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Pests in Public Buildings and Private Residences: Pests in Our World

A collection of resources regarding pests that infest public buildings and private residences.

Pests in Our World

Environmental Protection Agency Pest Control Resources

The mission of EPA is to protect human health and the environment.
 
EPA's purpose is to ensure that:
  • all Americans are protected from significant risks to human health and the environment where they live, learn and work;
  • national efforts to reduce environmental risk are based on the best available scientific information;
  • federal laws protecting human health and the environment are enforced fairly and effectively;
  • environmental protection is an integral consideration in U.S. policies concerning natural resources, human health, economic growth, energy, transportation, agriculture, industry, and international trade, and these factors are similarly considered in establishing environmental policy;
  • all parts of society -- communities, individuals, businesses, and state, local and tribal governments -- have access to accurate information sufficient to effectively participate in managing human health and environmental risks;
  • environmental protection contributes to making our communities and ecosystems diverse, sustainable and economically productive; and
  • the United States plays a leadership role in working with other nations to protect the global environment.
The EPA website includes many resources dealing with pest management:
There are various sources of documents to use in your school integrated pest management (IPM) program. The examples listed here provide a basic set of information to start with.
On this page:
  • IPM benefits
  • Options, IPM strategies, and success stories
  • Pesticide safety resources
  • Model school IPM policy
  • School IPM Program Bid and Contract Guidance
  • Sample pest management contracts
  • For more information on school IPM contracts
  • Pest sighting log
  • Cafeteria inspection checklist
  • Notification forms for school administrators and pest management professionals
  • Additional Resources and Tools

Effects of Climate Change on Pest Increases

Climate Change Exacerbates the Challenge of Plant Pests

 "Climate change is exacerbating food insecurity, and its negative impacts will worsen over time. This is happening via several pathways, among which plant pests are a leading cause. In fact, there are many possible pathways through which climate change may impact plant pests, including ecology, spatial distribution, and food chains."

 

 
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How rising temperatures affect insects
 Climate change resulting in increased temperature could impact crop pest insect populations in several complex ways. Although some climate change temperature effects might tend to depress insect populations, most researchers seem to agree that warmer temperatures in temperate climates will result in more types and higher populations of insects.
 
 
 

The Main Pests in Hotel and Commercial Kitchens

Top pests in hotel and commercial kitchens

Pests are a public health and business risk. They can cause damage to buildings, fittings, furnishings and food products, transmit disease, cause unsightly marks and smells.

They affect customers in several ways, including causing illnesses, irritating bites, bad feeling, which can be expressed in many social media platforms and review sites, and loss of custom.

On this page you can find detailed information on these pests that affect hotels and commercial kitchens:

Pest infestations impart costs to businesses from:

  • treatment to eradicate pests;
  • replacement of contaminated stock or defaced items;
  • loss of reputation;
  • loss of business; and
  • potential litigation from the public and regulatory authorities.

Businesses providing products and services to the public are expected to give pest control a high priority. Hotels and restaurants have a responsibility for protecting public health by preventing contamination of food and transmission of pest-borne diseases inside their premises.

Food safety legislation (in the EU Regulation (EC) 852/2004) mandates that food handling businesses exclude pests and prevent food contamination by taking effective measures.

From https://www.rentokil.com/hospitality/top-pests-in-hotels-and-commercial-kitchens/; accessed August 18, 2017.

Information on Pests in Schools and Their Control

Information on Pests in Schools and Their Control

Pests such as insects, rodents, fungi, and weeds can affect the school environment and the people who work and learn there. These pests can cause human health problems, structural damage, and plant damage.

On this page:

Pests of concern in schools
Where to look for pests in schools
Basic information on pest control in schools
For more information
 
 

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Brian Bess
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