Hurricane Response Guide for Environmental Public Health Professionals
Pro Tips Must Know Integrated Pest Management (IPM)
IPM is a comprehensive approach to pest control that focuses on minimizing the use of pesticides while effectively managing pest populations. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) recommends the following five steps for implementing an IPM program: 1. Inspection and Surveillance: Identify pest issues and monitor pest populations. 2. Pest Identification: Determine the type of pests present for targeted control. 3. Action Thresholds: Set levels that trigger pest control measures. 4. Control Measures: Implement a mix of physical, biological, and chemical control methods. 5. Evaluation: Monitor and adjust control strategies for effective pest management. Insecticides Insecticides are substances designed to manage insect populations by either causing their death or disrupting their behavior to prevent them from causing damage or being a nuisance. Insecticide applications may be necessary after other control options have been considered, data from surveillance efforts justify use, or a public health need exists. When feasible, using both larvicides and adulticides in a mosquito control program best manages populations of mosquitoes by killing existing adults and preventing new adults from emerging. Best Practices Work quickly to get sanitation services back online. Power outages will lead to spoiled food that needs to be disposed of properly to keep it from becoming a rodent food and shelter source. After a disaster, the rodent population can be decimated, and it will take time to reestablish colonies. During reestablishment, engaging the community and promoting awareness of rodent control measures through varying communication strategies can help create a collective effort to reduce the risk of infestations. Rodent Control Activities After a Disaster: 1. Understand where there are established rodent populations. If the area does not have a rodent control program, see if you can map rodent service requests made through systems like 311. Monitor long-term reports of disease following a disaster. 2. Observe signs of growing rodent populations and identify areas most vulnerable to rodent access and human contact, such as: Shelters Food storage areas Garbage dumps Abandoned vehicles 3. Work to control rodent populations and get sanitation services back online to handle increased waste following the hurricane. 4. Engage experienced professionals to capture and study rodents for potential health threats. Professionals should examine rodents for fleas, mites, lice, and any illnesses they may carry. Ensure proper equipment is used, especially if rodent-borne diseases are identified. Do not allow inexperienced personnel to handle this task.
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