on playgrounds. Depending
on location and tick species found, one
application of an effective pesticide may
reduce the number of ticks on a playing
field. Check with local health officials
about the best time to apply in your area
and carefully follow label directions.

A.sian tiger mosquito

'Photo: Bart Drees, Texas A&M Agrilije
Extension

Tires are excellent breeding
habitat for mosquitoes, so make
sure to drill holes in them to
prevent standing water.

Hornet nest in a tree
Photo: J. A Payne USDA Ag
Re.search Service, Buowood. org

www.epa.gov/pesp

-------
ESP Wire Spring 2014

Vertebrate Pests

Pests such as
raccoons, ground
hogs, chipmunks,
snakes, and rats

under equipment
for nests. Sand
playgrounds
may harbor
snakes and more.
Remove branches

Tree Care for Pest Control

Turf Maintenance for Pest Control

Manage turf areas by monitoring,
using spot-treatments for weeds and
pests, and using non-chemical control
options. Monitoring provides the
information needed to formulate an
effective IPM plan. Many potential pest
problems can be detected before critical
damage occurs by making observations
throughout the year. By using a pest
monitoring program preventive pesticide
treatments may be eliminated. Cultural
management is the key to maintaining
healthy, pest-resistant turf grass.

Cultural methods include the selection
of turf grass cultivars, over seeding,
topdressing with compost, modifying
irrigation mowing, and fertilizing
practices.

Turf mowing height affects the
presence and development of weeds.
To maximize turn health and shade out
weeds, mow grass to approximately
three inches high. Reduce pesticide use
by spot-treating for weeds, diseases, or
insects, instead of broadcast application.
Consider non-chemical control options
including: hand-weeding, weed
whackers, biological control options,
and water management. While initial
costs to transition a chemical-dependent
turf to IPM can be higher, in the long-
run costs will be lower as inputs, like
fertilizer and water, decrease.

For more information on turf care,
please see: www.epa.gov/oppfead 1/
Publications/lawncare.pdf

EPA Awards School
IPM Grants

continued from page 1

The IPM common-
sense approach
is a stark contrast
to conventional
pest management
in which an
exterminator uses pesticides school-
wide on a regular schedule, potentially
exposing school children, teachers and
staff to pesticides, with little emphasis
on removing the underlying conditions
that make it inviting to pests.

The three grants were awarded to:

Texas A&M Agrilife Extension to

develop a central, internet-based hub
for materials and phone apps that will
give school districts the information
and tools they need to adopt an IPM
program. While the project aims to reach
1 percent of schools (552,350 students)
within three years, it has the potential to
reach all of the 15,000 school districts
nation-wide and the 49 million children
attending US public schools.

University of Arizona to develop and
carry out a pilot training and certification
program for school staff (custodians,
kitchen staff, and school administrators)
in eight states and at least four tribes,
working with five other universities
and stakeholders. Once finalized, the
materials will be made available to
schools nation-wide through partners.

Michigan State University to help 5
percent of Michigan and Indiana schools
adopt IPM through hands-on education,
training and coalition-building,
including web-based trainings and a
website. About 135,000 children may be
protected.

For additional information on the three
funded grants and IPM in schools, visit:

www.epa.gov/pestwise/ipminschools/
grants

may overwinter
in playgrounds,
especially in
sand, wooded or
wood-chipped
areas. Monitor the
playground on a
regular basis for occasional invaders.
If located near a wooded area check

overhanging
playgrounds and
school buildings.
Overhanging trees
can provide easy
roof access for rats, squirrels and other
pests.

Tree care can control pests by reducing
pest-conducive
conditions. Trees
should be kept
trimmed and be
regularly inspected
for damage and
weakness. Keep
tree limbs from
overhanging
playgrounds. Age,
storms and poor
pruning practice
create holes and
cavities in tree trunks and large branches
that often hold water, providing
mosquito breeding grounds. The best
way to manage these holes is to fill them
with construction utility foam, which
will resist tree movements and keep
water from accumulating. This method
is especially effective when the hole
or cavity is first properly cleaned of all
rot and debris, and then allowed to dry,
prior to applying the foam.

Filled tree cavity

Photo: University of Florida

www.epa.gov/pesp

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6

PESPWtre Spring 2014

Spotlight on
School IPM as
EPA Assistant
Administrator Visits
Grantee Project in
Arizona

On April 2nd Jim Jones, Assistant
Administrator for EPA's Office
of Chemical Safety and Pollution
Prevention, travelled to Phoenix to
support school IPM efforts. Joined by
EPA Region 9 Division Director Jeff Scott
and EPA Center of Expertise for School
IPM Lead Thomas Cook, Jim was treated
to a whirlwind introduction of school
IPM efforts in Arizona by Dawn Gouge
of the University of Arizona. One of
three recipients of the 2014 school IPM
grants, the University of Arizona's new
project aims to develop a nationwide,
standardized school
IPM training and
certification program.

The visit to Phoenix
began with a hands-
on tour of Metro
Tech High, a magnet
school that boasts
an astounding 98%
attendance rate and
87% graduation rate.

In past; years, the
Metro Tech campus
experienced challenging
times - overgrown vegetation, poor
sanitation, and pest vulnerable areas. The
school administration and strong IPM
coalition partners within the University of
Arizona set out to improve conditions by
developing a comprehensive IPM plan.

With the commitment and dedication
Metro Tech has displayed, this exemplary
school has been able to control its
pests for more than a decade utilizing
IPM practices. During the site visit,
participants learned how Metro Tech
implements an effective IPM program
through kitchen sanitation, pest
proofing, and clutter reduction. Metro
Tech achieved sustainability of its IPM
program through widespread education,
involvement and participation of staff,
students, and teachers.

Following up the tour, EPA presented
a check for $250,000 to Dr. Gouge
and the University of Arizona IPM
Leadership Team for their project entitled
Building sustainable school IPM inside
and out: Developing
and implementing
standardized training
materials and IPM
proficiency exams.

After the big check
ceremony, Arizona IPM
Education Commitment
Awards were presented
to several "heroes" in
recognition of their
dedication to IPM
education and for their
efforts to establish safe
learning environments
for children. See here>
in their own words, how
IPM transformed Metro
Tech into a model school:

• "IPM has provided
Metro Tech with an
important tool to assist
in the education and
promotion of creating
a safe and healthy
environment for our
students and staff.

It has become an
important part of our
mission of responsible
environmental
stewardship
by providing a
fundamental shift in
how we operate our daily pest control
activities." - Tony Scarfo, Phoenix Union
High School District

• "The IPM process provides the elements
of education, management and control in
order to limit exposure to pesticides. In
this way, on a daily basis, we are stewards
for that healthy learning environment." -
Ed Stallard, Mesa Public School District

• " My concerns with the adverse effects
of pesticides on children led to working
with school systems and other urban
sites, with a focus on reducing risks
from pests and pesticides." - Bill Currie,
International Pest Management Institute

• " IPM serves as a framework to provide
an effective, comprehensive, and low risk
approach to protect our students, staff,
and resources from pests." - Dan Vezie,
Maricopa Unified School

• "I believe IPM is the
best approach in order to
protect human health and
the environment. I am a
firm supporter of IPM and
ensuring the safety and
wellness of all people,
especially children. We
continue to educate tribal
communities on the
importance of IPM and
using pesticides safely
and ensuring the label
is read prior to the use
of the product." - Elaine
Wilson, Intertribal
Council of Arizona

• "SIPM minimizes undue risks." - Doug
Brunner, University Termite and Pest
Control

• " I like to educate the public that as
Professional Pest Managers, you hire
us to resolve your pest issues not apply
pesticides, and it's our responsibility
to control your pest issues safely and
effectively and IPM strategies are a very
effective course of action that utilizes
chemical treatment as a last resort instead
of first response." - Fred Willey, Invader
Pest Management

• " I promote IPM practices since this
is the best approach and includes an
emphasis on proactive procedures,
partnership with the customer, and the
resolution of root cause issues. This in
turn permits a limited need for extensive
treatments when pesticides are needed.

I have observed many positive impacts
when appropriate IPM based programs are
used, including the elimination of the pest
issue and a reduced need for pesticides.
In my opinion, homes, schools, food
processing establishments and hospitals
have all had positive impacts from the use
of well-designed IPM programs." - Pat
Copps, Orkin

• "Pesticide safety has been a priority of
mine." - Ron Walker, Arizona Department
of Agriculture Office of Pest Management

From left to right: Thomas Cook, EPA; Paul Baker,
University of Arizona; Jim Jones, EPA; Dave Kopec,
University of Arizona; Ursula Schuch, University of
Arizona; Danm Gouge, University of Arizona; Al
Fournier, University of Arizona; Shaku Nair, University
of Arizona; Kai Umeda, University of Arizona; Shujuan
(Lucy) Li, University of Arizona; Jeff Scott, EPA

¦ vB • i

From left to right: Jim Jones, EPA; Dan Veyie,
Maricopa Unified School; Africa Dorame-Avalos
(accepting on behalf of Elaine Wilson), Intertribal

Council of Arizona; Doug Bruner, University
Termite and Pest Control; Bill Currie, International
Pest Management Institute; Ron Walker, Arizona

Department of Agriculture Office of Pest
Management; Dawn Echeverria (accepting on behalf
of Pat Copps), Orkin; Tony Scarfo, Phoenix Union
High School District; Fred Willey, Invader Pest
Mnaagement; Ed Stallard, Mesa Public School
District; Jeff Scott, EPA; Thomas Cook, EPA

www.epa.gov/pesp

-------
ESP Wire Spring 2014

Pigeon
Roosting Survival
Tips: Humane Ways
to Minimize Pigeon
Damage

Photo: Alexander Gamauf

Pigeons, pigeons, everywhere! Pigeon
roosting time means it's time to get
ready to see more of the birds referred
to as "rats with wings". As common as
yellow cabs and as ubiquitous as street
vendors, pigeons are an integral part of
city living. Pigeons actually perform
a valuable service in removing food
waste and/or eating harmful insects.
Alas, no species is perfect. Pigeons can
also cause problems such as excessive
noise and large quantities of excrement
being deposited on sidewalks, cars, and
buildings.

Getting rid of all pigeons is unrealistic,
but there are ways to minimize their
presence on buildings. When they
roost, pigeons leave behind feathers and
nesting material, fleas and bird mites,
and, of course, lots of droppings. Pigeon
droppings can wear down stone, degrade
marble statues and building materials,
and corrode metal and car paint. The
droppings are also high in nitrogen and
can enhance the growth of fungus or
bacteria.

Habitat Modification:

excluding them from
buildings, ledges and
roosting areas and
removing food and
water sources.

Limit Food
Availability: Prohibit
bird feeding and
practice proper
sanitation. Proper sanitation such as
quickly removing spilled food and
frequently emptying garbage cans will
go a long way to making a location less
attractive to pigeons.

Limit Water Sources: Repair outside
water leaks, eliminate landscape
watering that leads to puddling, fix
clogged gutters, and exclude pigeons
from heating, ventilation, and air
conditioning units (HVACs) that provide
them with water.

Exclusion:

A variety of products are available to
prevent birds from roosting on ledges.
With exclusion, it is important to address
all potential roosting areas, as on an only
partially treated building the pigeons
will simply move to the untreated areas.

45°Angle Ramps. Keep pigeons off
ledges by covering them with a sloping
piece of plastic or sheet metal. Pigeons
can't land or roost on surfaces with a 45°
or greater angle. It is important that the
material used for the ramps is relatively
smooth.

Bird spikes and Pointed Wires : Placed
on building ledges and gutters with the
spikes spaced closely together leaving
birds nowhere to land, they are made
of heavy plastic or metal, the sharp
points keep birds from landing without
seriously harming them, and they work
on fiat or curved surfaces.

Bird netting: Areas
where birds are
roosting can be
permanently screened
off with either metal
or plastic bird netting
with 1-inch mesh.

including varieties
that can last as long
as 10 years. Be sure
to close all gaps to
keep pigeons from
squeezing through.
Also screen all
potential entry points
with the wire mesh.

Electrified Wires: These wires can
be used on rooftops and other areas
where people will not encounter them.
Electrified wires are a permanent
exclusion device that requires some
maintenance because accumulations of
dirt, sticks, leaves, and other debris can
cause shorts. They work by delivering
a shock that repels pigeons but doesn't
kill them.

Trapping: Trapping can be very
effective when executed by a licensed
professional.

Nest Removal. Inspect for nests, and
remove them every two weeks.

Less effective or potentially harmful
solutions:

Scaring Devices: Loud noises are more
likely to annoy neighbors than pigeons.
City birds are used to city noises, and
they don't startle easily.

Ultrasonic Noises: ultrasonic sound
waves bounce off objects, creating spots
where pigeons can avoid the sound.

Chemical Controls: Avicides (bird
poisons), repellents, frightening agents,
and sterilants are not recommended
because the use of preventative
measures, including exclusion, habitat
modification, sanitation and trapping are
effective without presenting potential
risk to other wildlife. If you choose
to use pesticides, contact a licensed
professional and
ensure that all label
instructions are
closely followed.

The best way to control pigeon
populations is through smart, safe, and
sustainable approach called Integrated
Pest Management (IPM). IPM focuses
on preventing pests w hich, for pigeons,
means includes practices such as

_Limitfood availability and prohibitfeeding to discourage
pigeons from callingyourproperty home.

A variety of types
of netting available.

www.epa.gov/pesp

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8

PESPWire Spring 2014

An Old Pest
Challenges Cherry
Growers

Pest management issues facing cherry
producers continue to change rapidly,
requiring responses from researchers,
pest managers, and growers alike. The
regulatory requirements for pesticides,
along with considerations of non-target
impacts, invasive species, resistance,
maximum residue limits, and the re-
emergence of formerly suppressed pests
have forced significant changes in cherry
pest management. This article will
examine the challenges presented by a
familiar cherry pest. Cherry Leaf Spot.

Cherry Leaf Spot

Biology and pest status

Cherry leaf spot (CLS) is a fungal
disease that infects cherry trees and is
caused by the pathogen Blumeriella
jaapii (Helotiales: Dennateaceae).
Although both tart and sweet cherries
are susceptible to CLS, the disease more
frequently infects tart cherries.

In the spring CLS symptoms first appear
as small purple lesions on the upper
surfaces of leaves. These purple lesions
eventually turn brown and grow for 6-8
weeks, during which time they may
merge into larger patches.

At the end of the growing period the
lesions separate from healthy tissue
and drop out. leaving behind a leaf
with a "shot-hole" appearance. Leaves
with heavy infestations generally turn
yellow prior to falling off early in the
growing season. In heavily infested trees
complete defoliation by midsummer is
not uncommon.

Cherries on trees experiencing
defoliation fail to mature normally,
resulting in undersized and unevenly
ripened fruit low in soluble solids.
Flower bud formation and fruit set on
defoliated trees is usually diminished
for two growing seasons. Severely
defoliated trees are highly susceptible to
winter injury and can be killed by low
temperatures.

www.epa.gov/pesp

Distribution and Detection

Cherry leaf spot is distributed
throughout regions of the U.S., Canada,
and the world were humid conditions
exist. The fungus that causes CLS
overwinters on dead leaves on the
orchard floor and in the spring develop
spore-producing structures called
apothecia. Near petal fall, spores are
forcibly ejected from the apothecia and
infect new leaf tissue that they come in
contact with.

Spore gemination on uninfected
leaves may occur within a few hours if
conditions are favorable. Lesions may
develop within 5 days with leaf surfaces
are damp and the temperature remains
between 60 and 85° F. If leaf surfaces
are not damp and the surrounding
temperatures are lower, lesions may
take as long as 15 days to develop.
Monitoring of CLS is most easily
accomplished through the use of online
disease forecasting models.

Management Strategies

Cherry leaf spot is primarily controlled
through the application of fungicide
sprays, which are much more effective
earlier in the season. The first fungicide
application should be made near
petal fall to protect newly expanded
leaves from CLS infection. Fungicide
applications should continue every 7 to
10 days until harvest, followed by one or
two post harvest applications.

Several fungicides are available to
control CLS including chlorothalonil,
dodine, the succinate dehydrogenase

inhibitors: fluopyram and fluxapyroxad,
the strobilurins: trifloxystrobin and
tebuconazole, as well as copper-based
fungicides.

Cherry leaf spot cultural control tactics
include the collection and destruction
of fallen cherry leaves in late autumn
to reduce the amount of overwintering
fungus, although this may be impractical
for large commercial plantings. Practices
promoting faster drying of leaves will
decrease the risk of CLS infection
including proper canopy pruning that
improves air circulation and increases
sunlight penetration.

Future research efforts needed

Future cherry leaf spot research efforts
needed include the continued monitoring
of CLS resistance to the traditional
classes of fungicides, which has recently
been documented. The development,
evaluation, and registration of novel
fungicide modes of action are also
necessaty for the control of CLS in the
future.

EPA would like to thank Dr. Mark
Whalon and Pete Nelson of Michigan
State University for their contributions
to this article.

Cherry leaf spot

Photo: Mighkan State University Extension

Photo: Michigan State University

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ESP Wire Spring 2014

Release of Federal Initiative: Tick-Borne Disease Integrated Pest

Management White Paper

On April 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention announced the release of a document titled Federal Initiative: Tick-Borne Disease
Integrated Pest Management White Paper. The document is the product of a 2-year collaboration
by the federal Tick-Borne Disease Integrated Pest Management Workgroup, a group comprising 14
federal agencies including EPA. CDC, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Geological Survey,
National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Defense, National Institutes of Health and
National Park Service. It identifies six areas of interest including Integrated Pest Management,
Agency Missions, Opportunities for Collaboration among Stakeholders, and Areas of Highest
Strategic Priority.

This document is designed to maximize the effectiveness of the various efforts to reduce the
number of tick-borne diseases in the United States and help increase coordination of federal, state,
and local responses as well as to raise awareness of and interest in sources of funding and other
resources. The workgroup recognizes that implementation of the recommended strategies depends
on regulatory and budgetary circumstances and requires collaboration of many partners.

According to CDC, the number of cases of tick-borne disease is increasing. Scientists and public health officials believe the causes of
these increases include ecological and environmental changes (such as shifts in land-use patterns); changes in wildlife communities
(e.g., some species are more resistant to ticks or Lyme disease than others); human behavior changes leading to greater exposure
risks; and better diagnostic, surveillance, and reporting practices for Lyme disease. Current research is helping to understand reasons
for increased risk and to develop better protection.

The paper is available at the following link: www.epa.gov/pestwise/ticks/tick-ipm-wliitepaper.pdf.

Web resources on tick-borne integrated pest management can be found at www.epa.gov/pestwise/ticks/ and www.cdc.gov/ticks/

Tick Quest

Tick season is upon us and juvenile ticks are on the hunt for hosts (a behavior known as questing). Ticks feed on several mammals
including mice and deer. Deer move hitchhiking ticks from one area to another. An increase in deer numbers in a given area may
increase the chance of being exposed to pathogen-carry ing ticks.

One thing you can do around your home to reduce the chance of encountering a tick is to avoid planting trees,
shrubs, and other plants that deer find attractive. Here are several deer-attractive plants that you should not
plant:

Annuals and Perennials Grown as Annuals: Impatiens (Impatiens), sunflower
(Helianthus% English daisy (Bellis), dahlia (Dahlia), and fibrous begonia (Begonia)

Bulbs and Corms: Tulip (Tnhpa), davlily (llemerocaUis), lilies (Lilium), and spring-
flowering crocus (Crocus)

Herbaceous Perennials: Hosta (Hosta), garden phlox (P. paniculata\ hollyhock
(Alcea). daisy (Chrysanthemmi), black-eyed susan (Rudbeckia), Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus), candytuft (Iberis), shasta daisy
(Leucanthemum), coneflower (Echinacea), cardinal flower (Lobelia), hibiscus (Hibiscus), and rose mallow (Malva)

Shrubs and Trees: Yew (Taxus), euonvmus (,Euonymus), aiborvitae (Thuja), deciduous azalea (Rhododendron), rhododendron
(Rhododendron) evergreen azalea (Rhododendron), rose (Rosa), hydrangea (Hydrangea), American holly (Ilex), evergreen holly
(Ilex), yucca (Yucca), eastern red cedar (Juniperus), juniper (Juniperus), mountain laurel (Kalmia), and hemlock (Tsuga).

www.epa.gov/pesp

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10

PESPWire Spring 2014

EPA Grantee Receives Friends of Southern IPM Award

On April 10, 2014, the New Orleans Mosquito, Termite, and Rodent Control Board (NOMTRCB) was presented with the Friends of
Southern IPM Implementer Award. The Friends of Southern IPM Awards recognize extraordinary achievement in research, extension
and implementation of IPM in the southern region of the United States.

Claudia Riegel, NOMTRCB Director, appeared before the New Orleans City Council to be congratulated on the Board's receipt of
prestigious award from the Southern IPM Center. The Council also presented Dr. Riegel with a proclamation recognizing her many
accomplishments and ongoing dedication to the Board. Thomas Cook of EPA's Center of Expertise for School IPM was on-hand to
offer congratulations on behalf of the Agency.

Receiving the Implementer Award recognizes Dr. Riegel and her team for the implementation of IPM in city buildings and schools
across New Orleans. NOMTRCB has spent several years cleaning up buildings wrecked by Hurricane Katrina, as well as changing
how people think about pest control. In 2008, Dr. Riegel began implementing a city-wide IPM program as buildings destroyed b\
Hurricane Katrina were repaired or rebuilt. By 2011, most city employees were practicing IPM in their buildings.

With the support of an EPA grant. Dr. Riegel has also worked to implement IPM in schools. One particular
success for the implementation of IPM in New Orleans is John McDonogh High School. With the support of the
entire NOMTRCB staff, school staff and volunteers. Dr. Riegel helped turn the school into a model for successful
school IPM implementation. Other schools are now requesting the team's help, as NOMTRCB continues to
spread IPM throughout New Orleans.

New Orleans Council-member

EPA and the PESPWise team congratulate Dr. Riegel and NOMTRCB on their award and for their exemplary Cynthia HedgeMomii (left)
commitment to IPM. with Claudia Riegel

Photo: NOLA City Council

Upcoming Events

Webinar: Closing the Gap: Addressing Asthma

Disparities in Schools

May 1,2014, 2-3:30pm EST

https ://www2. gotomeeting. com/

Weeds Across Borders Conference
October 14-17, 2014
Ottawa, Canada

http://wssa.net/wp-content/uploads/Weeds-
Acr o s s-B order s-2 014_C all-for- Ab stracts .pdf

National Conference on Urban Entomology
May 18-21,2014
San Antonio, TX
http: //ncue. tamu. e du/

Pest World
October 21-24, 2014
Orlando, FL

www.npmapestworld.org/pestworld2 014

An International Short Course in Agroecology,
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and
Sustainable Agriculture

June 15-25, 2014 (Application Deadline May 30)

East Lansing, MI

http ://worldtap.msu. edu/ipm/

Association of Structural Pest Control
Regulatory Officials (ASPCRO) National
Meeting

August 24-27, 2014
Missoula, MT
www.aspcro.org

www.epa.gov/pesp

Entomological Society of America National
Meeting

November 16-19, 2014
Portland, OR
www.entsoc.org

8th International IPM Symposium
March 24-26, 2015
Salt Lake City, UT

www, ipmcenters. org/ipmsymposium 15

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