when are ants a problem? ipm strategies characteristics

When a r e a n t s a p r o b l em ?Some ants bite or sting, but most ants in California donot threaten human health, and they help controlother pests like fleas, caterpillars and termites. A fewants sting, like the native fire ants and harvester ants,which live outdoors. The most aggressive stinging antis the red imported fire ant, which has been found insouthern California. If you suspect a fire antinfestation, report it to your county agriculturalcommissioner.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a n d h a b i t sAnts look for food and water to take back to theirnests. They may appear suddenly in buildings if otherfood sources become unavailable or weatherconditions change. Ants live in soil next to buildings,along sidewalks, and under stones, tree stumps,plants, boards or other protected places. Dependingon the ant species and the time of year, ants eatsweets—especially a sticky substance calledhoneydew that is made by aphids—fruits, seeds,cooking grease, dead or live insects or dead animals.Ants often enter buildings seeking food, water,warmth and shelter, or refuge from dry, hot weatheror flooded conditions.

The most common ant in California is the Argentineant. Other ant pests include the pharaoh ant,pavement ant, odorous house ant, thief ant andvelvety tree ant.

A new colony is usually established by a newly matedqueen. As the colony grows over the years, itproduces winged male and female ants, which leavethe nest to mate and form new colonies. Unlike otherant species in California, Argentine ants have coloniesthat blend together to make up one large supercolony with many queens. This is one reasoncompletely eliminating these ants is impossible.

I PM s t r a t e g i e suDON’T SPRAY!

Spraying pesticides may kill ants, but spraying will expose staff and children to harmful chemicals, and doesn’t eliminate ants in their nests. Pesticide residues can build up indoors where children spend a lot of time. Ant management should focus on good sanitation and maintenance, not on spraying pesticides.

Ant management requires continuous effort and its goal is to reduce the number of ants in ECE programs. You don’t have to completely eliminate ants from outdoor areas because ants help control other pests like fleas, caterpillars and termites.

v KEEP ANTS OUTu When you see ant trails in your building, follow the ants to their entry point. Caulkcracks around foundations or openings thatprovide entry from outside. Pay specialattention to where wires and pipes enter thebuilding, because this is a favorite entry pointfor ants.

u Keep plants and mulch at least 12 inches from the foundations of buildings; they providenesting sites for ants.

w REMOVE ANTS’ FOOD, WATER ANDSHELTERu Store food items such as snacks, sugar, syrup,honey and pet food in closed containers.

u Wipe spills from outer surfaces of containers,and from counters, tables and floors.

u Remove garbage from the kitchen at the end of each day.

u Repair leaky sinks and pipes.

u Seal indoor cracks and crevices.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: ANTS

HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTES

© 2011 UCSF California Childcare Health Program

Columns of ants marching through playrooms, eating areas and kitchens in early care and education programs are acommon problem. Don’t panic! There are safe and effective ways to reduce the number of invading ants. Integratedpest management (IPM) is a strategy to prevent ant invasions, minimize pesticide use and reduce harmful exposureto children, staff and the environment.

HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTES INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: ANTS

u Rely on baits, a non-spraypesticide, to manage theants.

u Clean up ants using asponge or paper towelwith soapy water.

u Fill any ant entrywayswith caulk or petroleumjelly.

u Remove infested pottedplants.

u Clean up food sources.

u Eliminate leaks or watersources.

u If you see a few antsinside, there are likely tobe more soon.

u If you hire a PMP, insistthat they use baitsrather than perimetertreatments or monthlysprays.

ACTION PLAN FOR ANTS

WHEN TO TAKE ACTION NONPESTICIDE PRACTICES LEAST HARMFUL PESTICIDE LAST RESORT

Funding for this project has been provided in full or in part through a grant awarded by the California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR). The contents of this document do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of DPR nor does mention of trade names or commercial products constitute endorsement orrecommendation for use.

California Childcare Health Program, University of California, San Francisco School of Nursing • www.ucsfchildcarehealth.org

When should you hire a pest management professional (PMP)?

If ants continue to plague you indoors, work with a PMP who practices IPM to create a management plan. Pesticides should only be used as a last resort.

RESOURCESUniversity of California Statewide IPM—Ants www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7411.html Our Water, Our World—Controlling Ants in Your Houseourwaterourworld.org.dnnmax.com/Portals/0/documents/pdf/Ants%2009.pdfCounty Agricultural Commissioner List (if you think you have red imported fire ants)www.cdfa.ca.gov/exec/county/county_contacts.html


Head lice are bloodsucking insects that are commonlyspread among children. Young children are especiallyprone to getting head lice, because they

u play together with close physical contact.

u nap close together.

u hug often.

u share hats, helmets, combs and brushes.

Having head lice is not related to hygiene,socioeconomic status or ethnic background.

When a r e h e a d l i c e a p r o b l em ?Head lice do not transmit any infectious diseases;they are just bothersome to their hosts and causeitching. Head lice are a problem because it takes timefor parents to treat and remove head lice from theirchild’s hair, and clean clothing and bedding.

Hab i t s a n d l i f e c y c l eHead lice spend their whole life on the hairy part ofthe head. An adult head louse is about the size of asesame seed. It has six legs with claws to grab ontohair, is wingless, and ranges from tan to gray in color.Adult lice are often seen in the hair behind the earsand nape of the neck. Lice eggs, called nits, are laid onthe head, close to where the scalp and hair shaft meet,because they need warmth in order to hatch.Depending on hair type, nits that are more than halfan inch from the scalp are usually hatched and empty.Unlike dandruff, nits are hard to remove. To remove anit, pull it along to the end of the hair or use a specialfine-toothed lice comb. You can't just pick them off.Live head lice move fast, so they’re more difficult tospot than nits.

u Female adult lice produce up to 10 eggs per day.

u Nits remain on the hair shaft and hatch after aweek.

u 7 to 14 days after the nits hatch they mature intoadults that can lay their own eggs, repeating thelife cycle.

u Head lice can live about a month on their humanhost.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c su Head lice can crawl very quickly, but do not

hop, fly or jump.

u Head lice spread from direct contact betweenchildren, or through sharing of combs, brushes,scarves, hats, ponytail elastics or bed linens.

u Head lice cannot live on family pets.

I PM s t r a t e g i e su LIMIT THE SPREAD OF HEAD LICE

A well-organized and prompt response to the first few cases can prevent a widespread problem.

u Children and staff should avoid head-to-headcontact during an infestation. Transmissionmost often occurs through direct contact withthe head of an infested individual.

u Avoid sharing combs, brushes, hats andhelmets with others.

u Check all children and other close contacts of a child with head lice. Children with evidenceof an active infestation should be treated.Simultaneous treatment of all infested children is necessary to prevent spread back to previously treated children.

v EDUCATE PARENTS ABOUTMONITORING AND MANAGEMENT OFHEAD LICE

To prevent the spread of head lice when a case occurs in the child care program:

u Educate parents regarding the importance offollowing through with treatmentrecommendations at home and to notify theprogram if head lice have been found on anyhousehold member. Refer to the CaliforniaChildcare Health Program Fact Sheet forFamilies on Head Lice.

u Caregivers and parents should learn torecognize nits and regularly check children’shair when there is a known case of head lice in the program.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: HEAD L ICE


[ IPM strategies cont inued]

u Lice and nits can be removed using a fine-toothed lice comb (a pet flea comb may alsowork).

u Wet-combing and occlusive methods (likepetroleum jelly or dimethicone lotion) are safe ways to manage head lice.

u Although head lice are not able to survive offof humans for more than a few days, it isrecommended to wash clothes (including hatsand scarves) and bedding in very hot water,and vacuum carpets and upholstered furniturein rooms used by persons with head lice. Combs and hair brushes may be soaked in hot(149º F (65º C)) water for at least one hour.

C h i l d r e n w i t h h e a d l i c e s h o u l dn o t b e e x c l u d e dChildren should not be sent home early fromchildcare or school because of head lice. Parents ofaffected children should be notified and informedthat their child must be properly treated beforereturning to school the next day. Other close contactsshould be checked to determine if there are othercases. If your facility is having a problem with headlice, you should conduct morning “head checks”before the children socialize together.

“No-nit” policies requiring that children be free of nitsbefore they return to child care are not recommended.Regardless of the policy, children need to be checkedfor new nits for ten days after treatment.

Remember, if lice or nits are found, all family members,children and staff should be inspected. ECE programsneed to work together with families to control aninfestation.

u When you discover nitsor head lice on hairshafts.

u Transmission most oftenoccurs through directhead-to-head contactwith an infestedindividual.

u Perform a well-organizedand prompt response tothe first few cases toprevent furtherinfestation.

u Educate parents aboutdetecting and managinghead lice.

u Never try to eliminate alice infestation byspraying a pesticidearound a room, or onbedding, clothing orstuffed animals.

u Never use a fogger totreat a room for lice.Pesticide sprays andfumes will endangerchildren and won’t killthe lice.

ACTION PLAN FOR HEAD L ICE

WHEN TO TAKE ACTION LIMIT THE SPREAD EDUCATE PARENTS BE SAFE



HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTES INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: HEAD LICE

RESOURCESUniversity of California Statewide IPM Program: Head Licewww.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7446.html

American Academy of Pediatrics: Head Licepediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/126/2/392

California Childcare Health Program: What Child CareProviders Should Know About Head Licewww.ucsfchildcarehealth.org/pdfs/illnesses/Head%20Lice_0509.pdf

Kids Healthkidshealth.org/parent/infections/common/lice.html

eXtension School Integrated Pest Management Action Planswww.extension.org/pages/School_Integrated_Pest_Management:_Action_Plans


Mosquitoes are small flying insects that have beenaround for millions of years. Female mosquitoes bitebecause they need blood to nourish their eggs. Whiletheir bites are annoying to humans, mosquitoesprovide food for fish, birds and bats, and they evenpollinate flowers.

When a r e m o s q u i t o e s ap r o b l em ?Mosquito bites can cause allergic reactions, pain,irritation, redness and itching. Children who scratchtheir bites a lot, especially with dirty fingers, may alsodevelop secondary bacterial infections. In some areas,mosquitoes spread serious diseases such as West Nilevirus and Western equine encephalomyelitis virus.These diseases are rare but can be serious in children,people with weakened immune systems and theelderly, and can lead to death.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a n d h a b i t s

Mosquitoes go through several stages. Femalemosquitoes lay their eggs in still or standing water insurface pools, tree holes and even old tires (like thoseused in a tire swing). The mosquito larvae, or wigglers,swim in this water and soon develop into pupae.When the pupae develop into winged adults, theyleave the water and become flying land insects. Adultmosquitoes normally live less than a week or two.

How d o m o s q u i t o e s f i n d y o u ?Female mosquitoes bite people, pets and livestock. Themales don’t bite at all. Female mosquitoes can detectchemicals in your sweat and heat from your body. Theyalso notice when you move, especially when you wearclothing that’s a different color from your surroundings.Most mosquitoes come out at dusk.

I PM s t r a t e g i e sIt’s impossible to eliminate mosquitoes. The goal is toreduce mosquitoes to a tolerable level for humans.Sprays do not necessarily keep mosquitoes away andthey expose everyone to pesticides and solvents.

u KEEP MOSQUITOES OUT

u Make sure windows and doors are covered bymesh screens that don’t have holes.

u Avoid places with lots of mosquitoes.

u Avoid being outdoors at dusk.

u Wear protective clothing outdoors.

v REMOVE MOSQUITOES’ WATER ANDSHELTER

Any object that can hold water for more than afew days should be drained, discarded, filled withsoil or cement, treated with Bacillus thuringiensisisraelensis (a safe microbial insecticide usuallycalled Bti) or stocked with mosquito fish.

u Eliminate standing water that mosquitoesbreed in.

w Check small containers like cinder blocks,flower pot saucers, old tires or crotches oftrees for water present more than a few days.

w Remove toys that collect water.

w Change water in pet dishes, watering troughsand bird baths at least weekly.

w Avoid overwatering lawns and gardens, whichlead to standing water.

w Keep litter and garden debris out of streetgutters.

w Fill open tree holes with sand or mortar.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: MOSQUITOES


Mosquito

EggsPupa

Larva

Li fe cyc le of a mosquito


u Cut down tall grass and weeds in outside areaswhere mosquitoes rest during the day when it’shot and dry.

u Don’t use electric bug zappers because they killbeneficial and neutral insects, but very fewmosquitoes.

w KEEP MOSQUITOES AWAYu Use insect repellents if mosquitoes are reallybothersome and you have to be outdoors.Some effective repellents are:

w Picaridin is as effective as DEET, but withfewer health risks. Unlike DEET, Picaridin isodorless, does not feel greasy or sticky and isless likely to irritate the skin.

w Products containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-metatoluamide) are also effective, but may bemore toxic at high doses. Some people dislikethe odor and that it irritates the skin. DEETconfuses the chemical receptors ofmosquitoes, making it harder for themosquito to find you. Special formulations forchildren contain low concentrations of DEETin an oil-based medium that slowly releasesthe compound and limits the absorption.

w Other effective repellents include thebiopesticides oil of lemon, eucalyptus andIR3535,which are derived from naturalmaterials.

u Repellents are effective for only 4 hours or lessdepending on wind, temperature, humidityand sweating.

u When mosquitoesbecome bothersome.

u Keep window screens ingood repair.

u Wear long pants andsleeves.

u Eliminate standing water.

u Use a flyswatter ornewspaper to individuallykill mosquitoes.

u Report problem to yourmosquito abatementdistrict. Call the CaliforniaMosquito and VectorControl Association at(916) 440-0826.

u Use safe insect repellents(see above).

u Treat water withmosquito fish orenvironmentally friendlybacteria such as Bti, thattarget just mosquitoes.

u Mosquito fish are mosteffectively used in small,man-made bodies ofwater, such as ponds thatcannot be drained anddon’t connect withnatural waters. Never putfish in a natural pond,lake, creek or river.

u Contact a pestmanagementprofessional (PMP) forpesticide application.

u Outdoor insecticidesprays can temporarilyreduce the number ofadult mosquitoes, butthey don’t last long.Some also have harmfulhealth effects.

ACTION PLAN FOR MOSQUITOES




HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTES INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: MOSQUITOES

RESOURCESUniversity of California Statewide IPM Program:Mosquitoeswww.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7451.html

Mosquito and Vector Control Association of Californiamvcac.org

EPA: Active Ingredients Found in Insect Repellentswww.epa.gov/pesticides/health/mosquitoes/ai_insectrp.htm

EPA: How to Use Insect Repellents Safelywww.epa.gov/pesticides/health/mosquitoes/insectrp.htm

Center for Disease Control: Updated Information RegardingMosquito Repellentswww.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/resources/uprepinfo.pdf

EPA: Insect Repellent: Use and Effectivenesscfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/index.cfm

eXtension School Integrated Pest Management Action Planswww.extension.org/pages/School_Integrated_Pest_Management:_Action_Plans


Spiders are beneficial predators of pests such asmosquitoes and house flies. Most spiders areharmless. The few spiders that might hurt humans,such as black widows, spend most of their timehidden under woodpiles or in crevices. Brown reclusespiders do not live in California.

When a r e s p i d e r s a p r o b l em ?Children are very curious, and typically play on thefloor or ground, which puts them at a higher risk forrare encounters with spiders. Spiders usually leavepeople alone unless provoked, and almost all bitesblamed on spiders come from mosquitoes, biting fliesor fleas.

Spiders cannot transmit diseases. Only a few havejaws strong enough to bite through skin, and thesespiders can inject toxin that may cause illness. Certainspider bites can sicken young children due to theirsmall body size and weight. A serious infection,Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),is not a spider bite but looks like one. Only a healthcare provider can distinguish them.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s Spiders are arachnids, close relatives of insects, andhave eight legs and two body parts—the head and

abdomen.

Black widow spiders are commonin California. The female has ashiny black body with a brightorange-red hourglass shape on thebottom of her abdomen. She’susually less than ½ inch long—about the size of your thumbnail.Male black widow spiders are

smaller than females and lighter in color. Theirmouthparts are too small to bite humans.

Black widows are most active in the warmer months.They live in dark, warm, dry and sheltered areas suchas garages, sheds, wood piles, stone piles and hollowwood stumps. They’re found under play structures, inhollow areas of children’s toys and under picnic tablesand benches, especially in corners.

Other spiders, such as the common house spider, areharmless and often found in corners of a house,basement or a garage where they make their cobwebs.

Hab i t s Only full-sized black widow females bite humans, andonly if threatened or if their web is disturbed. If bitten,the reaction can be mild to painful. Death is veryunlikely, but infections are common. If bitten, wash thearea with warm water and soap, apply an ice pack andcontact a health care provider or poison control center(1-800-8-POISON) immediately.

I PM s t r a t e g i e sMost spiders are beneficial and harmless to humans.Since spiders eat other pests, leave them alone,especially if you find them outdoors. If you need toremove a spider indoors, use an empty plasticcontainer and slide a stiff piece of paper over thecontainer’s top.

u KEEP SPIDERS OUT

u Install screens.

u Minimize hiding places and regularly cleancobwebs with a cobweb brush (for example, a “Webster”), or vacuum indoors.

u Seal cracks in the foundation and openings tokeep spiders from entering the building.

v REMOVE SPIDERS’ FOOD, WATER ANDSHELTER

u Change outside light bulbs that attract flyinginsects that are food for spiders. Yellow lightbulbs are slightly less attractive to theseinsects.

u Vacuum, dust and sweep regularly.

u Keep vegetation, especially ivy, at least 12inches away from the building’s foundation.

wMONITOR

u Indoors, spiders are commonly found in eithervery dry or very moist areas, in dark cornersand crevices where they make webs. Indoorcobwebs are an indication that spiders arepresent and where they are hiding.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: SPIDERS



u Not every web houses a spider—once a web isabandoned, another spider doesn’t move in.Also, check outdoor playground equipment,benches and picnic tables.

xGET RID OF SPIDERS

u Traps and insecticides don’t work to managespiders. Spraying is usually not recommendedbecause it won’t kill spiders and leaves residuesthat may harm children and the environment.Insecticides work only if you are able todirectly spray the spider.

u A less toxic way to manage spiders is simply tomove them outside, vacuum them up, crushthem with your shoe or smash them with arolled up piece of paper.

w To remove individual spiders, place a jar overthem and slip cardboard underneath to sealoff the opening. Then, take the spideroutside.

w Use a cobweb brush or Webster (an effectivecleaning tool which extends to over 5-feetlong) to clean ceilings and corners.

u When you see spiders inyour center.

u Keep your center clean.

u Trap individual spiders ina jar or plastic containerand release outside.

u Vacuum the spiders,cobwebs and egg sacs.

u Screen windows.

u Seal cracks and openings.

u Consult with a pest management professional (PMP) ifspiders are a concern after regularly using a cobweb brushand vacuum cleaner. A PMP can spray spiders directlyonly as a temporary solution. PMPs can apply dustscontaining silica gel and pyrethrins, which may be usefulin certain indoor situations.

ACTION PLAN FOR SPIDERS

WHEN TO TAKE ACTION NONPESTICIDE PRACTICES LAST RESORT



HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTES INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: SPIDERS

RESOURCESUniversity of California Statewide IPM Program: Spiderswww.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7442.html

Our Water, Our World: Living with Spiders, The HelpfulHunterswww.ourwaterourworld.org/Portals/0/documents/pdf/Spiders%2009.pdf


Cockroaches are common pests in child care. Thereare many kinds of cockroaches. Some live indoors;others live outdoors. Only some cockroaches causeproblems indoors. Many providers respond to anycockroach by reaching for the spray can. There arehealth reasons for wanting cockroaches out of yourindoor environment, but you can actually managecockroaches much better when you don’t spray.

When a r e c o c k r o a c h e s ap r o b l em ?Saliva and droppings (feces) from roaches can triggerasthma, especially in young children. Cockroachesalso spread bacteria and other harmful germs as theycrawl through sewers and decaying substances, andcarry these germs into ECE facilities.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a n d h a b i t sBefore you try to eliminate cockroaches, identify whatkind they are. German cockroaches are the mostcommon indoor cockroach in California.

GERMAN COCKROACHES:

u look like small adults without wings when young.

u shed their skin six times as they grow. These cast-offskins become an asthma trigger.

To identify the cockroaches in your facility, visit:www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7467.html#IDENTIFICATION or consult with your pest managementprofessional.

ALL COCKROACHES:

u leave droppings (dark spots or smears).

u need moisture or a reliable water source to live.Outdoor cockroaches live in moist environmentssuch as sewers.

u are active at night. If you see cockroaches during theday, beware—you probably have a large infestation.

u Scurry into hiding places when they sense noise,movement and light. German cockroaches fit intospaces 1/16-inch wide. They avoid open spaces, soplace sticky traps next to walls.

u Reproduce rapidly. One female German cockroachand offspring can produce 30,000 roaches in a year.

I PM s t r a t e g i e suDON’T SPRAY!

u Sprays or bug bombs may kill a few cockroaches butwill not penetrate hiding places or kill eggs, and canharm people, pets and the environment.

v KEEP COCKROACHES OUT

German cockroaches can enter buildings hidden in grocery bags or in deliveries. Cockroaches sometimesslip under doors from nearby infested buildings.Outdoor cockroaches can sneak in through narrowgaps in windows and doorways.

u Install tight-fitting weather stripping and screenson windows, and doorsweeps.

u Seal cracks and crevices in walls and floors.

w REMOVE COCKROACHES’ FOOD, WATERAND SHELTER

u Clean spilled food, dirty dishes and utensils, andsurfaces before leaving for the day.

u Keep drains, shelves and counters clean.

u Store food in containers with tight-fitting lids.

u Fix leaks under sinks or dripping faucets.

u Vacuum possible cockroach hiding placesthoroughly using a strong vacuum with a creviceattachment.

u Empty garbage at the end of each day and keepindoor garbage in lined, covered containers.

u Place outdoor garbage containers on hard,cleanable surfaces (concrete is best) away frombuilding entrances.

u Rinse bottles and cans before placing in therecycling bin.

u Take supplies out of boxes and store in cupboardsor on open metal shelving. Corrugated cardboardboxes are a favorite hiding place for cockroaches.They eat the glue and lay their eggs in thecorrugation.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: COCKROACHES


German cockroach, young and adul t


xMONITORu Look for cockroaches behind or under cabinets andappliances using a magnifying glass and dentalmirror. Check behind bulletin boards, mirrors andother wall fixtures. Look for cockroach droppings,cast skins and dead cockroaches.

u Locate hiding places by placing sticky traps undersinks and on the floor next to walls and appliances.When traps become clogged with cockroaches,throw them away and replace with new ones.

u Once you find where cockroaches hide, focus yourefforts there. Put monitoring traps in that area.

u Keep monitoring traps in the same places (don’tmove them around), and make sure they’reinaccessible to children.

u Monitor daily during a severe infestation, and writedown how many cockroaches you have per trap andtheir age range. A lot of young cockroaches (smallerand wingless) indicate you have an activeinfestation. Keep a written log to monitor wheretraps are located.

yMANAGEMENT

GETTING RID OF COCKROACHES

u Don’t spray or use bug bombs – cockroaches willjust scatter and return later.

u Bait stations and gels are effective and exempt fromthe Healthy Schools Act.

Bait stations are:

u small plastic containers with a mix of insecticideand bait inside.

u placed where cockroaches have been found.

u effective for several months.

Gels are:

u applied with a syringe along cracks and creviceswhere cockroaches have been found.

u effective for a few days.

Boric acid powder is:

u not exempt from the Healthy Schools Act.

u effective when blown into wall voids, behindelectrical outlets, appliances or other undisturbedhiding places.

u effective for years, as long as it stays dry.

u When you see onecockroach!

u If you see one cockroachthere are likely more.

u Monitor with sticky traps.

u Caulk and seal hidingplaces.

u Clean all surfaces andstore food in sealedcontainers.

u Remove clutter.

u Vacuum with a HEPAvacuum.

u Fix water leaks.

u Cockroach bait stations orgel applied to cracks andareas out of children’sreach.

u If you have a seriousinfestation or think anexpert would do a morethorough job, hire a PMPwho uses IPM practices.

u Insect growth regulatorsapplied to areas wherecockroaches are hiding.

u Boric acid powderapplied to dry,inaccessible areas.

ACTION PLAN FOR COCKROACHES




HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTES INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: COCKROACHES

RESOURCESUniversity of California Statewide IPM Program:Cockroacheswww.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7467.htm

The Department of Pesticide Regulation, Safely Managing aCockroach Infestationwww.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/pubs/roach_color.pdf


The most common rodent pests are the roof rat, theNorway rat and the house mouse. Mice are morecommon and more difficult to manage than rats. Toprotect the health of children and staff in early careand education (ECE) facilities, we need strongintegrated pest management (IPM) programs tomanage rats and mice.

When a r e r o d e n t s a p r o b l em ?Rats and mice can damage buildings, food, clothingand documents by gnawing, urinating, defecating andnesting. Because they gnaw on hard objects, such asplastic electrical boxes, they can cause fires. Rats bitemore than 4,000 people a year, mostly young children.The urine, saliva and dander of rats and mice may alsotrigger asthma attacks. House mice may spreadlymphocytic choriomeningitis, a viral disease thatcauses inflammation of the membrane that surroundsthe brain and spinal cord. The disease can betransmitted from pregnant women to their unborninfants, and is an under-recognized cause ofhydrocephalus (a buildup of fluid in the brain) innewborns. Mice can also cause salmonellosis, a formof food poisoning.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a n d h a b i t sRats often live in packs, so if you see one, there arelikely to be more around. Rats and mice reproduceoften. If not properly managed, a rodent infestationwill rapidly increase. Mice are 10 to 20 times morecommon than rats in indoor environments. Rats andmice are most active at night. If you see them duringthe day, you probably have a serious infestation.

I PM s t r a t e g i e sMany people use poisons to get rid of rodents, but this won’t solve a rodent problem without acomprehensive IPM plan. If rodents are killed, buttheir food and water, and a place to live are stillavailable, it’s likely that other rodents will soonappear.

u KEEP RODENTS OUT

Rodents enter buildings through holes in walls,around pipe entries, through sewer outlets andunder doors. Mice can fit through a hole as smallas ¼-inch. Rats fit through a hole as small as ½-inch.

u Use metal flashing, hardware cloth and copperwool to seal floor drains, vents, holes and gapsaround pipes.

u Install a doorsweep under each exterior door.

u Seal cracks in the foundation and openings tokeep rodents from entering the building.

v REMOVE RODENTS’ FOOD

In most areas, garbage is the main source of foodfor rats.

u Discard food waste in indoor and outdooreating areas in domed-lid trash containerslined with plastic bags.

u Clean garbage cans and dumpsters frequentlyto prevent the build-up of food waste.

u Keep dumpsters on hard concrete surfacesaway from the building.

wMONITOR

Look for:u rodent droppings.

u burrows in the ground.

u nests in ivy or around cluttered areas.

u fruit or nuts that have been gnawed on.

x IDENTIFY WHAT KIND OF RODENT YOU HAVE

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: RODENTS


Norway rat

roof rat

house mouse

Norway rats are the bestburrowers and stay in thebasement or ground floor.

Roof rats are cleverclimbers and like enclosedelevated spaces in attics,walls and false ceilings.

Mice can run up anyrough, vertical surface andnest in enclosed placessuch as drawers andboxes.


yGET RID OF RODENTS

u Traps: Use snap traps baited with food (peanutbutter is a good bait).

w Always wear gloves when handling traps toprotect yourself from diseases.

w Place traps near openings rodents use toenter buildings and between walls andequipment, with the baited endperpendicular to walls so rodents will becaught coming from either direction.

w Set traps behind objects, in dark corners, andin places where there’s evidence of rodentactivity. Make sure traps are placed out ofchildren’s reach.

w To improve success with catching rats, putout traps with bait such as peanut butter, butdo not set the traps for several days until therats are used to them.

w Use enough traps to make the trappingperiod short and productive in managingyour rodent problem. Empty and reset trapsdaily until no more rodents are caught; thencheck them weekly.

w Mice seldom venture far from their shelterand food supply, so space mouse traps nomore than 10 feet apart in areas where miceare active.

u Baits: If the rodent infestation is severe, baitingmay be necessary, and should be done by a pestmanagement professional (PMP) who knowshow to use these poisons safely.

w Baits must be placed out of children’s andpets’ reach and in tamper-resistant baitstations.

w Rodenticide baits shouldn’t be used indoorsbecause a rodent could die inside the walls orceilings. Carcasses attract flies, which thenmay infest the entire building if the carcassisn’t removed quickly.

z CLEAN UP AFTER RODENTS

Don’t sweep or vacuum rodent droppings, urine ornesting materials; they can carry diseases.Sweeping or vacuuming will stir up dust andincrease your chance of inhaling viruses. Weargloves and spray the urine and droppings with amixture of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Let soak 5minutes. Use a paper towel to pick up the urine anddroppings and dispose of them in the garbage. Mopfloors with a bleach solution. Remove and disposeof gloves and wash hands.

u If you see one rodent. u Clean up cluttered areas.

u Sanitize and keep things clean.

u Seal all cracks and openings that are biggerthan ¼ inch.

u Identify rodent pathways by looking for rubmarks or trails of urine.

u Use traps and make sure they are out ofchildren’s reach.

u Contact a PMP to help with rodenticides.Rodenticides can be used outdoors, butshould be placed in a tamper-resistantbait station and secured to a concreteblock.

u Make sure to check the bait stations andreplace baits at least once a month toensure freshness of the bait.

ACTION PLAN FOR RODENTS




HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTES INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: RODENTS

RESOURCESDPR Pest Info, IPM for Schools—Preventing Mice and Ratsfrom Invading Your Schoolwww.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/pestmgt/pubs/rats_color.pdf

University of California Statewide IPM Program, Pest Notes:Ratswww.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74106.html

eXtension School Integrated Pest Management Action Plans http://www.extension.org/pages/School_Integrated_Pest_Management:_Action_Plans


Yellowjackets are wasps that are sometimes calledhornets or “meat bees,” although they aren’t bees atall. Yellowjackets are important in nature becausethey eat large numbers of caterpillars, house flies andother pest insects.

When a r e y e l l ow j a c k e t s ap r o b l em ?Yellowjackets are problematic for children and adultswhen they search for food or defend their nests.Yellowjackets can be persistent and aggressive whensearching for food, and are more likely to sting whenswatted or when their nest is disturbed. If their nest isthreatened, yellowjackets will defend it vigorously,and can sting repeatedly, unlike honey bees whichsting only once.

If a child is stung by a yellowjacket:

u Move the child to a safe area to avoid morestings.

u Watch for allergic reactions to yellowjacketstings which can develop anywhere on the body.Life-threatening allergic responses requireimmediate emergency care.

u Pain is a common reaction to a sting that rangesfrom short-term, intense feelings of pain toswelling and tenderness with some itching.

u Other reactions to the sting may include hives,swelling, nausea, vomiting, abdominal crampsand headaches.

u Symptoms can occur immediately after a sting,or may take longer to appear. They can last forseveral hours.

u To treat a sting:

w Wash with soap and water.

w Apply ice to the area immediately to reducethe pain and swelling.

w Apply a baking soda–water paste to reduceitchiness.

w Call 911 if the person shows signs of a severeallergic reaction such as difficulty breathingor dizziness.

Unlike honey bees, yellowjackets rarely leave a stingerembedded in the skin.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a n d h a b i t sYellowjackets are yellow and black. Yellowjacket nests:

u look like papery gray balls.

u are commonly built in holes in the ground, likerodent burrows.

u may be attached to eaves of buildings,undersides of decks, or tree branches.

u may be in empty spaces in walls or ceilings ofbuildings.

u are started in the spring by the queen.

From spring to midsummer, young yellowjackets aregrowing in the nest, and many of the new adults areout foraging for insect prey. By late summer,yellowjackets have switched from insect protein tobecome sugar-craving adults. They scavenge for sweetfood around garbage cans, outdoor eating areas andwhere ripe or overripe fruit is present. In mild climateareas of California, some yellowjacket colonies survivefor several years and become quite large.

I PM s t r a t e g i e su ELIMINATE NESTING SITES

u Plug up rodent burrows.

u Seal holes and cracks in foundations, walls,roofs and eaves.

v REMOVE YELLOWJACKETS’ FOOD

u Remove attractive foods such as sugary drinks, ripe fruit, meat, pet food or garbage.Keep food covered and indoors. Once food isdiscovered, yellowjackets will continue to hunt around the area even after the food isremoved.

u Use liners in garbage cans.

u Use garbage cans with domed-topped, spring-hinged lids (these are wasp-proof) in outdooreating areas.

u Empty garbage daily and replace liners.

u Tightly cover recycling bins and clean daily.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: YELLOWJACKETS



wGET RID OF YELLOWJACKETSTraps can reduce yellowjackets, but won’teliminate them if other food sources are available.Trapping needs to start in the spring and continueinto summer and fall. Place traps at least 20 feetaway from children and staff to avoid attractingyellowjackets to eating and play areas.

u Lure traps can be purchased and are easy to use.They work best as queen traps in late winter andearly spring. In spring there is a 30–45 dayperiod when new queens first emerge beforethey build nests. Each queen trapped at this timerepresents one less nest of 500–5,000yellowjackets in the summer and fall. Lure trapscontain a chemical bait. Meat can be added tothe lure traps to improve trapping. w

w Change chemical bait in lure traps every 6 to8 weeks in spring and every 2 to 4 weeks insummer.

w Change bait more frequently whentemperatures are high.

w Meat baits must be replaced more frequentlybecause yellowjackets are not attracted torotting meat.

w Periodically check the trap to removetrapped yellowjackets and make sureyellowjackets are still attracted to the trap.

x REMOVE YELLOWJACKETS’ NEST

If the yellowjacket population persists aftertrapping and removing attractive food, it may benecessary to locate and treat the nest. Call forprofessional help to treat a yellowjacket nest. Insome areas, the Mosquito and Vector ControlDistrict may be available to treat nests. To find out,call the California Mosquito and Vector ControlAssociation at (916) 440-0826. If this service is notavailable, call a pest management professional(PMP).

u When you see five ormore wasps hoveringaround garbagereceptacles or food, orwhen you see one knowncolony within 30 feet ofthe children’s play areaor building.

u Make sure garbage receptacles have lids thatproperly seal.

u Keep food covered and indoors.

u Eliminate sugary drinks .

u Remove ripe fruit that drops from trees.

u Use yellowjacket traps.

u Find nearby yellowjacket nests.

u Hire a PMP to treat the nest directly withan appropriate residual insecticide andthen remove the nest afterwards.

ACTION PLAN FOR YELLOWJACKETS




HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTES INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: YELLOWJACKETS

RESOURCESUniversity of California Statewide IPM Program: Yellowjacketswww.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7450.html

Department of Pesticide Regulation, IPM in Child Careapps.cdpr.ca.gov/schoolipm/childcare

Our Water, Our World: Controlling Yellowjackets Around YourHomeourwaterourworld.org.dnnmax.com/Portals/0/documents/pdf/Yellowjackets%2009.pdf

eXtension School Integrated Pest Management Action Plans http://www.extension.org/pages/School_Integrated_Pest_Management:_Action_Plans

When a r e s n a i l s a n d s l u g s ap r o b l em ?Snails and slugs are harmless to humans, but they canbe pests in the garden. They feed on plants by makingholes in the leaves, devouring seedlings and eatinglow-growing fruit such as strawberries. In ECEprograms, children may find them in the garden or onthe sidewalks, pick them up, play with them and eveneat them.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a n d h a b i t sSnails have an outside spiral shell that protects theirbodies, while slugs don’t have a shell. Both can vary insize from a small speck to a few inches long. Theymove by gliding and leaving a slime trail wherethey’ve been.

Snails and slugs hide during the day and come out atnight to eat since they don’t like heat and bright light.They’re also active on cloudy or foggy days. They hideunder boards, stones, garden debris, grassy or weedyareas, leafy branches close to the ground or in anyother cool, moist area. In cold weather, they hibernatein the soil. During hot, dry periods, snails sealthemselves off and attach themselves to fences, treetrunks or walls.

I PM s t r a t e g i e sYou may have an abundance of snails and slugs ifseedlings suddenly disappear, leaves developirregular holes, slime trails cover walls andwalkways or you see snails or slugs gliding acrosslawns or sidewalks early in the morning.

u KEEP SNAILS AND SLUGS OUT OFGARDENS

u Eliminate daytime hiding places by turningover boards or rocks.

u Grow vegetables and susceptible plantsand flowers in the sunniest place possibleto avoid snails and slugs hiding in shadyareas.

u Use copper barriers around planting beds and trees to give snails and slugs an electricshock. They’ll stop in their tracks and turnaround rather than cross the copper tosucculent food.

v REMOVE SNAILS ’ AND SLUGS’ FOOD,WATER AND SHELTERu Choose snail-proof plants such as:

w Impatiens, geraniums, begonias, lantana and nasturtiums

w Plants with stiff leaves such as sage,rosemary and lavender

u Use drip irrigation instead of sprinklerirrigation to reduce humidity and moisture.Drip irrigation reduces excess water bybringing water directly to the roots of plantsand lawns.

w REDUCE THE POPULATIONu Handpicking snails and slugs

w Water the infested area in the lateafternoon.

w Once dark, put on gloves and use aflashlight to find snails or slugs.

w Discard snails or slugsg Place them in a plastic bag and dispose

of them in the trash.

g Drown them in a bucket with soapy waterand dispose of them in your compost pileonce dead.

g Crush them and leave them in the garden.

g Remove snails from undersides of woodendecks, meter boxes or low ledges on fences.

Take live snails to a duck pond. Snails are muchbetter for ducks than bread. Make sure youhaven’t baited the snails—you wouldn’t want topoison the ducks.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: SLUGS AND SNAILS



HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTES INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: SLUGS AND SNAILS

u Use iron phosphate baits.u Eliminate daytimehiding places.

u Grow plants that snailsand slugs like to eat insunny areas where theyare less likely to travel.

u Use copper barriers.

u Eliminate moisture byusing drip irrigation.

u Grow plants that snailsand slugs don’t like toeat.

u Build wooden traps

u When you see snails orslugs, their slime trails, orleaves with a lot ofirregular holes.

u Consult with a gardenerfamiliar with IPM.

ACTION PLAN FOR SLUGS AND SNAILS





x TRAPSu Build wooden traps in landscape areas using 8 inch x 15 inch boards raised off the ground by1-inch runners. Scrape off and remove snailsdaily.

u Sugar water and yeast mixed together in aplastic container will also attract snails andslugs. Make sure to have deep, vertical sides tokeep snails and slugs from crawling out. Scrapeoff and remove them daily.

If you have a lot of snails or slugs, repeat this daily.After a few days, most will be gone, then monitorweekly.

y BAITSu Never use baits that contain metaldehyde—they’re extremely poisonous to children, dogsand birds. Instead, use baits that contain ironphosphate, which are relatively safe. Be sure tofollow label directions.

u Water before applying baits and apply in warmevenings when snails and slugs are active.

u Spread bait in moist areas, like sprinklers,where snails and slugs travel.

RESOURCESUniversity of California Statewide IPM—Snails and Slugs www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7427.html Our Water, Our World—Controlling Snails and Slugs in Your Gardenourwaterourworld.org.dnnmax.com/Portals/0/documents/pdf/Snails%20and%20Slugs%2009.pdf

Mold and mildew are fungi found indoors andoutdoors. Mold grows where there’s a lot of moisturein the air, or when leaks or condensation causesurfaces, furnishings or building materials to be damp.We often clean up the mold, but don’t fix the sourceof the problem and so the mold returns. It’s importantto take the steps to minimize moisture.

When i s m o l d a p r o b l em ?Mold can trigger asthma, allergic reactions and otherrespiratory problems for children and staff. Thesereactions can be immediate or delayed.

C h a r a c t e r i s t i c s a n d h a b i t sMold grows anywhere moisture is present. Itproduces spores to reproduce and grow. These sporestravel through the air until they settle on a moist,humid place. In buildings, mold may be found aroundwindows, walls or ceilings if there are leaks orcondensation problem. Mold is also common inbathrooms and damp areas under sinks. You candetect mold by its musty smell or dark stains on wallsor underneath sinks.

I PM s t r a t e g i e su KEEP MOLD AWAY BY REMOVING

MOISTURE

u Inspect regularly for water dropletscollecting on walls or windows.

u Open windows to increase air circulation.

u Use exhaust fans in bathrooms, and whencooking, dishwashing and cleaning.

u Be sure that stoves, dryers and othermoisture sources vent to the outside.

u Systematically clean the facility. Rememberto clean roof gutters and air conditioningdrip pans.

u Take action within 48 hours when you seedamp or wet building materials orfurnishings. If wet or damp areas are driedwithin 24–48 hours, mold usually won’tgrow.

u Fix leaks and other water problemsimmediately.

u Install carpets away from moisture-proneareas.

vMONITOR FOR MOLD

Check the following places for mold:

u Ceilings and walls, especially exterior walls

u Surface of walls behind furniture(condensation can occur because there is less ventilation)

u Underside of carpets and pads

u Under sinks and around pipes (leaks orcondensing pipes)

u Heating ducts

wGET RID OF MOLD

u You can clean up the problem if it’s small (a 3x3 feet patch).

u If the heating, ventilation or air conditioningsystem has mold present, don’t use it and read EPA’s guide Should You Have the AirDucts in Your Home Cleaned?(www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.html)

x BEFORE CLEANING MOLD

u Wear a mask, such as the N-95 respiratoravailable at hardware stores.

u Wear gloves that cover your arms too.

u If you are cleaning a ceiling area, wear goggles in case there are drips.

u Wear long sleeves and pants.

yONCE YOU’RE READY TO CLEAN

u Scrub the mold off with detergent and water.

u Completely dry the area.

u Replace absorbent materials like ceiling tilesand carpets.

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: MOLD



HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTES INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT: MOLD

u Scrub the mold off withdetergent and water andcompletely dry the area.

u If the mold problem is toobig, hire a professional.

u Inspect thoroughly toidentify where the moldproblem is present.

u When you see or smellmold or mildew growing.

u Eliminate the source ofmoisture.

u If it is too difficult to fixyourself, hire aprofessional.

ACTION PLAN FOR MOLD

WHEN TO TAKE ACTION FIRST, PROTECT YOURSELF SECOND, ELIMINATE THE MOLD THIRD, FIX THE MOISTURE PROBLEM




u If mold has grown on an expensive orsentimental item, consult a specialist infurniture repair, art restoration, carpetcleaning or water restoration.

zGET RID OF MOISTUREOnce you’ve removed the mold itself, make sureto get rid of whatever caused the moisture in the first place (i.e., leaking pipes or indoorhumidity). By eliminating the source of moisture, you’ll prevent future mold problems.

If you suspect a problem is too big for you toclean up, hire a professional.

RESOURCESEnvironmental Protection Agency—Mold Resourceswww.epa.gov/mold/moldresources.htmlCenter for Disease Control—Mold www.cdc.gov/mold

EPA’s guide Should You Have the Air Ducts in Your HomeCleaned?www.epa.gov/iaq/pubs/airduct.htmlThe California Department of Pesticide Regulation, IPM inChild Careapps.cdpr.ca.gov/schoolipm/childcare

The California Community Care Licensing regulationsstate that child care teachers must be trained inhousekeeping and sanitation, and that classroomsmust be kept clean and sanitary. In addition, thenational quality standards for health and safety inchild care, Caring For Our Children, recommend thatcertain surfaces be sanitized or disinfected on a regularbasis. This helps children and staff in child care centersstay healthy by reducing their exposure to the germsthat cause disease, which are common in child care.Young children readily spread germs because they:

u sneeze, cough and drool.

u use diapers.

u are just learning to use the toilet.

u touch everything.

u put things in their mouths.

Infants, toddlers and preschoolers also:

u have immature immune systems.

u experience more illnesses than older children,especially when they spend time in child care.

Wha t i s t h e d i f f e r e n c e b e tw e e nc l e a n i n g , s a n i t i z i n g a n dd i s i n f e c t i n g ?Sometimes these terms are used interchangeably, butthey are not the same. They have different outcomesand the United States Environmental ProtectionAgency (EPA) defines them this way:

u To clean means to physically remove dirt,germs and debris from the surface byscrubbing, washing and rinsing. It is doneusing soap or detergent and water.

u To sanitize means to apply a product that kills99.9% of germs identified on its label.Different disinfectant products kill differentgerms. You have to read the label to find out ifthe product kills all the germs that you want tokill.

u To disinfect means to apply a product that killsnearly 100% of germs identified on its label.

What do you use to sanitize and disinfect?Sanitizing and disinfecting are usually done usingproducts, called antimicrobials, that kill bacteria,viruses, fungi and mold on hard surfaces. Becauseantimicrobials are intended to kill germs, they arepesticides. All products used to sanitize or disinfectmust be registered by the EPA. Bleach is the mostcommonly used product for sanitizing and disinfectingin ECE.

Some non-chemical practices such as steaming canalso be used to sanitize surfaces in certain situations.New methods, such as devices that convert tap waterinto ionized water, or high-quality microfiber clothsand mops used with soap and water can reduce germcounts like antimicrobials. More studies need to bedone to be sure these alternative methods work as wellas chemicals to sanitize in ECE environments.

How do you know which product to use to sanitizeor disinfect?The EPA tests each disinfection product to make surethat it kills germs and doesn’t pose unreasonableimmediate health hazards to those who are using it. Ifthe product passes these tests, the EPA registers theproduct as a disinfectant. Only products with EPAregistration numbers on the label can claim they killgerms. If a product is not registered with the EPA as adisinfectant, it should not be used to sanitize ordisinfect. Proper cleaning (washing and rinsing with asoap or detergent) must be done before sanitizing.This step is needed since dirt can prevent disinfectantsfrom working. In child care settings, sanitizing surfaceswill kill enough germs to reduce the risk of becomingill from touching those surfaces. Disinfecting (thehigher level of germ killing) is recommended for bloodspills to decrease the risk of spreading blood-borneillnesses such as HIV and Hepatitis B.

Why do so many child care programs use bleach tosanitize?If used correctly, bleach reliably sanitizes anddisinfects hard, non-porous surfaces of most commonand harmful bacteria and viruses. Bleach has a shortkilling time and it does not need to be rinsed since itbreaks down quickly. A low concentration is requiredand it is inexpensive.

SANITIZING SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY



HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTES SANITIZING SAFELY AND EFFECTIVELY



[cont inued]

What are the problems with using bleach?There are increasing concerns about the health effectsof bleach, particularly for children with asthma. Whenbleach is applied to surfaces, it also gets into the airand can irritate the lungs and mucous membranes(the tissues that line and protect the inside of yourbody like the inside of your nose). For staff who mixbleach solutions, contact with full strength bleach canbe harmful. It can damage skin, eyes and clothing.

Reduce the risk of harm from bleach byfollowing these steps when preparing andusing bleach:

TO SAFELY PREPARE BLEACH SOLUTION

u Dilute bleach with cool water and do not usemore than the recommended amount ofbleach.

u Make a fresh bleach solution daily; label thebottle with contents and the date mixed.

u Wear gloves and eye protection when dilutingbleach.

u Use a funnel.

u Add bleach to the water rather than water tobleach to reduce fumes.

u Make sure the room is well ventilated.

u Never mix or store ammonia with bleach orproducts that contain bleach.

TO SAFELY USE BLEACH SOLUTIONS

u Apply the bleach solution after cleaning thesurface with soap or detergent and rinsingwith water.

u Allow for a two-minute contact time (use atimer) or air dry.

u Sanitize when children are not present.

u Ventilate the room and allow surfaces tocompletely dry before allowing children back.

u Store all chemicals in a secure area, out ofreach of children.

RECOMMENDED BLEACH SOLUTIONS

u For food contact surface sanitizing(refrigerators, plastic cutting boards, dishes,glassware, counter tops, pots and pans, stainless utensils, toys that have been mouthed,high chair trays): 1 Tablespoon of bleach to agallon of water. Let stand for 2 minutes or air dry.

u For nonporous surface sanitizing anddisinfecting (bathroom surfaces and fixtures,sinks, tile, glass, stainless steel, enamel, hardplastic, porcelain, doorknobs): 1/4 cup of bleach to one gallon of water or 1 tablespoonper quart. Let stand for 2 minutes or air dry.

Are there alternatives to bleach?The only program that currently certifies disinfectantsthat are safer for people and the environment is theEPA’s Design for the Environment (DfE) AntimicrobialPesticide Pilot Project (see Resources). Products withhydrogen peroxide as the active ingredient are beingused by some child care programs as an alternative tobleach. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down to water andoxygen and does not leave harmful residues. Newproducts containing stabilized hydrogen peroxideoffer an alternative to more toxic cleaners, becausethey do not put irritating fumes into the air. Stabilizedhydrogen peroxide is one of the active ingredients thathave been approved by DfE’s Antimicrobial PesticidePilot Project. Always check the product label for EPAregistration and look for the DfE logo as well. Alwaysfollow the directions for sanitizing.

Do products such as baking soda, vinegar or borax sanitize?While these products can be used to clean dirt fromsurfaces, they do not kill germs well enough to besanitizers.

RESOURCESDesign for the Environment Antimicrobial Pesticide PilotProject, www.epa.gov/pesticides/regulating/labels/design-dfe-pilot.htmlEPA (2008) What are antimicrobial pesticides?http://www.epa.gov/oppad001/ad_info.htm

California Community Care Licensing Regulations, www.dss.cahwnet.gov/ord/PG587.htmAmerican Academy of Pediatrics, American Public HealthAssociation, National Resource Center for Health and Safetyin Child Care (2005) Caring for Our Children, second edition,AAP at: http://nrckids.org/CFOC/index.html

Wha t i s “ g r e e n c l e a n i n g ” ?Green cleaning describes the growing trend of usingcleaning products and methods that are safer forhuman health and the environment. By using productswith less toxic ingredients, early care and education(ECE) programs can protect the health of children andstaff and protect the environment. Environmentallyfriendly cleaning is accomplished by establishingpolicies and procedures and providing staff training insafe and effective cleaning practices.

Green cleaning improves indoor air quality and isoften less expensive. The goal of green cleaning in ECEprograms is to create environments that supporthealthy growth and learning for children and show acommitment to a healthy work environment for staff.The key goals of green cleaning are to:

u keep the environment clean to protect childrenand staff from germs and triggers of illnessessuch as asthma and allergies.

u protect children and staff from unnecessaryexposure to chemicals in cleaning productsthat may cause harmful health effects.

To accomplish these goals, choose cleaning productsand develop policies carefully and provide training forclassroom, kitchen and custodial staff. In the past, themain priority for cleaning and sanitizing in ECEenvironments has been protecting children from thespread of infectious disease. But recent researchsuggests that the chemicals used to clean or kill germsmay have harmful health effects. There are safer waysto protect children from the spread of infectiousdisease. For example, teaching children to wash theirhands and making handwashing a routine practice inECE is an effective policy for preventing the spread ofgerms that make children sick.

Regular cleaning is importantThe everyday, routine cleaning activities of sweeping,wiping, vacuuming and scrubbing remove dirt, oilsand moisture that germs need to thrive. When there isless buildup of dirt and germs, there is less need forstrong chemicals to clean and sanitize.

u Regular cleaning keeps dust, pollen, pesticidesand other particles out of the indoorenvironment and improves indoor air quality.

u Sanitizers are more effective at killing germswhen the surface is clean.

Please note that green cleaning alone does notdisinfect or sanitize surfaces. See CCHP’s Health andSafety Note, Sanitizing Safely and Effectively in ECEfor more information on sanitizers and disinfectants.

STEPS TO KEEP YOUR CHILD CAREENVIRONMENT CLEAN

u Choose the right equipment and clean regularly to reduce the need for chemicals toclean, sanitize and disinfect.

u Use a vacuum cleaner with a high efficiencyparticulate air (HEPA) filter. HEPA filtrationvacuum cleaners trap mold spores, dust, dust mites, pet dander and other irritatingallergens from surfaces.

u Use microfiber mops and cloths. Microfibermops and cloths are made from a strong, lint-free synthetic fiber that is very absorbent. Dust, dirt and germs are attracted to and held tightly by the microfiber, so they are notspread from one area to another. Microfiber mop heads and cleaning cloths hold sufficientwater for cleaning, yet don’t drip, and so lesscleaning product is needed. Microfiber mops are also lighter and easier to use thanconventional mops.

u Place floor mats at building entryways. Teachchildren to clean their feet when entering thebuilding. This may capture 80% of soil enteringindoor areas and reduces the amount of soil that must be cleaned.

u Consider a policy that encourages people toremove their shoes when they come indoors.Ask staff and families to provide a pair of“indoor” shoes or slippers.

u Decrease clutter to make cleaning easier. Store equipment and supplies in plastic boxeswith tight-fitting lids.

GREEN CLEANING



HEALTH AND SAFETY NOTES GREEN CLEANING



[Steps to keep your chi ld care environment c lean

cont inued]

u Repair hard surfaces that have cracks, pits orchips to reduce the buildup of dirt and germs.

u Encourage frequent handwashing using gentle soap and running water. Handwashingmay play a larger role in preventing the spread of infectious illnesses than sanitizing anddisinfecting.

u Choose cleaning products that are less toxic.This includes floor-care products used tomaintain floor finishes since they are some of the most toxic products used in buildingmaintenance.

u Open windows and change filters in yourheating, ventilation and air-conditioningsystems to increase air circulation and improve indoor air quality. Many illnesses arespread by breathing in germs that linger in theair, rather than by contact with germs onsurfaces, so be sure to provide good ventilationin your program. Check with your buildingmanager to make sure the heating andventilations systems are maintained.

Choosing cleaning products that are safer for people and the environment

Many cleaning products contain toxic chemicals.Children are easily exposed to the chemicals incleaning products because they:

u breathe in the chemicals that get into the air when these products are used;

u absorb chemicals through their skin when they touch surfaces that have chemical residues;

u mouth objects (for example, toys) and surfacesand swallow chemicals that are on those objectsand surfaces.

Many consumers mistakenly believe that if the word“green” appears in the name of a cleaning product,then the product is safe. This is not necessarily true.The easiest, and most reliable, way to choose safercleaning products is to choose products that havebeen certified by third-party programs such as theGreen Seal™ and EcoLogo™ certification programs.See Resources for contact information. These groupsidentify cleaning products that:

u contain the safest possible ingredients.

u perform well.

u are cost-effective.

u avoid added fragrances that can causerespiratory irritation and trigger asthma.

The certified cleaning product categories includegeneral purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, bathroomcleaners, carpet cleaners and floor cleaners. Choosingcertified products that meet green standards is a goodway to reduce toxins and make an immediate positiveimpact on the health of the ECE environment. Toquickly identify these certified products, check thelabel for Green Seal or Ecologo certification. Avoidproducts that say POISON, DANGER, CAUTION or WARNING.

Safer disinfectants

The only program that certifies disinfectants that are safer for people and the environment is the EPA’s DfE Antimicrobial Pesticide Pilot Project. If you see the DfE logo on an EPA-authorizeddisinfectant, you will know the product is:

u in the least hazardous EPA Toxicity Categories;

u unlikely to have carcinogenic or endocrinedisruptor properties;

u unlikely to cause developmental, reproductive,or neurotoxic harm.

RESOURCESA full listing of products certified as cleaners (both householdand institutional) can be found online:www.greenseal.org/findaproduct/cleaners.cfmEcologowww.ecologo.org/en/greenproducts/Design for the Environment http://www.epa.gov/dfe/

California Childcare Health Program (2005)Recommendations for Cleaning, Sanitizing and Disinfectingwww.ucsfchildcarehealth.org/pdfs/healthandsafety/recommenEN_adr.pdf

Rose, L, Westinghouse, C , and the National Cleaning forHealthy Schools and Infection Control Workgroup (2010) Cleaning for healthy schools and infection control handbookwww.informedgreensolutions.org

when are ants a problem? ipm strategies characteristics

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