Missouri S&T Insect Control for Academic Facilities

The following is the general position of the Physical Facilities Department, Custodial/Landscape Services regarding insect control and possible chemical treatment for insects in campus buildings.

Missouri S&T’s comprehensive environmental management system (EMS) and its ISO 14001 certification require that the campus exercise environmentally sound practices. These practices include the implementation of an effective integrated pest management program (IPM). The primary focus of this IPM program for our campus is in regards to human health, social, environmental and aesthetic concerns. The objectives of an IPM program include the following: 

1. Pest identification.
2. Monitor pest populations. 
3. Determine action threshold. 
4. Choose proper management tactic or combination of tactics.

Due to the diverse population on campus and varying levels of sensitivity to chemical pest treatment, it is the practice of the Physical Facilities department, Custodial/Landscape Services to first bait and trap insects for identification and monitor activity levels within campus buildings. Should it be determined that insect activity is beyond acceptable levels, chemical insect treatment will be considered. Chemical insect treatment will only be considered as a last course action in controlling insect activity.

Should chemical treatment be determined as the best course of action for control, the following actions will be taken by Physical Facilities management prior to treatment.

• Department heads within the building will be contacted with proposed treatment and date. 
• It will be required that the department head(s) agree and/or endorses proposed action. 
• It will be the responsibility of these individuals to notify building occupants prior to treatment.
• Department heads will be provided with the MSDS sheet for the chemical used in the treatment. 
• Signs will be posted in the common areas of the facility prior to treatment stating time and date treatment will be applied.
• Once all building occupants have been notified, treatment will be performed.

In the best interest of the health and safety of our campus population, it is very important to work cooperatively to notify all building occupants should this service be administered. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.