The campus community, from Facilities to faculty, staff and students, collectively plays a collaborative role in proactively maintaining a healthy and safe environment. This is particularly true with pest control. While Facilities continues to identify and close entry points and schedules extermination services, your cooperation is needed to create an unfriendly environment for rodents and other pests.
All offices should implement the following guidelines:
- Eliminate all trash and metal/plastic/glass recycling bins in individual offices. Use shared bins centrally located in hallways.
- At the end of the work day, place rinsed recyclables and waste in the hallway bins for pickup.
- Keep all food brought into the office in the refrigerator, freezer or in air tight containers. Rodent have a keen sense of smell and can easily find food inside plastic bags.
- Remove from premises or clean nightly all toaster ovens, toasters, refrigerator and microwaves.
- Remove plants. This is a temporary measure as rodents may burrow and feed on the roots.
- Regularly wipe down surfaces clean with a mild detergent or cleaner and paper towel .
- Manage the amount of paper and cardboard boxes. Rodents use these items for nesting.
- Report sightings, dropping and holes to Facilities via the Work Request system or at FacOps@brooklyn.cuny.edu.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) – FAQ
IPM is an environmentally-friendly, common sense approach to pest control that uses a combination of control methods.
How does Brooklyn College manage pests?
The College uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to control pests. IPM is an environmentally-friendly, common sense approach to pest control that uses a combination of control methods. IPM views the use of pesticides as a last resort, instead preferring non-chemical methods such as controlling harborage and preventing access. If chemicals must be used, “low impact” or “green” pesticides are selected.
What are “low impact” or “green” pesticides and are they harmful to my health?
“Low impact” pesticides are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as posing minimum risk to mammals. One such pesticide used by Brooklyn College is a plant-based product, Essentra IC3, which contains the essential oils rosemary and peppermint. These pesticides pose minimal health risks to building occupants. However, you may observe the applicator wearing skin and eye protection because he dilutes the concentrate before use and is in close proximity with the mist. Because essential oils are inherently fragrant, the odor of some products may be objectionable to some individuals.
How and when are pesticides applied on Brooklyn College campus?
Pesticide applications are only performed in the early morning before the work day or after hours when the space if vacant. The frequency of applications depends on the type of pest and the scope of activity. Some pests, such as roaches, require regularly scheduled treatments. For instance, Brooklyn College sprays non-office areas, such as garbage collection areas and corridors, once a month. For other pests, such as bedbugs, pesticides are spot-applied in response to confirmed pest activity. Pesticide is sprayed into non-visible areas and cracks and crevices where insects are usually found. Because it is a minimum risk insecticide, spot treatments does not require a “no re-entry” period.
On rare occasions, the area may need to be vacated to allow for application of the minimum risk pesticide as a mist or fog. Occupants can safely re-enter after the area has been ventilated.
I have headaches or feel nauseous when I smell this product. What should I do?
Everyone responds differently to odors. Some individuals may be sensitive to scents and feel temporarily affected by the odor. If you are bothered by the odor, tell your supervisor. Facilities and EHS will work with your department to minimize the impact by pre-notification of scheduled treatments and keeping office doors to the hallway closed. Using the window AC, opening windows, or turning on fans can help dissipate the odor.
How does Brooklyn College manage pests?
The College uses Integrated Pest Management (IPM) to control pests. IPM is an environmentally-friendly, common sense approach to pest control that uses a combination of control methods. IPM views the use of pesticides as a last resort, instead preferring non-chemical methods such as controlling harborage and preventing access. If chemicals must be used, “low impact” or “green” pesticides are selected.
What are “low impact” or “green” pesticides and are they harmful to my health?
“Low impact” pesticides are considered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as posing minimum risk to mammals. One such pesticide used by Brooklyn College is a plant-based product, Essentra IC3, which contains the essential oils rosemary and peppermint. These pesticides pose minimal health risks to building occupants. However, you may observe the applicator wearing skin and eye protection because he dilutes the concentrate before use and is in close proximity with the mist. Because essential oils are inherently fragrant, the odor of some products may be objectionable to some individuals.
How and when are pesticides applied on Brooklyn College campus?
Pesticide applications are only performed in the early morning before the work day or after hours when the space if vacant. The frequency of applications depends on the type of pest and the scope of activity. Some pests, such as roaches, require regularly scheduled treatments. For instance, Brooklyn College sprays non-office areas, such as garbage collection areas and corridors, once a month. For other pests, such as bedbugs, pesticides are spot-applied in response to confirmed pest activity. Pesticide is sprayed into non-visible areas and cracks and crevices where insects are usually found. Because it is a minimum risk insecticide, spot treatments does not require a “no re-entry” period.
On rare occasions, the area may need to be vacated to allow for application of the minimum risk pesticide as a mist or fog. Occupants can safely re-enter after the area has been ventilated.
I have headaches or feel nauseous when I smell this product. What should I do?
Everyone responds differently to odors. Some individuals may be sensitive to scents and feel temporarily affected by the odor. If you are bothered by the odor, tell your supervisor. Facilities and EHS will work with your department to minimize the impact by pre-notification of scheduled treatments and keeping office doors to the hallway closed. Using the window AC, opening windows, or turning on fans can help dissipate the odor.