![](media/image1.wmf){width="0.6472222222222223in"
height="0.6277777777777778in"} **U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development**

**Office of Public and Indian Housing**

**[Special Attention of:]{.smallcaps}** **[NOTICE PIH 2007-12
(HA)]{.smallcaps}**

Regional Directors; State and Area

Coordinators; Public Housing Hub Issued: May 24, 2007

Directors; Program Center Coordinators;

Troubled Agency Recovery Center Directors; Expires: May 31, 2008

Special Applications Center Director;
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Administrators, Offices of Native American Cross Reference:

Programs; Public Housing Agencies; 24 CFR 903.7(e)(2)

Housing Choice Voucher/Section 8 Public **This Notice Supersedes
Notice**

Housing Agencies; Tribally Designated **PIH-2006-11 (HA**

Housing Entities; Indian Tribes; Resident

Management Corporations.

Subject: Guidance on Integrated Pest Management

1.  [[Purpose]{.underline}:]{.smallcaps} The purpose of this Notice is
    to inform public housing agencies (PHAs) and Tribally Designated
    Housing Entities (TDHEs) to reference materials on Integrated Pest
    Management (IPM) located in Maintenance Guidebook Seven: Termite,
    Insect and Rodent Control and reference material located at
    paragraph 7 of this notice. PHAs and TDHEs (HAs) may choose to share
    this information with families and property owners participating in
    their programs.

2.  [[Applicability]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}: The information in this
    Notice may be of interest to HAs, property owners, property
    managers, and family program participants when they review their
    pest control efforts. The decision to reflect IPM processes in their
    ongoing pest control efforts rests solely on local management. The
    use of this material is voluntary for the HAs; however, HUD promotes
    the use of IPM for pest control.

3.  [[Background]{.underline}:]{.smallcaps} The goal of IPM (per the
    Environmental Protection Agency) is to manage pest damage by the
    most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people,
    property, and the environment. To undertake IPM, property managers
    should be committed to ongoing or continuous monitoring and record
    keeping, education of residents and staff, and good communication
    between residents and building managers. IPM methods involve
    restricted access to food/water, sanitation and waste management,
    mechanical control, natural control agents, physical barriers,
    structural maintenance, and, where necessary, conservative
    application of pesticides.

> HUD has supported IPM for more than two decades and published and
> distributed Maintenance Guidebook Seven: Termite, Insect, and Rodent
> Control, to all PHAs in 1995. Some HAs use the IPM approach to pest
> management and have seen it dramatically reduce both pest populations
> and pesticide use. IPM programs have also positively engaged residents
> through the outreach and education needed to prepare them for their
> role in implementing IPM.

4.  [[Definition]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}: IPM efforts involve HA
    staff, contractors, and residents, and include:

    a.  Communicating the HA's IPM policies and procedures to all
        building occupants, administrative staff, maintenance personnel,
        and contractors.

    b.  Identifying (1) pests and (2) environmental conditions that
        limit the spread of pests, including the presence of pests'
        natural enemies.

    c.  Establishing an ongoing monitoring and record keeping system for
        regular sampling and assessment of pests, surveillance
        techniques, and remedial actions taken, including establishing
        the assessment criteria for program effectiveness.

    d.  Determining, with involvement of residents, the pest population
        levels -- by species -- that will be tolerated, and setting
        action thresholds at which pest populations warrant action.

    e.  Improving sanitation, waste management, mechanical pest
        management methods, and/or natural control agents that have been
        carefully selected as appropriate in light of allergies or
        cultural preferences of staff or residents.

    f.  Monitoring and maintaining structures and grounds (e.g., sealing
        cracks, eliminating moisture intrusion/accumulation) and adding
        physical barriers to pest entry and movement.

    g.  Developing an outreach/educational program and ensuring that
        leases reflect residents' responsibilities for: (1) proper
        housekeeping, (2) reporting presence of pests, leaks, and mold,
        and (3) cooperating with specific IPM requirements such as
        obtaining permission of HA management before purchasing or
        applying any pesticides.

    h.  Enforcing lease provisions regarding resident responsibilities
        such as housekeeping, sanitation, and trash removal and storage.

    i.  Using pesticides only when necessary, with preference for
        products that, while producing the desired level of
        effectiveness, pose the least harm to human health and the
        environment, and, as appropriate, notifying PHA management
        before application.

    j.  Providing and posting 'Pesticide Use Notification' signs or
        other warnings.

5.  [[Health and Cost Concerns]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}: Pests may
    adversely impact health and contribute to worsening some diseases,
    such as allergies and asthma. Therefore, pest control methods are
    targeted to protecting the health of residents and staff. Even
    though applying pesticides may be effective in eliminating pest
    populations, many of these chemicals may be associated with health
    and/or environmental risks, and their use should be minimized if
    alternative methods exist. IPM frequently has proven to be more
    effective in reducing pest populations than depending solely on
    broadcasting pesticides. Therefore, IPM offers the potential of
    ensuring efficacy of pest elimination while protecting the health of
    residents and staff.

> Most of the effective methods of pest elimination, including ongoing
> repairs, erection of barriers, and monitoring, will extend the useful
> life of the property and, thereby, generate significant savings that
> offset costs of the pest control operations. Many of these
> non-application methods, including structural maintenance, especially
> inspecting for and repairing leaking pipes and cracks in roofs, walls,
> and windows are effective in preventing moisture intrusion and
> accumulation. Additionally, IPM-conscious HAs assess the need to
> install physical barriers to both pest entry and pest movement within
> every structure.

6.  [[Implementation]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}: The choice of pest
    control strategies is the decision of HAs' property owners and
    managers. HAs may choose to implement IPM. This may be done to the
    extent, and in the manner, they determine best, at their discretion.
    If a HA uses an outside contractor for pest control, the HA's pest
    control/IPM policies and procedures should be incorporated into the
    specifications or statement of work for the pest management
    contract. The HA may also consider training for maintenance staff
    and education for residents as well as for HA administrative staff
    who oversee housing developments or administer occupancy and rental
    duties such as unit housekeeping inspections. If the HA uses its own
    maintenance staff for pest management, proper training in the HA's
    IPM procedures is essential. The contract administrator for any pest
    management contract should also be trained. Successful results rely
    upon proper implementation; training is therefore of the utmost
    importance. Not only must maintenance staff be trained, but also
    residents and their elected leaders. Successful IPM requires
    resident participation through proper housekeeping, reporting of
    pest infestations, and trash removal. Residents can monitor pest
    populations and assist in identifying how to eliminate access to
    food and water for pests. HUD encourages HAs to partner with local
    pest management organizations.

7.  [[Reference Materials for Implementing
    IPM]{.underline}]{.smallcaps}:

### PIH Maintenance Guidebook Seven -- Termite, Insect & Rodent Control (September, 1995): [**[http://hudclips.org/sub_nonhud/cgi/pdfforms/HUDGB7.pdf]{.smallcaps}**](http://hudclips.org/sub_nonhud/cgi/pdfforms/HUDGB7.pdf)

### PIH Notice 95-66: [**[http://www.hudclips.org/sub_nonhud/cgi/pdfforms/HUDGB1N.pdf]{.smallcaps}**](http://www.hudclips.org/sub_nonhud/cgi/pdfforms/HUDGB1N.pdf)

### General Services Administration

### GSA Guidelines For Structural Pest Control Operations: [**[http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/doc/bus_prac.html]{.smallcaps}**](http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/doc/bus_prac.html)

### Integrated Pest Management Program - Contract Guide Specification (1999) [**[http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/doc/contract.pdf]{.smallcaps}**](http://schoolipm.ifas.ufl.edu/doc/contract.pdf)

### U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

### General IPM information (for schools, but generally applicable to such other large buildings as multifamily housing): [**[http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ipm]{.smallcaps}**](http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/ipm)

### EPA staff contacts: [**[http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/about/contacts.htm#ipm]{.smallcaps}**](http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/about/contacts.htm#ipm) 

### List of EPA IPM publications and instructions for ordering documents [**[http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/catalog/subpage3.htm]{.smallcaps}**](http://www.epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/catalog/subpage3.htm)

### U.S. Department of Defense - Armed Forces Pest Management Board Technical Guide No. 29 Integrated Pest Management (IPM) In And Around Buildings [**[http://www.afpmb.org/pubs/tims/tg29/tg29.htm]{.smallcaps}**](http://www.afpmb.org/pubs/tims/tg29/tg29.htm) 

### Massachusetts Department Of Food And Agriculture Pesticide Bureau - Integrated Pest Management Kit For Building Managers: [**[http://www.pestinfo.ca/documents/IPMkitforbuildingmanagers.pdf]{.smallcaps}**](http://www.pestinfo.ca/documents/IPMkitforbuildingmanagers.pdf)

### Alliance for Healthy Homes [**[http://www.afhh.org/dah/dah_pesticides.htm]{.smallcaps}**](http://www.afhh.org/dah/dah_pesticides.htm)

### Canada

### University of Toronto, Integrated Pest Management in Housing, [**[http://www.utoronto.ca/forest/termite/IPMH.html]{.smallcaps}**](http://www.utoronto.ca/forest/termite/IPMH.html) 

i\. IPM Institute of North America - IPM Standards for Schools:

i\. <http://www.ipminstitute.org/school.htm>

> ii\.
> <http://www.ipminstitute.org/IPM_Star/ipmstar_profiles_monroe_county_in.htm>
>
> j\. [PHA Resource]{.smallcaps}

i.  HUD-funded "Healthy Public Housing Project" conducted by Harvard
    School of Public Health in Boston public housing
    <http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/hphi>

k\. PHA Case Studies

### Cuyahoga Housing Authority: [**[http://www.ehw.org/Asthma/ASTH_EPA_IPM_CaseStudy.pdf]{.smallcaps}**](http://www.ehw.org/Asthma/ASTH_EPA_IPM_CaseStudy.pdf)

ii. Boston Housing Authority:
    <http://www.asthmaregionalcouncil.org.about/documents/IPMinMultifamilyHousing7.25.06.doc>

The above list of IPM practices does not constitute a HUD endorsement of
any specific practice, but provides IPM ideas and practices that have
reportedly been used to improve pest management while reducing
unnecessary dependence on pesticides. HUD encourages PHAs/TDHEs to share
their policies, procedures, resident leases, and written case studies so
that these may be published on the HUD web for others to read.

For further information about this Notice, contact the nearest HUD
Office of Public Housing within your state. Tribes and TDHE's should
contact the nearest HUD Office of Native American Programs. Locations of
these offices are available on HUD's website at

[http://www.hud.gov](http://www.hud.gov/)

[/s/]{.underline}

Orlando J. Cabrera, Assistant Secretary for

Public and Indian Housing