The Office of Research Services (ORS), Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS), Community Health Branch (CHB) is responsible for providing integrated pest management (IPM) services and consultation to the NIH community on the Bethesda campus, the NIH Animal Center in Poolesville and several off-campus facilities.
To report a pest problem call (301) 496-4294.
Note - The IPM program does not provide wildlife management. Issues involving geese, deer, foxes and other wildlife should be reported by calling the NIH non-emergency Police line: (301) 496-5685. The caller should request to speak to the veterinarian on call for wildlife issues and the call will be transferred to the Veterinary Wildlife Volunteers group who will respond to the problem.
Select one of the links below for more information:
About Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management Program Components
Integrated Pest Management Reports
About Integrated Pest Management
DOHS Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is focused on:
- Managing the environment to prevent pest problems through surveys and reports on pest issues and the identification of deficiencies (i.e. structural repair, sanitation and housekeeping) and recommending repairs or changes.
- Training facility personnel.
- Using the least toxic pest control methods.
IPM programs and services help ensure the safe and hygienic operation of NIH facilities and support the
Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) andJoint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) accreditations,Occupational Medical Service (OMS), food safety and protection, child care programs, and the occupational health and safety program at the NIH.
We work to avoid potential pest problems by:
Conducting field surveys and pest identification to provide technical advice, recommendations and guidance.
Reviewing plans, drawings, and specifications for the design, construction or renovation of buildings in order to incorporate integrated pest management concepts and requirements in all NIH occupied facilities.
Collaborating with and supporting other ORS components in areas related to IPM (i.e. animal feed and bedding operations, solid waste management, building and grounds maintenance, housekeeping).
Evaluating new pest management technologies and specialized methods for preventing or controlling pests in the biomedical research environment and to improve the efficiency of ongoing programs.
Serving as the primary liaison to the extramural research community, federal and state agencies, universities, and the private sector on integrated pest management issues.
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We provide integrated pest management services that provide long term pest reduction that reduce or eliminate pesticide use.
Our services are:
Monitoring
The regular surveillance of an area using traps, visual inspections, and interviews to locate pest infestations, personnel practices, and conditions that contribute to pest infestations.
Sanitation/Structural Repairs
By improving sanitation and personnel practices, reducing clutter and pest harborage, an area is less likely to support a pest population.
Education/Training
Staff cooperation is important to correct personnel practices and conditions that contribute to pest problems. Training staff covers topics such as pest identification, biology, the importance of sanitation, pesticide safety, etc.
Record Keeping
We record in a log book pest activity and observations on housekeeping and structural deficiencies. These records are included as part of our evaluation and training programs.
Non-Chemical Methods
Pest management practices such as trapping, caulking, steam cleaning, and freezing can be used with a high degree of safety and are very effective in controlling pests.
Chemical Methods
Once a survey is completed, we may decide to perform a limited pesticide application. Pesticides are one of many different IPM methods that may be used when needed and appropriate.
Program Evaluation
We review data, staff and customers to evaluate program effectiveness. Our services are designed to meet the unique needs of each patient care unit, cafeteria, animal care facility, office or laboratory.
Safety
We eliminate the routine use of pesticides and encourage permanent non-chemical control practices. This reduces the potential hazard of pesticide exposure to patients, the research environment, and the NIH staff.
Oversight
Technical oversight provides an objective evaluation of program activities and effectiveness. Without objective program oversight, our services could regress to a traditional pesticide based program.
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