BENEFITS OF AN IPM STRATEGY IN

YOUR HOSPITAL
Examining the leading cause of death in the past century provides an
interesting snapshot of the marked progress in American medical treatment.
In the early 1900s, influenza and pneumonia plagued the country, accounting
for an astonishing 200 deaths per 100,000 citizens. Other ailments resulting in
death included tuberculosis and gastrointestinal infections. Now, those same
health risks account for a fraction of U.S. deaths, and the average life
expectancy has doubled that of our early 20th century ancestors.

A large part of these achievements stem from a significant upgrade to our

medical facilities and improved education of staff. Hospitals now are more
equipped to contain and isolate harmful pathogens, resulting in fewer disease
outbreaks nationwide. Americans view hospitals as a bastion of cleanliness
and health, which is a standard your maintenance staff should look to achieve
in regards to pests. Today, we look at how integrated pest management (IPM)
can only improve your hospital building’s commitment to health standards.

HOLISTIC APPROACH
Pesticides are an integral factor to most removal strategies, as they are very
effective when used appropriately. The key factor is “when used
appropriately.” Some pest control companies use pesticides as the only
means of eliminating infestations, wildly spraying them across affected areas
without any direction. IPM focuses most on targeting a specific pest, using a
pest’s behavioral patterns and biology to dictate a solution and minimizing the
need for pesticides by exhausting all other control methods first. With the help
of trained professionals, you’re able to correctly identify the pest entering your
building and treat based on its characteristics. Certain situations can even be
mitigated through continued monitoring and slight structural adjustments.

Additionally, IPM emphasizes a very strict reporting system for all pest
activities. Not only will you have comprehensive documentation that helps
your staff, but it will gradually demonstrate which pests affect your hospital the
most. With diligent record keeping, you and your pest control professional will
notice seasonal trends and weaknesses in your building’s construction. It may
be a lengthy process, but ultimately rewarding once you begin to spot
correlations.
MINIMIZE EXPOSURE
Utilizing insecticides or other harmful chemicals as your only method of
combatting an infestation can be incredibly dangerous in any environment, not
to mention a hospital. Many individuals with weaker immune systems,
allergies or other sensitivities may be negatively impacted by these chemicals.

IPM best practices seek to diminish this event from even occurring, as
pesticide usage is only in areas where the chemicals can be applied in a
highly targeted area. Most pest infestations can be prevented through building
alterations or physical barriers. A number of non-toxic options also exist,
reducing chemical exposure indoors. Patients and their respective visitors
deserve a comfortable environment at all times.

COST EFFECTIVE
IPM strategies for hospitals are most preferable due to the innumerable health
benefits offered. However, the parties authorizing purchases for your
department might not see the advantages of switching the current program
and misunderstand the benefits of a new policy. A simple evaluation of the
cost shows just how much your building can save by adopting IPM’s
guidelines.

Because integrated pest management looks to prevent rather than react, your
incidence of pests will be greatly reduced with a proper infrastructure in place.
As such, the need to continually outsource pest management work to treat
acute problems also lessens. This will inevitably shore up more funds to be
applied elsewhere in your budgets. In a study on the University of Rochester’s
IPM program, researchers found the school reduced their spending on
materials and personnel by over 50%.

Moreover, IPM precipitates active involvement from all staff members. By

scheduling an all-inclusive training session using a pest management
professional, you are able to expand your pest control program with your
current staff and decrease the risks associated with pests that fly under the
radar. With time and dedication from management, this can continue to be a
central part of hiring and adequate training.