Covered Service
This specification shall cover Pest Management Services in all indoor spaces for all affected state entities.
Definitions
Integrated Pest Management (“IPM”) is an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices. IPM programs use current, comprehensive information on the life cycles of pests and their interaction with the environment. This information, in combination with available pest control methods, is used to manage pest damage by the most economical means, and with the least possible hazard to people, property, and the environment. IPM programs utilize surveillance, monitoring, periodic re-inspection, and interpretation of the resulting data to estimate the nature of a given area’s pest population and make decisions for long-term suppression or prevention. The data gained through monitoring instructs decisions regarding when and where interventions are needed, the type of interventions selected, and the method of application and implementation. IPM programs must extend beyond the application of pesticides to predominantly pursue structural and procedural modifications that establish physical barriers to pests, and reduce the food, water, and harborage available to them.
Specifications
Affected state entities shall, to the maximum extent practicable, follow Integrated Pest Management practices.
Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences established The New York State Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program to develop sustainable ways to manage pests and help people to use methods that minimize environmental, health, and economic risks. More information and assistance about Integrated Pest Management can be found at Cornell’s IPM website: https://nysipm.cornell.edu/
Affected state entities are encouraged to adopt the following:
When mechanical, sanitary, cultural, or biological means of pest management are not sufficient to achieve adequate pest control, and the decision is made to use a pesticide, unless otherwise justified, the pesticides employed will be limited to those listed below:
- Any pesticide classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an exempt material under Section 40 CFR Part 152.25;
- Pesticides used for the purpose of rodent control in tamper-resistant bait stations or placed directly into rodent burrows or other areas inaccessible to children, pets, or wildlife;
- Anti-microbial pesticides and anti-microbial products as defined by FIFRA in 7 U.S.C. § 136 (mm). Anti-microbials are pesticides that:
(i) disinfect, sanitize, reduce, or mitigate growth or development of microbiological organisms; or (ii) protect inanimate objects, industrial processes or systems, surfaces, water, or other chemical substances from contamination, fouling, or deterioration caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, algae, or slime. These antimicrobial products must be registered by the EPA and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Note: For a list of antimicrobial products registered by the DEC go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/nyspad/products?2, click the Advanced Search button, type “antimicrobial” into the Pesticide Type box, and then click the Search button; - Products containing boric acid or disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, silica gels, diatomaceous earth, and other non-volatile insecticidal gels and baits;
- Any biopesticide (a product that uses naturally occurring substances or microorganisms that control pests) registered by the EPA, and also registered by the DEC. Note: For a list of biopesticide products registered by the DEC go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/nyspad/products?2, click the Advanced Search button, select biopesticide in the Other category, and then click the Search button.
In addition, no pesticide foggers shall be used under any circumstances, and no pesticides formulated as dusts or sprays, except those that meet the criteria under section 1. above, shall be used, except with specific approval from the contracting entity based on a written explanation from the contractor as to why less hazardous products are not sufficient.
Affected entities must adhere to all applicable pesticide notification requirements (information can be found at https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/8529.html).
Certain circumstances (e.g. blood spills and infection control) and locations (e.g. healthcare, childcare, and food service settings) may require special disinfection or sanitation practices that are prescribed by existing laws, regulations or professional guidance. These specifications do not supersede or change existing health, labor, environmental, social services, or educational regulations or guidance related to disinfection and sanitation practices. It is recommended that affected entities prioritize green cleaning first, and only use disinfectants or sanitizers when necessary. For more information on best practices for green cleaning and examples of state and federal regulations and guidance on disinfection and sanitation, see the New York State green cleaning website at https://greencleaning.ny.gov