Integrated Pest Management

Trends can be powerful. Consider the effect of remote offices, web conferencing and outsourcing in the business world. These ideas burst on the scene and became a "must" in business. Now, these trends are no longer considered to reflect "forward-thinking," but rather are reflected upon as passé.

In many ways, these business practices perfectly portray the lifecycle of a trend. They emerge to encourage vital industry dialogue, raise important questions and compel reflection upon professional techniques. Yet, after the original flurry of discussion, trends tend to quietly fade away without making a lasting impact.

However, Integrated Pest Management, commonly referred to as IPM, is a trend that has demonstrated true "staying power" within the pest management industry. IPM, as defined by the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is a process involving common sense and sound solutions for treating and controlling pests. The focus is upon finding the best treatment for a pest problem, and not merely the simplest. Pest professionals never employ a "one size fits all" method in IPM, but rather, utilize a three-part practice: 1) inspection, 2) identification and 3) treatment by a pest professional. Treatment options in IPM can vary from sealing cracks to removing food and water sources to employing pest products, when necessary.

From homes to hospitals to public property, IPM is proving to be more that a passing phase - it is an issue gaining significant political and public attention. Yet, for an issue that is finding public traction, there is little consensus about the definition of IPM. In fact, a 2007 national survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the National Pest Management Association, found that 67% of all respondents had little to no knowledge of IPM. This lack of understanding has considerable consequences for consumers, particularly as IPM permeates essential conversations about how to best protect both public health and property from the threats posed by pests.

Learning Objectives:

• Defining Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in a Real Meaningful Way - Understanding the Three Steps of IPM - Inspection, Identification, Control - Modern Pest Management Tools
• IPM Specific to the Healthcare Industry - Special challenges facing hospitals and health facilities in pest management - Specific pests that pose health and property risks
• Selecting Pest Management Firms to Assist in Implementing IPM
• Future of Integrated Pest Management - Adopting IPM for the Long Term - Resources for Further Learning: WhatisIPM.org & Pestworld.org.

Presented By:

Greg Baumann
Senior Scientist and Vice President of Technical Affairs
National Pest Management Association

Greg Baumann's expertise is built upon 30 years of experience in residential and commercial pest management settings. Currently serving as the senior scientist and technical director for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA), he has been instrumental in helping to raise awareness and educate the public about pest management issues by acting as one of the association's national consumer advisors. He provides a wealth of knowledge for homeowners by frequently responding to pest control questions via NPMA's consumer-oriented Web site.

In addition to his consumer-oriented work, Baumann regularly develops new technical products and educational services for pest control professionals (NPMA members) and interacts with government agencies on a variety of pest management issues.

Baumann began his career as a certified pest management applicator and later worked in several capacities within the pest management arena in the United States and Canada. While working in pest management quality assurance positions for Hershey Foods Corporation's numerous divisions (including restaurants, factories, homes, and commercial buildings), Baumann became one of just eight to receive the prestigious Outstanding Quality Service Award since the corporation's 1903 founding.

Baumann was president and owner of Pro-Tech Pest Management, a pest control company that promoted a scientific approach to pest management. During this time, he also served as director of PestOne, an affiliate of pest control companies.

Baumann has been quoted in articles in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, and has appeared in broadcast stories on CNBC, NBC's Today Show, ABC's Prime Time, CNN, and national network affiliate stations. Baumann has also been a speaker for seminars sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration and the American Institute of Baking International on topics related to food protection and rodent control. He has also been selected as a member of the review committee for the National Academy of Sciences.

Baumann is knowledgeable on a variety of pests and has particular expertise with termites and other wood destroying creatures. He is also able to discuss pest management issues in both home and business settings, including construction and building code questions. Additionally, his degree in chemistry enables him to speak as an expert regarding the various treatments used by pest control professionals.

Continuing Education:

• This program meets the requirements for CHFM and CHSP Continuing Education Credits.